RE: '91vs 90 V8Q [and other list threads]

["Buchholz, Steven" <Steven.Buchholz@kla-tencor.com>]

... well, I checked out the "1991 Model Change Information" book
(WSP-521-211-00) and found the following list:

Audi V8 Quattro New Features:
- available with optional 5-speed manual transmission with Torsen(R) center
differential
- Servotronic speed sensitive power steering
- Shift Lock III on vehicles with automatic transmission
- "BBS(R)" forged and polished 7.5x15 wheels with 215/60 HR all weather
tires
- Comfort package added to cntral locking (described below)
- front seats lowered 25mm
- Locking servo added to fuel filler door (deletion of lock cylinder in gas
cap)
- Gas struts and inner liner added to trunk lid
- Voice actuation added to cellular phone
- Hazard (4-way flasher) switch moved from steering column to center console
- Four new exterior colors (Aquamarine, Papyrus, Amerena Mica, Opal Mica)

Notice that there was no listing of the final drive ratio change for the
automatic ... 

I also looked up the section on the "Shift Lock III" and it may have the
answer for that poor lady in Palo Alto who called Click and Clack with the
key stuck in the ignition on her car ... to quote the document "A new Shift
Lock III system is used on the 1991 V8 Quattro, Audi 80 and Audi 90 models
equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission.  With this new additional
system the ignition key cannot be removed from the ignition switch until the
shift lever is placed in PARK.  This helps insure that the vehicle is never
left with the transmission out of PARK."  Apparently there is a Bowden cable
assembly that interconnects the shift lock to the ignition key lock cylinder
which is stated as being a mechanical system that works in addition to the
electrically operated shift lock mechanism.  Anyone want to bet that the
lady never tried putting the tranny into PARK?

Steve Buchholz
San Jose, CA (USA)

> ----------
> From: 	Buchholz, Steven
> Sent: 	Monday, March 08, 1999 1:27 PM
> To: 	'FD'
> Subject: 	RE: '91vs 90 V8Q
> 
> 	I am looking for a V8Q and the dealer tells me that the 91 V8Q is
> much improved over the 1990. Is this true? Any comments would be
> appreciated.
> 
> Hi there Fred,
> 
> I don't know that I'd say that the '91 was much improved over the '90, but
> there are a couple of useful changes.  The '91 comes with Servotronic
> steering, which adjusts the amount of steering assist based upon vehicle
> speed.  The other change that comes to mind is what Audi refers to as its
> "comfort feature" package.  I think that the interior lock is changed to
> where there is a separate switch on the driver's door panel for locking
> and unlocking the doors ... but the biggest thing is that if you hold the
> key in the lock position in either the driver's or passenger's door for
> more than a second or so the windows will roll up and the sunroof will
> close.  Of course the biggest improvement for 1991 (at least in my mind)
> is the availability of the 5-speed ...
> 
> There is one change that you might consider to be a step in the wrong
> direction ... and that is in 1991 the differential final drive ratio was
> changed to make the 1991 automatic a bit more sluggish than the 1990.  
> 
> I do have an Audi document that describes the changes for the 1991 model
> year ... I'm pretty sure I got all the high points, but if you'd like I
> can make a point to check the book and pass anything else along ...
> 
> HTH!
> Steve Buchholz
> San Jose, CA (USA)
>