Re: Audi moving upmarket?

["Lucas, Brent-Operations Analys" <lucasbl@maritz.com>]

>I'm new to the Quattro list, so forgive me if I say something obvious or just
>flat out stupid ;-), but I DO NOT think Audi is trying to go upmarket -- they
> tried to go upmarket in the past (late eighties, early 90's) with lackluster
>results (understatement).  The new direction is to an "extra-content" niche
>where they sell cars offering equipment and build quality comparable to BMW
>and Mercedes for less $.  I think the A4 is a qood example of this.  The car
>is nicely styled, offers excellent engineering, and is priced
>aggressively.....just IMHO.

>Kent Rafferty
>'93 RX-7 Twin Turbo
>'94 Yukon GT
>Currently looking for an Audi Something Quattro


I'm also new to the qlist, so forgive ME..... (same disclaimer), but I
am concerned that Audi's are going to be getting quite pricey in the
near future--especially since I don't own one yet! :-(.  Unless you want
a stripped down version of the A4 with the 1.8t, (which I don't), you
will need to fork over some major bucks for the 30v V6 in '97 (or '98?)
I have heard that the '97's will have a 3% increase, plus there will be
a 5-7% increase on top of that for the 30v engine.  With these
increases, won't they be about the same as the BMW 3-series?  I am also
worried that when they first come out, the feeding frenzy will go on for
quite some time before you can get one at a reasonable price.  Seems
that the A4 WAS priced aggressively when it first came out, but is
heading way up there....

Yes, I should probably settle for the 1.8t and be happy.  Upgrade the
engine, and overlook the lost amenities.  But I think you lose too much
in the bargain:

No burled walnut wood trim ("Pixel" graphic aluminum trim instead)
No power driver seat
No leather-wrapped steering wheel
No folding front-center armrest with storage container
No outside temperature gauge (but available as an option in all-weather
pkg.)
15-inch, 8-spoke cast aluminum alloy wheels with 195/65 R15 H-speed
rated all-season radials
   (instead of 16-inch, 5-spoke cast aluminum alloy wheels with 205/55
R16  -- but avail. as an option)

Also, I have heard the price of the A8 to be in the range of 64-75k, so
I guess I can definately mark that one off my list.  This seems to be
just as pricey as the BMW 7-series, though don't quote me on that since
those cars are WAY out of my price range.

Just hoping they don't get too carried away with the prices before I can
get one, so I don't have to drive Subaru's the rest of my life!
(They're good cars, but they're not GREAT cars)

Brent Lucas
'96 Subaru Outback (poor man's quattro)
'95 Nissan 200SX SE-R
(want an A4Q with 30v V6!!)