(Friday Babble On)

will get some needed attention? Something along the lines of a shortened development life cycle for both the Coupe and the Sedan? Maybe some transmission choices for the models.

Will we see an A8 coupe sooner now? I know that this was discussed in a previous thread to some degree but this is a little more specific. Will they work with the "bird in the hand" or continue to shoot for the "two in the bush"?

Although I know much of the FaTone development was shared between two companies and the TwoRag is a benefactor, maybe that $$$$$$$$$$$$ should have been better spent. At least in N.A., it is the seemingly simple things that please or attract new clients.

Recaro's standard and/or optional on some A6 models, Transmission choices on A6 models, factory authorized tuning on A6 models (i.e. the B5 S4 Factory tuned exhaust), audio choices, nav + availability, etc. . .

I know this comment is a redux of what was said yesterday but it does seem that they could have spent a fraction of the money on the Audi brand. The A6 seems like the logical point from which one would attract lux car buyers. All you need is a little more perceived lux and many will come running. In this day and age it can even be bling lux.

They could have worked the A6 crowd nicely into the A8/S8 niche'. I know I'm just repeating what was said already but it appears so accurate. Virtually no one here from N.A. or Europe bet on the FaTone to sell with enough vigor to justify the expense. Porsche made out like a bandit and the TwoRag will recoup some of that if the economy does not continue to dump.

However, trying to appease the A6 people with the RS6 so late in the game almost qualifies as negligent. At least in terms of the N.A. market. Maybe this is pointless to debate. Hopefully they will throw us a bone with the C6 in terms of choices and powah! (Hint S6 sedan/avant w/6M or DSG - yeah, like that will ever happen)

(Friday Babble Off)

Brian

 

with future RS cars and less likely to bring over some of the other euro goodies. Kinda like getting spanked and back to the basics thing.

 

Ooohhh, I hope not. Tentative will be bad. Kinda like the QB who gets hinky after getting sacked.

 

Audi does not want to sell S and RS models alongside each other any longer. Beginning with the new (D3) A8 and new A3, the RS models will be Audi's only high performance models in their line up. So no new S3, S6 or S8. Instead, the high performance versions of the new A3, new (C6) A6 and new A8 will be the RS3, RS6 and RS8. Dr. Winterkorn confirmed all of this at the Geneva Auto Show. The reasons for this is to improve image, prestige, reputation and, most likely, sales and resale value plus a whole lot of other things that there is no room for here throughout the lineup.

 

A DSG transmission that can handle massive amounts of hp and torque is only a couple of years away. If so, this transmission will be the only transmission for the new RS6 and RS8 sedans, RS6 avant and RS7 (if there is one) and optional on all other Audis. Of course, the DSG transmission would be a six speed unit on all Audis. Perhaps the six speed manual will eventually be standard on all Audi coupes, convertibles and roadsters? Don't lose all hope just yet.

 

phasing in their RS models as their only high performance models: Much sooner introduction (about 18 months after similar A models) and much more competitive pricing against comparable M models from BMW and comparable AMG models from Mercedes. This, without making any sacrifices, cutting any corners or any decontenting whatsoever. The C5 RS6 is so overpriced because of the C5 S6. The RS4 is also so overpriced because of the S4 (B5 and B6). I sure that this is how marketing works.

 

To me, I don't care how smoothly or quickly they can make a car shift by pushing buttons or paddles. If I am not engaging a clutch and selecting a specific gear with my hand, then it's an automatic.

I fear that Audi will not want to take the time or money to design, test, crash certify and sell more than two types of transmission for a model. So that gives you the basic auto, and the DSG. It doesn't help that: (i) BMW is headed that way already, and (ii) cutting edge race cars are all DSG-type transmissions.

So long, clutch pedal!

 

Sedan, I'll take a DSG; coupe or roadster must have a clutch, IMO

 

As for some of the other stuff you mentioned (Recaro sport seats (the only seats for the new RS6), factory authorized tuning, audio choices and many other "goodies"), Audi's Quattro Gmbh individual program will be come available throughout the lineup in North America in about two or three years. As for transmission choices, see my message titled "if the Nuvolari coupe concept and Bugatti's $1M supercar are any indication" posted on 2003-05-09 at 16:27:59. It may not be much, but it may help keep your hopes up. Oher than that, nobody can help you with transmission choices for the new A6. Oh, well.

 

hence why my next car will be a manual (probably '04 A4 Avant 1.8Tqm)