Back from Audi, etc...(LONG)

["Daily,DerekSJMCG" <DDaily@sjmcb.mitsui.com>]

Well, 

Tiff and I made it back last night and I've been waiting to fill the group
in on a few things so here goes.
1)  IF you have the chance, DO go to Ingolstadt and take the tour.  Hell, if
my wife could sit through a 2+ hour tour (in German mind you) and still come
out with a smile on her face you have to figure it's worth it.
2)  IF you have the chance, DO drive the Autobahn.
3)  IF you must let someone else drive, DO make sure that you're perfectly
comfortable with their level of skill before taking the ride.  More on this
to follow...

Most interesting thing learned from the tour.  Audi basically custom makes
every single car.  Even body styles, drive-line and paint are altered for
every single car.  At the start of each line the computer determines which
model and options will follow.  (As we toured the A4 lines, this will be
used as the example).  I.e. Car #1 is an S4 Avant, next car is an A4 1.6 fwd
sedan.  At each step of the process the computer determines what the model
and trim options are and re-tools itself to add the correct components.  Not
exactly the Ford model here (although I'm sure they've updated as well.)  It
was strange to see what almost seem like random bodies and drivelines in the
production line.  It was almost like the computer was thinking...lets just
build it THIS way for the hell of it!  Red S4 sedan, cream fwd TAXI, 1.8tq
Avant, etc...  Also cool was the departure board in the visitor lounge
annoucing when Herrn. Schmidt's car was ready to be driven out the electric
door.  Amazing!

Most frightening thing learned from the visit (VENT-ish).  Just because they
get to drive fast, doesn't make Germans the best on the road (IMHO).  We
stayed with a younger aquaintance of mine that basically made our stay in
Germany hell.  Now, I remembered what the guy drove like in the US, but when
you're at speed it makes you scared, frustrated and basically ticked off.
For the most part drivers on the A-bahn will yield, but some are less quick
to do so.  I was surprised at the number of those that practically failed to
move right.  Most in the US will move right if you're on their bumper at hwy
speeds and flashing lights too!  When people did yield it made the trip much
easier to take.  Here's a little insight into our trip.  The youngster liked
to drive dad's new 540i at very fast speeds.  He had it pegged at 250 kmh
(~150+ mph) quite often.  On a straight away that was fine.  Coming onto
another car in a turn at this speed is NOT fine.  A couple times the guy
nearly plowed us into the rear bumper of other cars simply because he was
trying to maintain speed.  I'll add a couple things here.  (A)  That car was
built for the ride.  V8 purred at redline and suspension and tires were
definitely up to the task.  Hate to say it but at least 10x's better than
the CQ (not an overstatement).  Very little roll, but smooth on the road.
What every car should feel like.  (B)  I'm absolutely NOT someone who
dislikes fast driving.  Of course the A-bahn is different than here.  Of
course 150-160mph feels fast (too fast?).  But how one handles the speed
makes all the difference in the world. Subsequent drives with his family
(father driving) were much more comfortable even though similar speeds were
obtained.  (C)  Had to wonder about turn-in let off at those speeds in a q.
I know I wouldn't want to do it in the CQ.  Tor$en, no torsen, whatever.
Just scared about that shifting feeling sometimes.  (D) This guy also
decided to drive in similar fashion through side streets, etc.  Just a
warning that I'm sure many of you recognize.  This hwy is not one to be
fooling around on.  Better than 60% of the time spent in his car was
uncomfortable, 20% horrific.  We delicately let on that Tiff was becoming
ill with his tactics and he failed to consider this on a few occasions.  Not
likely to still be a friend in the future.


New Stuff.  We "weren't supposed" to see some of the things that we did.
Q-listers would have easily noticed the side line producing the new coupe.
I had a chance to bring up the rear of the large group, allowing for small
little excursions off the path (no more than 20ft can make a big difference
in what you see).  Audi is already pumping out the tt at ~250 per day.  And
the tour guy explained that ALL are accounted for in Europe through 1998!
Posters were everywhere in the plant, but a few of the cars were in line and
covered while the tour group went by.  I did get to see the inventoried body
panels and a number of completed shells by taking a small side tour.  The
car looks better in person.  

Quattro Gmbh Museum.  Small museum with some amazing cars which rotate to
keep the collection fresh.  Was great to see this stuff.  New museum will no
doubt be great also, but I hope they keep the same access to the cars.  Took
many pics and will put them up ASAP.  Most interesting items.  Horch V12
"Sport Coupe".  Huge!  Quattro Spyder show car (similar to avus).  1995 tt
show car.  And a Silber Pfeil racer of course.  Only about 15~18 cars.  And
a number of motorcycles (Not sure if I took pics of those...sorry Steve B,
others...).  Great model display there.  Had an exact replica of all the
Rally winning cars, and a model of every other audi model.  Picked up a
couple reproduction nostalgic posters, provided they make it back in the
tube from London ;-).

Most annoying, yet concurrently interesting thing learned at Ingolstadt.
Well, remember that little tid-bit about custom made cars more or less?
Well, now audi is making true "One Offs"  for those that want to spend a bit
more.   The models are indicated by a horizontal red line under the model
(i.e. A4 badge, with red line badge underneath) and are called "INDIVIDUAL".
Among those on display at Audi visitor center:  A red A3 with a 2.8 V6
(uncommon if not rare, most are 1.6, 1.8.  Some are 1.8t), quattro drive
(did not see one A3q in UK or BRD.) and full leather red interior, complete
with red dials and red shift boot.  Not really my cup of tea, but definitely
interesting.  And then I noticed THE car I would kill for (or pay for
actually...).  It's as if audi read my web page, read all my email on this
list and practically read my mind.  They did everything but call me and tell
me it was ready to go.

Nogaro Blue Pearl, A4 Avant Individual.  Sports suspension. Wider alloys and
speed rated tahrs.  1.8tq with modified exhaust (no doubt chip also).  Black
interior with brushed aluminum dash inserts.  Black leather trimmed sport
seats with dark grey / small blue diagonal striped cloth main seat seat and
back.  Lightly tinted windows. AND 6-speed manual sport shifter!  This would
truly be my perfect car.  More than quick enough, within the price range and
an extra gear to eliminate the hwy whining I've read about from current 1.8t
owners.  AoA's going to hear from me very soon.  

Anyway.  Audi is definitely worth it and I'm sure I'll have more info once
I'm out of this haze.

Ciao fer now...

Derek Daily
90 CQ
86 VW qsw
99 A4 Individual?