more A4T info

[mjs <info4mjs@snet.net>]

After hearing all the rumors on what the 1997 A4T is all about, I decided 
to visit the local Audi dealer.  I spoke to a sales person who drove the 
manual transmission version at the Colorado orientation.  He claims that 
the 5 speed AUTOMATICs are enroute to the dealers now and that the manual 
transmission vehicles will be available in January.  The base price of 
the front wheel drive with manual tranny will be 22,900 plus destination 
charges (figure 1k more for the automatic).  This is includes a 
cloth(velour) interior with manual seat adjustments,  Power windows, door 
locks, climate control, basic stereo, and EDL (Audi's rendition of 
traction control).  The all wheel drive option is 1600.  Options will be 
a sport package which upgrades the wheels to 16", S4/S6 sport steering 
wheel and sport seats.  The suspension will not be modified.  A sunroof 
is extra and they are playing the package game (like American auto 
manufacturers do).

His driving impressions were that the A4T is quicker off the line but 
looses it at higher speeds, compared to the present V6.  He felt the 
turbo kick in at 2000 rpm.  He said it seemed a lot lighter and he 
attributes this to the perceived handling improvement.  He seemed to 
indicate that later in the spring the V6 will be upgraded to 197 HP.

For what it's worth, he said if I wanted a car NOW he'd knock $3000 off 
of the A4's he has in stock now.

Upon leaving the Audi dealership, I saw the new Subaru Legacy GT so I 
figured I'd check it out.  I was skeptical and after seeing the 24K 
sticker price I was shocked.  My driving impressions were that this car 
is very quick and fast.  The car had 6 miles on it when I started and 
about 20 when I was done.  I took it up to 4000rpm and it pulled strongly 
after 2500 rpm.  The handling was akin to the Honda Accord EX...simply 
put, very Japaneese.  The car lacked the road feel that our Audi's give 
us but this Subaru is nice. It handles very nicely and predictably.  The 
interior is sparse, at best, and looks cheap.  My feeling is that when 
they start giving the 5 or 6 thousand dollar rebates on this, it will be 
very tough to beat this 165HP car.  

Anyways, the competition is comparably priced and Audi should sell a lot 
of these A4T's so if you want one, you'd better line up.  The deal may be 
a left over '96, though.

Just my $0.07 worth.

Mike Stricker
 suffering in my
1990 Quattro Coupe
1984 4kq