Re: Newsflash : New A4 is HERE & In Dealers

["Robert P. Wunderlich, DPM" <robert@Wunderlich.com>]

I saw 2 of the new models being unloaded from an auto-carrier about 2 weeks
ago in San Antonio (one hibiscus red, the other silver).  At the time I was
still debating whether or not to order one of these new models (and wait 3
months), or buy one of the "old" 1999 models off the lot that had all the
options I wanted.  The new headlights/external foglights are definitely
cool, but the rest was relatively underwhelming...slightly different center
console, slightly larger sunroof, etc.  Maybe part of the problem was the
fact that the one car I got a good look at (inside & out) had that god-awful
advance interior with cabernet dash/door panels and terra cotta
seats...GAG!!! (my apologies to those of you who happen to have this
interior scheme)  I also noticed that the steering wheel was the same color
as the dash (cabernet)...my dealer confirmed that this will be true of all
the new models, but he wasn't sure if that applied to the sport steering
wheel as well.  This particular car didn't have the sport package...did the
car you saw in PA have a black 3-spoke sport steering wheel, or was it the
color of the dash???  I suppose your answer could be 'both', in which case
never mind...

At any rate, I decided the cool headlights were not worth waiting for, and I
will happily drive my new "old" 1999 A4...until the new S4 arrives!

Regards,

Bob W.

PS--other rumours from my apparently well-informed dealer:
1) the A6 with 4.2 V8 will arrive here in the US before the twin turbo
V6...supposedly the powers-that-be can't decide how much power to give the
US-spec twin turbo V6.
2) the TT quattro *with the 225 hp engine* will arrive late this year (not
late 2000, as widely reported in several auto publications).  Much to my
disbelief, I also was told the convertible TT will be available by the end
of this year!  Incidentally, my dealer's allocation of TT is already sold
out through August 99.
3) the colors "laser red" and "tropic green" have been discontinued for the
A4, so get yours now if you have your eye on one.