Ed must be too busy driving that Stasis A3 to post......>
10-28-2008, 07:20 PM
#5
Okay Steve! So it went like this.... (long and BWW)
Car arrived this morning, so I had to do the respectful thing and leave work and go pick it up right?!
<img src="http://images45.fotki.com/v1360/photos/2/282664/6858880/DSC_0142-vi.jpg">
The delivery person was an excellent guy. Car guy. Loves what he does. Retired police officer and decided that hey, delivering exotic and custom cars could be fun. He was very cautious and treated the car as if it was his own. Had a nice conversation with him and would recommend his services to any of you.
<img src="http://images45.fotki.com/v1360/photos/2/282664/6858880/DSC_0143-vi.jpg">
So the A3 had some nice company on the trip from Cali. Namely a 360 and a Lotus
<img src="http://images40.fotki.com/v1337/photos/2/282664/6858880/DSC_0158-vi.jpg">
<img src="http://images33.fotki.com/v1135/photos/2/282664/6858880/DSC_0157-vi.jpg">
The A3 was taken off it's carrier and final inspection done with keys delivered.
<img src="http://images40.fotki.com/v1336/photos/2/282664/6858880/DSC_0154-vi.jpg">
<img src="http://images33.fotki.com/v1139/photos/2/282664/6858880/DSC_0152-vi.jpg">
So back to work I go.
<b>Driving Impressions and Review:</b>
So let's get the bad news out the way. After spending two years in Honda S2k seats, I have become a firm believer that those are some of the best OEM seats available for the price. I knew that the Audi seats were going to be... well, Audi seats (something that can easily be fixed with some patience, savings, and time).
The car is in excellent condition. Finish is flawless. No swirl marks. No visible scraps. One paint chip from road debris that isn't visible, but the eyes of the driver who specializes in handling high end cars was glad to point that out to me and one minute scratch on a wheel from tire installer. Trust me, this guy was good.
Really like the design of the A3 and Stasis transformation of the vehicle takes the original design to a sporty level I didn't know was really possible for the station wagon. In short, I love the look!
Massive front brakes nicely fill in behind the wheels on the front end letting others know that there must be some serious power to stop under the hood. ...and yes, there is some power under that hood.
Everything looks stock. Totally stock. Scary stock. Outside of the wheels, big brake kit, and badging, one would never know what lurks in the heart of this little red wagon.
In that heart is the <a href="http://www.stasisengineering.com/turbo/index.aspx">Stasis MTF Turbo set up</a>. Which includes: State-of-the-Art Turbocharger (provided by Mahle Powertrain), Proprietary ECU Calibration (provided by GIAC), High-flow Fuel Injectors, STaSIS Diverter Valve, STaSIS Custom Turbo Bracing, and STaSIS Silicone Hoses (in Black for that OEM look). This set up produces 300hp and 290lbs of tq.
Impressive...
So I decide that I need to get back to the JOB that is paying for the RDWGN (thinking that's what's going on the tags). I also decide that I'm going to baby this thing for a while until I really have some time to figure what this thing can do in a safe environment.
As you can suspect, this didn't last long when an overly eager guy in a BMW M3 that was modified decides that his car is the baddest thing on the road and everyone else is in his way. I saw him in the rears and the road ahead was clear as he bullied his way through the cars dang near running over people. As he popped from behind to jump the car next to me, I decide that I need to see what Stasis has to offer. So I give the RDWGN a little gas. Okay a lot of gas. I soon hear the driver of the M3 downshift in an attempt to "overcome" this developing situation. I do what any decent sports car fan would do in an open road scenario with no danger to any civilians would do. ...give it some more gas and feel the push into the bland Audi seats (no affiliation with Stasis).
The DSG dropped a gear seamlessly and before the BMW driver or I knew it, the M3 challenge was laid to waste as I watched the speedometer climb more like a tach needle than a speed needle. M3 driver quickly realizes he's bitten off more than can chew and I'm amazed at what this thing can do. Later, the M3 driver does a ricer fly by and blips his throttle to let me know... something...
Suspension set up is on the plush / soft side but still compliant in handling business. Turn in is sharp and still there is the front driver understeer feel. But the Stasis sway does help in getting that tail to come around nicely. D@mned nicely for a station wagon. There is a little disconnect (it's not the S2000 or the Mini) but a long trip in this car will not beat you up, while still leaving some enjoyment for canyon carving. It's a nice compromise between the two extremes.
Wheels... fit this car perfectly. Love 'em. Brakes! Love 'em and no dreaded squeal when cold. Again, perfect combination of comfort and performance.
Exhaust note from the Stasis, is what we all know and love from the Blueflame (forge) exhaust. Yeah, it's like that. quiet, deep, and mellow. Get on the gas and it's in your face. Not thin or ricey coffee can sounding but authoritative. Sweet!
Interior is standard VAG flair. Nothing to write about here that you don't already know.
The car has been a hit a work and at home. The lil lady loves it and can't believe how good it looks compared to the photos. Believe me, the photos don't do this car justice.
To do list? Yup there is one. Tint on Friday. Front clear bra soon. Seats? maybe... Satisfied? <b>YES!</b>
The car is a little dusty so no real photo ops. Besides, I had to work. So the RDWGN is nestled in next to the Mini for the remainder of the week. The company car goes back to the company on Friday!
Big props to the people at Stasis and especially Jason for a wonderful buying experience and patience in assisting with a sight unseen internet purchase. Thanks Jason! You delivered the product that you promised and the photos accurately represented what was delivered.
Night!
<img src="http://images45.fotki.com/v1360/photos/2/282664/6858880/DSC_0160-vi.jpg">
<img src="http://images44.fotki.com/v1356/photos/2/282664/6858880/DSC_0163-vi.jpg">
<img src="http://images43.fotki.com/v1324/photos/2/282664/6784078/oct6030-vi.jpg">
<img src="http://images45.fotki.com/v1360/photos/2/282664/6858880/DSC_0142-vi.jpg">
The delivery person was an excellent guy. Car guy. Loves what he does. Retired police officer and decided that hey, delivering exotic and custom cars could be fun. He was very cautious and treated the car as if it was his own. Had a nice conversation with him and would recommend his services to any of you.
<img src="http://images45.fotki.com/v1360/photos/2/282664/6858880/DSC_0143-vi.jpg">
So the A3 had some nice company on the trip from Cali. Namely a 360 and a Lotus
<img src="http://images40.fotki.com/v1337/photos/2/282664/6858880/DSC_0158-vi.jpg">
<img src="http://images33.fotki.com/v1135/photos/2/282664/6858880/DSC_0157-vi.jpg">
The A3 was taken off it's carrier and final inspection done with keys delivered.
<img src="http://images40.fotki.com/v1336/photos/2/282664/6858880/DSC_0154-vi.jpg">
<img src="http://images33.fotki.com/v1139/photos/2/282664/6858880/DSC_0152-vi.jpg">
So back to work I go.
<b>Driving Impressions and Review:</b>
So let's get the bad news out the way. After spending two years in Honda S2k seats, I have become a firm believer that those are some of the best OEM seats available for the price. I knew that the Audi seats were going to be... well, Audi seats (something that can easily be fixed with some patience, savings, and time).
The car is in excellent condition. Finish is flawless. No swirl marks. No visible scraps. One paint chip from road debris that isn't visible, but the eyes of the driver who specializes in handling high end cars was glad to point that out to me and one minute scratch on a wheel from tire installer. Trust me, this guy was good.
Really like the design of the A3 and Stasis transformation of the vehicle takes the original design to a sporty level I didn't know was really possible for the station wagon. In short, I love the look!
Massive front brakes nicely fill in behind the wheels on the front end letting others know that there must be some serious power to stop under the hood. ...and yes, there is some power under that hood.
Everything looks stock. Totally stock. Scary stock. Outside of the wheels, big brake kit, and badging, one would never know what lurks in the heart of this little red wagon.
In that heart is the <a href="http://www.stasisengineering.com/turbo/index.aspx">Stasis MTF Turbo set up</a>. Which includes: State-of-the-Art Turbocharger (provided by Mahle Powertrain), Proprietary ECU Calibration (provided by GIAC), High-flow Fuel Injectors, STaSIS Diverter Valve, STaSIS Custom Turbo Bracing, and STaSIS Silicone Hoses (in Black for that OEM look). This set up produces 300hp and 290lbs of tq.
Impressive...
So I decide that I need to get back to the JOB that is paying for the RDWGN (thinking that's what's going on the tags). I also decide that I'm going to baby this thing for a while until I really have some time to figure what this thing can do in a safe environment.
As you can suspect, this didn't last long when an overly eager guy in a BMW M3 that was modified decides that his car is the baddest thing on the road and everyone else is in his way. I saw him in the rears and the road ahead was clear as he bullied his way through the cars dang near running over people. As he popped from behind to jump the car next to me, I decide that I need to see what Stasis has to offer. So I give the RDWGN a little gas. Okay a lot of gas. I soon hear the driver of the M3 downshift in an attempt to "overcome" this developing situation. I do what any decent sports car fan would do in an open road scenario with no danger to any civilians would do. ...give it some more gas and feel the push into the bland Audi seats (no affiliation with Stasis).
The DSG dropped a gear seamlessly and before the BMW driver or I knew it, the M3 challenge was laid to waste as I watched the speedometer climb more like a tach needle than a speed needle. M3 driver quickly realizes he's bitten off more than can chew and I'm amazed at what this thing can do. Later, the M3 driver does a ricer fly by and blips his throttle to let me know... something...
Suspension set up is on the plush / soft side but still compliant in handling business. Turn in is sharp and still there is the front driver understeer feel. But the Stasis sway does help in getting that tail to come around nicely. D@mned nicely for a station wagon. There is a little disconnect (it's not the S2000 or the Mini) but a long trip in this car will not beat you up, while still leaving some enjoyment for canyon carving. It's a nice compromise between the two extremes.
Wheels... fit this car perfectly. Love 'em. Brakes! Love 'em and no dreaded squeal when cold. Again, perfect combination of comfort and performance.
Exhaust note from the Stasis, is what we all know and love from the Blueflame (forge) exhaust. Yeah, it's like that. quiet, deep, and mellow. Get on the gas and it's in your face. Not thin or ricey coffee can sounding but authoritative. Sweet!
Interior is standard VAG flair. Nothing to write about here that you don't already know.
The car has been a hit a work and at home. The lil lady loves it and can't believe how good it looks compared to the photos. Believe me, the photos don't do this car justice.
To do list? Yup there is one. Tint on Friday. Front clear bra soon. Seats? maybe... Satisfied? <b>YES!</b>
The car is a little dusty so no real photo ops. Besides, I had to work. So the RDWGN is nestled in next to the Mini for the remainder of the week. The company car goes back to the company on Friday!
Big props to the people at Stasis and especially Jason for a wonderful buying experience and patience in assisting with a sight unseen internet purchase. Thanks Jason! You delivered the product that you promised and the photos accurately represented what was delivered.
Night!
<img src="http://images45.fotki.com/v1360/photos/2/282664/6858880/DSC_0160-vi.jpg">
<img src="http://images44.fotki.com/v1356/photos/2/282664/6858880/DSC_0163-vi.jpg">
<img src="http://images43.fotki.com/v1324/photos/2/282664/6784078/oct6030-vi.jpg">
