Stoney

The text may come online soon, at <A HREF="http://www.mpt.org/motorweek/comingattractions.html#thisweek">Motorweek's website</A>.

What struck me was the performance comparison:

For the 4.2Q tip, 300hp, 295 lb-ft, 0-60: 7.3s, 1/4 mi: 15.5s @ 94mph. "Smooth and refined."

For the 2.7TQ 6sp, 250hp, 258 lb-ft, 0-60: 6.8s, 1/4 mi: 15.3s @ 92mph. "...and it feels as good as it goes." They note, "Some turbo lag is evident below 2000rpm, but then disappears in a strong rush of power."

Note that the 2.7T beats the 4.2 in both the 0-60 and 1/4 mile, but by then, the 4.2 has reached a slightly higher speed, indicating that it would overtake the 2.7T in a half-mile. The 2.7T is the "sprinter" of the line; the 4.2 is the highway cruiser.

The 6 speed stick was described as "precise with short throws, but has a slightly rubbery feel typical of cable linkages," but less of a problem off the track in street driving. They mentioned that the V8 is used in the A8, but failed to mention that the 2.7T will be used in the S4.

The sport wheels on the 2.7T look rather nice, but conservative. Sport seats have modestly enlarged side-bolsters.