S4noagrospeed

The first time I heard about the Audi Drivers Day program I knew it was something I had to experience. In early July of this year I finally got the chance.

I was to be the best man in my good friend's wedding. He and his fiance decided to have the wedding just outside of Sienna Italy. As my girlfriend and I finalized our European travel plans to attend the wedding I contacted the Audi forum in Ingolstadt. I got the ball rolling and informed them of the dates that we would be able to participate in the program. I also let them know that it was RS4 or nothing in regards to the car reservation.

A few weeks later I received confirmation - 2008 RS4 Cabriolet, black exterior with black leather and red alcantra interior. My credit card was charged, airfare was reserved, and at the end of June on an Saturday morning my girlfriend and I headed to the airport.

The following Sunday morning my girlfriend and I arrived at Munich airport. I was extremely tired as I had not slept a wink due to the rather portly fellow that had managed to cram himself into the seat next to me...

We checked the bus schedule to Ingolstadt and decided on the 5pm bus. That left us a good couple hours to see a bit of Munich. By the time we dropped our bags off and caught the train downtown I was on the brink of starvation. Our first stop was the Haufbrauhaus for some traditional Bavarian cuisine, and of course, some beer.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/134845/hblunch.jpg">

During our quick jaunt around Munich I spotted the following beauty. Why won't they bring the S3 to the states!?!?!?!?

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/134845/s3.jpg">

After our short walking tour we headed back to the airport and caught the bus to Ingolstadt. The bus conveniently drops off in front of the Audi Forum. We walked up the street, found a cozy hotel, and checked in for the night.

We decided to stroll downtown to grab some dinner before passing out for the night. While walking I saw this peaking through a fence....

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/134845/r8spied.jpg">

The city of Ingolstadt is quite quaint. The downtown area is situated right on a river and has many restaurants, cafes, and bars. While eating dinner we chatted with a couple seated next to us who happened to work for Audi. This was not really a surprise as I would guess that close to 80% of the town works for Audi. After dinner we walked back to our hotel and passed out. Along the way we passed the Audi Forum where I snapped a couple pics.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/134845/museum.jpg">

It seems the sign needs a bit of work....

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/134845/logo.jpg">

The next morning we were up early for our 8am appointment at the Audi Forum. We were introduced to our personal guide for the day. The program details were explained over coffee. We were then taken on a tour of the main buildings which ended in the new car delivery area. This is where buyers can take delivery of their new Audi.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/134845/delivery.jpg">

At the back of the delivery "hangar" area the RS4 was waiting. We were given a thorough introduction to the car which was then thoroughly inspected for any existing damage. When I say a thorough inspection I mean it. Three Audi employees performed a comprehensive inspection of the entire car. Both interior and exterior were checked from the ground up. We then drove the car out of the hangar onto the terrace.

The next portion of the day consisted of the personalized factory tour with which I was thoroughly impressed. This was worth the cost of admission alone. It was without doubt one of the most fascinating things I have witnessed. The personal tour included both the A3/S3 and A4/A5 production lines.I could go on for days here, but words will not do it justice. Of course, pictures were not allowed.

Following the factory tour we had a fantastic gourmet lunch at the Avus restaurant. While we were eating all of the destinations were programmed into the NavPlus unit within our car. After a very filling meal we headed out to our car to begin our journey. We had selected the "Royal and Imperial Moments - Vienna" tour.

As we started our drive towards Vienna I became familiarized with the car. As my daily driver is a 2005 S4 (nogaro on nogaro) I was already familiar with most of the interior controls.

Over the course of the next 3 days I was able to get a good feeling for the car and drive it in varying conditions. In short, I think the RS4 is the best all-around performance sedan out there. I thought the same of my S4 when I bought it, but I am sad to say that the RS4 shines brighter in many aspects.

First - the sound. To be purely honest I don't think I ever had the Sport button disengaged. With the top down and that green S glowing on the dash, it was pure aural ecstasy. I don't ever think I would get tired of listening to that brilliant motor. I ended up falling in love with the flat bottom steering wheel as well. At first I did not think it was that big of a deal but it really grew on me. Another thing that I loved was the suspension feel. The ride seemed to be smoother and not as harsh over the rough stuff, yet body roll was reduced and handling seemed more precise. The front still seemed to "push" a bit in extreme circumstances but this was not that big of an issue. The brakes were linear and were definitely a step above those of the S4.

Here is a pic of my better half on the A-bahn.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/134845/abahn.jpg">

One of the many hops fields that border the A-bahn

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/134845/hops.jpg">

Once the Autobahn traffic thinned out a bit I had some time to test out the car a bit at high speeds. I wanted to get this out of my system before we hit Austria and speed was regulated. I cruised for a bit at ~220km/hr (with the top down). The car was very solid and planted. Wind noise was surprisingly bearable with the wind screen up.

We stopped about halfway to Vienna to get the windshield mounted sticker which is required to drive on the Austrian autoroutes. After our stop, I decided to drive for a bit with top up to get in some more high speed driving. Upon reaching a relatively straight portion of the autobahn with little traffic I was able to give it a good run. I just touched 270km/hr. It felt like she would have gone faster but this was plenty for me. I think the imprints are still in the passenger door handle from my girlfriend's death grip.

Well, I don't need to preach to the choir on how great this car is, so lets get into the pics.....

Picture of the cluster

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/134845/gauges.jpg">

Getting some supplies outside of Vienna

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/134845/side.jpg">

For those who think gas is expensive over here. We had the car for three days and filled up three times.......

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/134845/gas.jpg">

Interior Shot

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/134845/interior.jpg">

Some photos from the Austrian countryside

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/134845/fieldrear.jpg">

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/134845/fieldfront.jpg">

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/134845/fieldangle.jpg">

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/134845/hillfront.jpg">

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/134845/peak.jpg">

Bugs + Autobahn....

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/134845/bugs.jpg">

Shot from in the tunnel.....

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/134845/gaugetunnel.jpg">

These were sitting outside when we returned the car....

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/134845/rs6front.jpg">

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/134845/rs6wheel.jpg">


<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/134845/rs6rear.jpg">

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/134845/rs6int.jpg">

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/134845/r8side.jpg">

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/134845/r8mototr.jpg">

Our one full day in Austria was spent driving along the Danube river in the Wachau Valley. Having 3 days to get to know the RS4 was an awesome thing. There is no other car I would rather drive day in and day out. Some argue that the RS4 is only a minor improvement over the S4. In my humble opinion it is a completely different animal. If I manage to move up a couple more rungs at work, this would undoubtedly be the next car I acquire.
In the end, I was thoroughly impressed with the Audi Drivers Day experience. I highly recommend it to anyone interested. On a side note, according to our tour guide, the program is soon to be available with both the R8 and RS6.....

Bob W.

i need to find time to do that. ****.

CanuckRS4

you should consider if doing it again. Take the car to the Nurburgring. I did it in an RS4 avant with a similar program you had, except i kept the car for a few more days. Pure driving pleasure will be yours upon flooring that beast and taking a hairpin turn with squealing rubber around that track.

Evil Buddha

Very Nice!

John Stahmann

I won't have an RS4 while I'm there, though. Sounds like you had a blast!

John

S4noagrospeed

I would love to do the 'Ring and actually thought about trying to squeeze it in...

Although I poured over the rental agreement and didn't see anything about it, I am almost positive that driving on the track would have been prohibited by the contact. I would want to check into this a bit more before ripping around the ring. The original paperwork for the car was in the glovebox - 98,000 Euros for the Cab we were driving. If anything were to happen and it was not covered by the contract and/or insurance...I'd be up to my neck in.....

If I could coerce my better half into doing the program again I would definitely hit the ring as long as I checked up on it first. I think I would go for an R8 the second time around...

jay05

I got married on the 21st of June, and we honeymooned in Munich. We also did the tour of the factory and managed to squeeze in 14 laps at the RING!!! Completely amazing...I rented an 07 GTI DSG, and had to fill her up after lap #9. I am trying to get back soon....

cit1991

Nice Writeup. Brings back memories of my Euro Delivery trip.

CanuckRS4

that it's not technically a racetrack. It is a normal road with posted speed limits that people just don't seem to follow If you're driving reasonably I was told that the insurance would cover damages because it is a normal road and not a "racetrack"
Who knows though, because all hell will hit the fan when they find out where you were driving. Basically you're taking a chance unless you get explicit authorization from the insurance company which isn't a good idea to get into before taking possession of the car at the forum.
I just took it easy for most of my time at the track and let er out on the straightaways and corners with no-one around to a point. It's great fun having a Gallardo rip by you at over 200km/h

Fluffhead

I plan on returning to Ingolstadt at some point and the 'Ring will be a part of that trip.