with the addition of my LZ's 2 weeks ago, I feel almost like I have bought a new car. The car looks so much better than before, I still get compliments.
With the new shoes, the car sticks to the road like a cat to carpet. The ride is very controlled, with a taut feel to it. I have noticed a very, very slight vibration through the steering wheel at 58-62 mph (indicated). I have spent some time cruising at higher speeds, and I've found that 100 mph cruising speeds are easily maintained, and the vehicle tracks straight and true. Another reason (in my opinion) that these high speeds are so easily reached is because of the lack of noise coming from these tires. The P-Zero's seem more quiet than the stock Continentals. When in the 85-100 mph range, wind noise accounts for most of the noise that you hear.
I took the liberty to push the car through some of my favorite off/on ramps, and I've noticed a few interesting things about the P-Zero's.
1. They don't squeal easily, they squeal when at approximately 95% of maximum cornering adhesion.
2. If you push harder than 95%, and you ignore the squealing, you will quickly feel the slip angles building. In the case of one 270 degree, decreasing radius on ramp, posted at 30 mph (that I entered at 40mph, and accelerated through) the tires squealed, then began to slip quickly thereafter. There wasn't much warning that they were moving from sticking to slipping, other than very slight squealing.
3. Once the slip had begun, it was easily controllable. The car responded to the wheel quickly, and it was very easy (for me) to hang the rear end out and hold it there. Once the available traction was exceeded, I could pretty much hold whatever cornering attitude I wanted.
(Please do not try this at home)

Other than the tires, all else remains the same. No problems to report, although I do seem to have slightly more "driveline bind" in tight, slow speed cornering with these wheels/tires as compared to the stockers.

 

When I upgraded, the car came into it's element. My question is why doesnt it come this way from the factory? I know we can get a 17" wheel upgrade but the difference is tremendous. It is so much better that it should be standard.

I have 22k miles and agree with you wholeheartedly.

 

If I remember correctly, all three of us have pretty much the same non-sport suspension setup. I think it's a safe bet that we've all got the same "size" wheel on our cars as well. I believe the LZ's are 17x8, ET35 offset, the same as the 4.2 sport alloys.

I'm concerned about wheel rubbing if the car gets lowered, as I'm sure each of you would be as well. I'm leaning more and more towards H&R coilovers at this point and have pretty much ruled out the Eibach sport springs. I've spoken with a couple of H&R owners (some of whom upgraded after dissatisfaction w/Eibach springs) and they said that they are "pre-settled" and at their highest setting will be nearly identical to the PSK setup once it settles.

Just curious if either of you have any upgrade intentions.

Peace.

 

I give myself another year until I need to replace the shocks, then I'll do springs, shocks and aftermarket swaybars. I'm really pleased with the handiling as the car is now. I've been down the road with lowered cars, and I know that there's always a tradeoff. As is, the A6 handles well enough for 100% of the driving that I do.
If/when I do, I don't think that coilovers are for me. Too many adjustments are not good for me. I'll be raising and lowering the car every other weekend. I also want to keep things in perspective. This is a luxury sedan that happens to go like stink. If I put too much into the performance and handling, I'll tend to use it that way too often. By limiting what I put into/onto the car, I won't be tempted that much.

 

The car is relatively sporty just with the new shoes. I know the non-sport suspension is a bit cushy(alot cushy compared to my wifes S4) but for what I want it to do, it's okay.

From what I understand, just replacing the shocks makes a huge difference. i would worry about the rubbing though, save that for 18's and 19's.

Good luck!

 

It's inexpensive and will increase the spring rate at the rear as well as dramatically decreasing body roll during harder cornering...

- GDH

 

picked up that "optical illusion" of the front bumper not exactly matching the rest of the car

;-)

 

For about <$200 (parts/labor) it's definitely a great starting point. This + 17" performance tires will make for a dramatic change in the handling. Abolutely agree with your explanation, Griff. There is a dramatic reduction of body lean/roll in hard cornering. The suspension overall is still a little soft for my taste, but it is definitely a step in the right direction.

 

What are you talking about? I can't see a thing! :-))