A recent readers poll on AudiWorld addressed the issue of how most drivers rate the stiffness of this suspension setup. By far most of the readers rated it as "way too stiff". In the stock setup I would have to agree. It feels every break in the pavement, every bump, and pogos a lot. Going over humps it wants to launch and does not try to absorb at all regardless of speed.

However, this is with the stock 16 inch Dunlop SP Sport 8000E. When those wore out I went to a 17 inch Sumitomo HTRZII. The sidewall is softer on these and my issues with the stock sport suspension WENT AWAY!

I was concerned that this meant the tires were not performing as well. While I do not think they have quite the sharp turn-in of the SP Sport 8000, they still have sharp turn-in and they actually hold better in the corners. So why am I reviewing the HTRZII here? Because the tire your tire and suspension work together in setting up your handling. Before changing out your suspension, look for a high performing tire with a more compliant sidewall than the stock SP Sport 8000. You might be surprised at that factory sport suspension.