M-L

US models have a straight forward speedometer with markings at 5 mph intervals and numeric markings every 20 mph (0,20,40,etc).

Canadian metric marking is surprisingly complicated - not sure if it is the same in Germany.
From 0 to 90 km/h, each marking represents 5 km/h; numeric marking are represented in two font sizes; large fonts at 30,50 & 70 while smaller fonts at 20,40,60 & 80.
From 90 km/h to max, each marking represents 10 km/h (even though the spacing of the markings are unchanged). Large fonts for 100,140,180.... while small fonts for 120, 160.... etc.

So the transition looks quite strange to me at first. You see TWO (instead of the expected three) evenly spaced markings between 80 and 100; it took me a while to realise that it represents 85 & 90 (and not 87 & 93!)

I presume the larger fonts represent common speed limits in Canada (e.g. 50 & 70 for city; 100 for highway etc). But I think the speedometer is too crowded with two many numbers. The seamless change in calibration marking interval is clever (advantage of digital instrumentation I presume); but probably overly complicated and unnecessary.

Peter S.

Can you post a picture?

Steve Bollinger

The non-linear speedo was created by GM for the '98 'Vette, I believe, which uses it to great effect. Of course, it also doesn't have two sets of markings on it because it just moves the needle over when you change to metric. Another benefit of electronic controls.

The speedo is in 10 MPH increments (with unnumbered half marks as on the Audi) to 120, then 20MPH increments to 240MPH (with unnumbered half marks). On that car, it produces a very clean gauge, with resolution where you need it, and less resolution where you don't (no 150MPH speed limits to obey!). Look at this way: without that feature, the speedo would only use 1/3rd of the dial in normal driving.

The Porsche Boxter S doesn't have a non-linear speedo, and they had to go to only marking every 25MPH (not Km/h!) to make it fit and still go up to the high numbers they needed. Reviews on that speedo have been harsh.

I have to say Audi putting the switch in scale at 100Km/h (62mph) seems really dumb. That is a very common speed. It makes more sense up higher like the Vette's. Of course, with a US Vette in Metric mode, the switchover is at 120Km/h which is pretty bad. Native metric Vettes (like Canadian) have a different speedo which goes up to 320, and moves the switchover point up (presumably to 160).

M-L

And all the photos in the manuals are US version.

Ernst

Hi
I have got my 4.2 Quattro last week here in Switzerland (also metric speedometer) and I can confirm exactly what you said. I was just wondering about the meaning of the three markings... Thanks for helping me! Otherwise the car seems to be almost perfect - a tried it in the snow we had this weekend ans all the electronics and the quattro system are incredibly good!
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