I had the opportunity to drive the new B7 A4 w/ the FSI 2.0 TQ, 6 sp tip, and sport suspension.

In the driver's seat, I love the car .... the MMI is very impressive and the sound system is much improved over the current offerings (bose or not). The sat. radio is very well integrated. The 2.0 FSI engine and updated suspension are what makes this an improved A4. It stuck to the road very nicely - the ride was firm but very comfortable - something I've yet to experience in my B6. The new 2.0 is certainly quicker and smoother than the 1.8 - no jerky shifting and lag is reduced as well. Currently, I've got a 1.8 tip loaner right now and the drive home was ... well.... disappointing.

Nice to see heated rear seats have returned. The cup holders have been moved and the cig lighter is re-hidden. Crome strips surrounded the windows - ala the current 3.0s.

Outside the car, it is a different story. The new grille is acceptable now that I've seen it in person (esp. since Michigan doesn't require front plates) - however, the lines on the hood and the shape of the lights (esp the rears) are distracting.... not very audi-like.

I'm looking forward to the A3 even more now....

Here are some pics... sorry for the shakes.
<img src="http://www.dtwaudi.com/album_pic.php?pic_id=1886">
<img src="http://www.dtwaudi.com/album_pic.php?pic_id=1885">
<img src="http://www.dtwaudi.com/album_pic.php?pic_id=1883">
<img src="http://www.dtwaudi.com/album_pic.php?pic_id=1882">
<img src="http://www.dtwaudi.com/album_pic.php?pic_id=1884">

 

awesome...did they just let you take it on a test drive?

 

i wonder if the cup-holder part of the center console can be retrofitted...i like!

 

I'm not a big fan of the cup holder we have up there now, but it looks a lot better than blank buttons. Are there options available that would use these blanks?

One could be used for nitrous, another for activating the passenger ejection seat, but that still leaves one blank...maybe a front mount .50 cal full auto machine gun is in order.

 

cant figure it out, but the grill works on the a3 and a6, thought it was terrible in person on the b7, maybe its the headlights that are shaped like someone designed them without the use of a ruler

 

I would assume so... along with the MMI system.

 

how did you get this opportunity? i wasnt aware they were really avail to drive on US soil

 

im concerned i may have a prob. though....because my car did not come with the satellite option......any feedback???

 

Very Nice Write Up Greg...Was there any 3.2 there? AoRH I presume.

 

there is a sensor in the passenger seat that turns it on and off based on weight.

For the avant, one button would be for the rear wiper - the rest are blank I guess... which I hate too.