lurker with some A4 1.8T info...

["Scott Stiles" <ScottSt_ms@msn.com>]

I've seen a few threads over the past few days discussing the possible
option levels & cost of the soon to be released (in N.A.) A4 1.8 Turbo.

I've been snooping around at the dealer for info on the car, this is 
what I've found:
- Approx base price: 23k
Interesting differences from the A4 2.8:
- no leather available
- comes standard with 15" rims (the ones on the A6 if I'm not mistaken)
- "Sport" package available, consists of: 16" alloys, sport seats!, sport
steering wheel, note that this also comes *only* with a specific cloth
seating surface (I can't remember the name). Unfortunately, no suspension
tweaks in this package.
- all other options are consistent with the 2.8.

The only unknown: cost of the sport package.

Anyone have any data on how much I should figure for:
- suspension: shorter, stiffer springs, better dampers (Bilstein/Koni) ~1k?
Eibach? ABT?
- engine mods: my short term goal: 180hp, what kind of $$ am I looking at?

Automatic cars should be showing up within weeks, the Manual cars
are on an order-only basis, until they start "stocking" them in the "spring".

The dealer thinks I'm nuts considering the Turbo because I perceive
a potential performance *advantage* over the 2.8 -- from what little
I've heard, the Turbo can be easily boosted well beyond the performance
capabilities of the 12v 2.8, and the handling balance should benefit
from the lower weight...I drove an A4 and a 328 back to back, after
getting out of the A4, the dynamics of the 328 were intoxicating.
Yes, the roads were dry :) My *only* negative impressions of the
A4: could use more power (especially low-end torque & tip-in response)
and the suspension was a bit soft for my liking. 

Sorry for the rambling, hope the info is useful,
Scott Stiles
scottst@microsoft.com
'85 GTI (solo2 DSP)
'95 Cabrio