Re: A8 Electronic Speed Limitation?

[DeWitt Harrison <de@aztek-eng.com>]

On Wed, 15 Oct 1997 07:11:22 -0600 (MDT), Ralph Poplawsky wrote:
>Scott:
>I don't know how to defeat the speed governer but I bet someone like Ned
>Richie could tell you.  The governer is put on cars because the manufacturer
>doesn't want to put V or Z tires on the car - either because he is too cheap
>or because of ride quality.  BTW, how fast do you go in Montana with your
>200Q?  I just may have to go up there...
>
>At 12:18 PM 10/14/97 -0500, you wrote:
>>Hello Audi Lovers...
>>I was recently drooling at the new A8 and thinking of purchasing it from
>>a dealer.  I asked him what the top speed was, and he said that it is
>>electronically limited to 130mph.  He wouldn't elaborate any more than
>>that.  I drive through Montana quite a bit and there is no speed limit
>>there.  [ ... ]

I'm sure you are correct about asking Ned. He's written a Tech Tip on
this in the past for another model.  Interesting about the limiter being
an economic issue. Makes good sense. I'd simply assumed there was
a product liability angle since it's no longer safe to serve hot coffee
in this country.

Regarding Montana, I've done a bit of rapid cruising there lately myself
to see the Bro. A word of caution fellas: you may not get a ticket for
exceeding the speed limit but you are certainly not immune from being
cited for reckless driving.  For example, passing slower traffic at a large
speed differential of, say, 40 mph would easily qualify as reckless, possibly
even "insane." Traffic on the interstate highways seems to move at about
75 mph on a clear day. You will be passed occasionally at that speed.
The free-for-all image of Montana driving is not really warranted. If
you're at 100+ mph, you will stand out like a sore thumb.

As to isolated high speed driving, it is at the discretion of the officer
whether your speed, in and of itself, is reckless. Factors such as
weather conditions, road type and condition, other traffic and the
condition of the car are theoretically considered. My brother estimates
that anything over 90 puts you in the danger zone, Formula 1 car
or not. BTW, the Highway Patrol definitely does run with the radar
sets at the ready. My V1 told me so. And they are a bit touchy, too,
with all the publicity and the soaring death toll - it turns out that
Montanans forgot how to drive fast after all those years under the
55 mph rule. Any Big Sky listers out there?

Having said all this, compared to the Gestapo chilled driving
atmosphere in Colorado, driving briskly in Montana is a much
more relaxed experience.

DeWitt Harrison     de@aztek-eng.com
Boulder, CO
88 5kcstq