"Cool Stuff" from Audi coming to the U.S.
Audi's given the A4 an S-Line package for European consumption, and they're pledging that the US won't get stiffed when the fifth-generation A4 lands in America in late 2008. The German word for sport is, uh, sport, and the S-line bits can appease S4 aspirants without the heavy outlay for the über-performing version of the A4. Inside Line has been assured by Audi USA's Christian Bokich that they "won't hold back on the cool stuff from Germany," meaning you won't have to hunt down esoteric Euro part numbers for the bits you really want; nor will you have to go at your Audi with hand tools to get something a little special.
For about $3,000, European buyers will get a lowered suspension by Quattro GmbH, 18-inch cast aluminum wheels, sport seats, special perforated Alcantara and leather, and different accents for the leather wrapped sport steering wheel. While the interior execution will be Audi sumptuous, it certainly won't make the car any sportier or faster. The bolsters on the sport seats are likely to be more snug-fitting, but what it sounds like, the main value is in the Quattro GmbH suspension which would probably be hard to duplicate for a mere $3K aftermarket. The extra finery is de rigeur in this segment, lest you forget you're driving an uprated car.
[Source: Inside Line]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
CarMax Chris 8:59AM (12/13/2007)
I am always eager to see what Audi is bringing stateside. I am in my second consecutive Audi and third overall. Such a great car.
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mxrz 9:33AM (12/13/2007)
"main value is in the Quattro GmbH suspension which would probably be hard to duplicate for a mere $3K aftermarket."
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That's a laugh.
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Dan Roth 9:50AM (12/13/2007)
New springs, dampers, and wheels - seems to me that the good stuff on the aftermarket would be more pricey than a $3K package.
mxrz 10:01AM (12/13/2007)
Wheels don't count, besides, they're cast, not forged, and heavy as hell, with a conservative offset that doesn't fill the wheel well. Even replicas of Audi's wheels (RS4, RS6) are more popular than the original, because of the more aggressive offset.
The stock sport suspension has absolutely nothing on this for example: http://www.stasisengineering.com/Category_Detail.aspx?YR=2008&MK=Audi&EN=205&PID=184
Dan Roth 10:11AM (12/13/2007)
Yes, it doesn't get much better than Ohlins. Still, though - the damper/coilover set is 2500 bucks. Installation is what, another thousand by the time you get it all buttoned back up and aligned?
mxrz 10:17AM (12/13/2007)
Coilover Installation, even from Stasis, or any reputable shop, on a quattro A4 is 4 to 5 hours of labor, 6 if it includes alignement, fine tweaking and corner balancing. I wouldn’t pay more than 500$ for that. And I sure didn’t when I had my Stasis TrackSport installed (03’ A4 quattro).
germans do it better 10:59AM (12/13/2007)
i think the seats and all the other interior upgrades are covered by the $3000. so youre getting an upgraded suspension plus the interior and the wheels.
but yes mxrz.. that ohlins suspension is sweet. most likely better than the one in the package.
nirad 10:36AM (12/13/2007)
btw, i'm pretty sure the S-line also includes a bodykit- those sideskirts you see in the picture, along with a rear valence. though i think the front is just the standard one.
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Zane 12:47PM (12/13/2007)
Audi, if you're listening, forget this "all show and no real-world gain" crap. The S-line is good enough for all the bling. Just bring the RS6.
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