The Future of Audi
01-26-2004, 04:56 PM
#22
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Actually, I think GM is to blame for that. Their engineering was really good and they were probably
behind only Volvo in terms of saftey innovations back in the day. Their egronomics have also always been top notch. But, I was referring only to the exterior styling.
01-26-2004, 06:02 PM
#24
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I am lazy and this is a good list to start from....
- I think I am drawn to overly-complex systems because I like to figure things out(and Audi has outdone itself with complication). The complexity is sort-of neat but I worry about maintaining these cars 10yrs down the road, especially the finiky B5S4
- Would add that I like the driving satisfaction of almost anything VW, having owned maybe 16 different cars from Hondas to Nissans to BMW, VW and Audis.
- Take a look at the B6S4 and change the interior ergonomics back to something more sporty ie lower the console to permit proper leg/pedal alignment for the average driver. Put the turn signal stalk back in parallel with the spoke on the steering wheel. Decrease the height of the cabin back to something "normal" in stance as the B6 towers over everything from Camrys to MBs. Audi has such a history in design it is a shame the B6 body is so boring, it is indeed clean and fuctional but also unemotional and uncharacteristic at the same time. The B5 is a timeless classic now, the B6 is already becomming a has-been as Audi readies the new corporate face transplant for 2005.
I also will add that Audi desperately needs to clean up its image regarding ownership satisfaction and overall customer service. Having watched my service manager pulling his hair out over an axle flaw I had identified as defective and one they agreed was out out of the ordinary but had no measure from Audi to allow replacement. I had to pay to replace it and seek reimbursement from VWoA to fix it. If Audi wants to remain a "premium" brand it needs to learn to act like one. All this after lemmoning my first new S4 beauty due to a tech that could not fix an oil leak. Honestly I will shop service departments before I buy my next car after all the frustrations with my "ownership experience" these past two S4s. I love the B5 ars and a little quirkiness is OK/expected. Poor customer service is not though in a premium automobile... I'm preaching I know.
Good luck on your project.
- Would add that I like the driving satisfaction of almost anything VW, having owned maybe 16 different cars from Hondas to Nissans to BMW, VW and Audis.
- Take a look at the B6S4 and change the interior ergonomics back to something more sporty ie lower the console to permit proper leg/pedal alignment for the average driver. Put the turn signal stalk back in parallel with the spoke on the steering wheel. Decrease the height of the cabin back to something "normal" in stance as the B6 towers over everything from Camrys to MBs. Audi has such a history in design it is a shame the B6 body is so boring, it is indeed clean and fuctional but also unemotional and uncharacteristic at the same time. The B5 is a timeless classic now, the B6 is already becomming a has-been as Audi readies the new corporate face transplant for 2005.
I also will add that Audi desperately needs to clean up its image regarding ownership satisfaction and overall customer service. Having watched my service manager pulling his hair out over an axle flaw I had identified as defective and one they agreed was out out of the ordinary but had no measure from Audi to allow replacement. I had to pay to replace it and seek reimbursement from VWoA to fix it. If Audi wants to remain a "premium" brand it needs to learn to act like one. All this after lemmoning my first new S4 beauty due to a tech that could not fix an oil leak. Honestly I will shop service departments before I buy my next car after all the frustrations with my "ownership experience" these past two S4s. I love the B5 ars and a little quirkiness is OK/expected. Poor customer service is not though in a premium automobile... I'm preaching I know.
Good luck on your project.
01-26-2004, 06:36 PM
#26
Answers
1) I didn't have an Audi, but my previous car was a VW, and I was sufficiently satisfied that I didn't mind staying in the VW/Audi family.
2) While the Audi handling isn't as sharp as that of BMW, Mercedes is far worse -- even the AMG cars (with the exception of the new E55). The AMG counterpart to the S4 has always been way too expensive anyway.
Audis are also more down to earth than BMWs, less flamboyant, and have just as good (if not better) quality.
3) Advertising/history/brand reputation had nothing to do with my purchase. I chose the S4 solely on its merits (performance, versatility, value, quality, styling).
4) 400-500 lb. weight loss, continued stealthy understated styling, return of a biturbo V6 option.
2) While the Audi handling isn't as sharp as that of BMW, Mercedes is far worse -- even the AMG cars (with the exception of the new E55). The AMG counterpart to the S4 has always been way too expensive anyway.
Audis are also more down to earth than BMWs, less flamboyant, and have just as good (if not better) quality.
3) Advertising/history/brand reputation had nothing to do with my purchase. I chose the S4 solely on its merits (performance, versatility, value, quality, styling).
4) 400-500 lb. weight loss, continued stealthy understated styling, return of a biturbo V6 option.
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