Catchup on my Rings - please

[QSHIPQ <QSHIPQ@aol.com>]

Dan and Bruce,
Sure read with interest the general questions you pose to the rings boys.
Some focus by Audi on what they are trying to achieve might help.  The awd
advantage has waned some (btpt), and that leaves some serious apples knocking
on the door.  The recent test article in Crap and Drivel sums up some of the
common issues:

"The car also becomes increasingly difficult to drive smoothly.  Whereas the
BMW and the Jaguar retain a fluidity of function even at their limits, the
Audi becomes nebulus and discombobulated.  In extremes, it kseems to have
neither the compliance nor the bodymotion control of the best cars in this
class.
...
"The A8 4.2 Quattro is a technologicl tour de force, and if you live where it
snows a lot, this is probably the best choice.  Drivers who spend all their
time driving within the Audi's "sweet spot,"  below 8/10ths of its capacity,
will think it's a peach.  At the limit on dry roads, however, we found the A8
to be a chore.  Hence its third place ranking." 
(1- lexus, 2 - bmw 740, 3 - A8, 4 - Jag, 5 - E320)
Dragstrip =  Audi 4th place
Cornering = Audi 5th place
Braking = Audi 5th place (Surprise?!!?!)

The final quote to catch the eye...

"Only price kept the big Bimmer out of the No. 1 spot.  Then again, maybe you
get what you pay for."

Considering the age of the other chassis, Audi sure had the "advantage" going
in.  Rather a disappointing objective and subjective review of Apples to
Apples.  Playing in the big leagues needs more than what was offered.  Midpack
with the flagship hardly stimulates the mind or the soul.  Maybe the S8 would
help.  Yep, then again, BMW has that M-unition ready to fire anytime.  And I
doubt BMW would have the price problem there.  

Still optimistic audi can do it.  Not at all optimistic they have yet....

My .02

Scott Justusson
QSHIPQ@aol.com