fester

Nice write up. Couldn't agree more re BMWs. I think after e92 generation 3 series, all has been downhill for bmw, sad.

mmaturo

Well as the probably most loyal Audi owner here actually getting invited to Audi events is rather easy... and has little to do with how many, age or $$ etc (other events do so I do get invited to dealer events more than average now), you get on their email list... simple as that. I have been going to Audi experience events for 15 years since I was 30 with my 2 nd Audi an early TT, and not much $$. Anyway you just need to keep putting yourself on their email lists... this link https://theaudiexperience.ca/en/closed. I also look to sign up for info on the new models when they come out with web pages for them on Audiusa and that tends to work too. Also signing up here for race hospitality area invites... http://audimotorsportexperience.com/

Or try this email too... and explain you have Audi's concierge@audiguestservices.com

On your experiences on buying a car it depends on the dealer... the ones around the Chicago area out of 3 only at one was I ever approached. And I would have probably bought a Cayman R on the spot back then if anyone engaged me. Once in a suit in my RS5 and second time in my RS5 in jeans and button down. Third time at a better dealership a young guy who loved Audis came out to meet me and look at my 5. That said the dealership here in Orlando engages everybody that walks up that I have observed. Dress etc. has zip to do with the ability to buy something and I appreciate places that get that. Shorts and flip flops.

drcollie

Hmmm...do I want to go drive Bentley's? So many invites, so little time...lol

**************

Dear Duane,

The event is drawing near! Seize the incredible opportunity to test drive Bentley's 2016 model year line-up. Enjoy delicious hors d'oeuvres, compliments of Bentley Tysons, and experience all that Bentley has to offer.

- 2016 Bentley Flying Spur
- 2016 Bentley Mulsanne
- 2016 Bentley Continental GT Speed
- 2016 Bentley Continental V8S Convertible
- 2016 Bentley Continental GT Coupe

We ask that you register your interest by contacting either Michael Meholick, Marketing Specialist or Tate Attia, Bentley Brand Manager. Please indicate your preferred day and the vehicle(s) you are interested in driving.

Archimedes

I've owned a bunch of Audis and have been invited to their events twice, but never accepted because I assumed it would just be driving the sedans around a parking lot and then giving them feedback. If I knew there would be RS cars and faster driving, I probably would have attended.

drsubie

On a slight deviation on topic--how do you/your wife like the SQ5? I'm debating on trading in my wife's 2012 Q5 3.2L for something not as yawn-inducing...

drcollie

She likes it a lot. A few times she has commented that she has to be careful with the throttle as if she boots it to get onto the highway its so quick she has to be careful to not lose control of it. Her only real complaint is the complexity and awkwardness of the MMI system, which is across the line with Audi. It's archaic and hard to use, especially the Navigation portion. Audi really needs to up its game and go to touch screens and a less argumentative voice command lady. Pros to the SQ5 are the wonderful leather with the optional upgrade package to it, some of the best seats in the business, killer brakes, no turbo lag as its supercharged and of its only a tick or two behind my 991S in acceleration. I'd buy another, but I'd also test drive one back to back against a Macan S to see which was best.

mtgadbois

drsubie - not to rain on a German parade, I'd also test drive the Caddy SRX in 4wd. Bought one for the wife 2 years ago and I have to admit it is great. Handling is very good, touchscreen radio logically laid out and on and on. Before I got the SRX I test drove a Q5 in snow and it basically had no traction and its electronics didn't help it. Just to prove I'm not a troll and anti-Audi, I current have a 95.5 S6 as my winter toy (188K miles and warmed up to 370HP). Priors: 2002 A4 (daughter's car), 1989 200 Turbo Avant, 1986 5000T, 1983 Turbo Quattro Coupe, and a 1983 5000T (bought new in 1982).

drcollie

Gotta put snows on your hot rod rides in the winter. These are the shoes for the SQ5 when the white stuff comes....Blizzaks!



I know the Caddies are supposed to be nice, however we can't get past the chrome and shine interior on them, sorry!

Archimedes

We have the Q7 Prestige that's slightly less power than the SQ5 and 6/10ths slower to 60, but still pretty quick. Nice truck, but there is definitely some lag in Audi's supercharged 3 liter motors. Bigger issue though is the transmission software, which is ridiculously bent toward economy. If you don't drive around in sport mode all the time, the combination of lag and the software makes it maddeningly slow to react to a demand for more power. There's the spooling, then drop of 2-3 gears, then a hammer of power. Super smooth on the freeway though. Also, this is our first Audi that's had a lot of little problems from day 1. I wouldn't buy this vehicle again.

drsubie

thnx for the replies/suggestions...

I test drove the Q7 before buying the Q5, and while it was smooth and is a better people hauler, it was just too big for my wife to handle at the time (though she now drives my F150 more b/c of the room!).

When we had our Q5 serviced, the local Audi dealer loaned us a A7 that we were quite impressed with--very smooth, power seemed to be adequate and nice low-midrange power band. The only thing about it, though, is the general size of the auto, since we would be using it in places with potential narrow parking (in town, shopping malls, etc...).

I also drove a Panamera 4S loaner with, I believe, the base motor. Though it handled well and was smooth, the power was disappointing, esp. for a car that stickered close to ~$100k.

Ideally we'd go with something like a Macan, but in that price range, I'd probably look towards something like a M3 (wishful thinking!)...

will-go

… think your senior moments are continuing - don't think there was 128is … sure it was even a BMW?

Archimedes

128i, 230hp. Total POS. Reminded me of when Merc came out with those horrible entry level 190's.

will-go

… actually the 128i M sport w/ MT is a great car. AT in the 128i was not a good match. If wanting more power there's the 135i (turbo). Both affordable, fun RWD cars that handle well and are relatively easy to modify.

Bob Rouleau

Good thread and as an S6 owner, I' an Audi fan too but this belongs in "Other Marques" which is where I'm moving it.

Best,

porsche42

Were those 2016 R8s? I thought they were supposed to be much better than the 2015 R8s. With the Lambo motor and the Audi interior wanted to take a look at them.