Audi A4 Cabriolet and 2003 Models-VERY DISSAPOINTED

[Latoure]

I was informed by Audi today that there will be NO quattro option for the 2003 Cabriolet. This sorely dissapoints me to hear since much of what makes Audi unique is their Quattro technology and innovations. To leave it off the cabriolet make me seriously question their future model direction as well as mArketshare potential.

To make matters worse, there will be no Navigation Plus offered on their 3003 models in the USA.

Again, this to me is a serious marketing mistake seeing that BMW and Mercedes offer full-screen center console navigation options in their Vehicles.

Unfortunately, these two issues have mede me now turn to BMW and/or Mercedes for my 2003 purchase.

Any comments welcome.

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Hallo Latoure,

 

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Audi Ersatzteile (Anzeige) | Audi Zubehör (Anzeige)

[thepolarfoxqx]

These cars are brand new - more features will come with time (like quattro equipping) - the worry from audi is that the extra weight from the conv. is strapping the engine for power enough, the Multitronic helps out the weight (this is also the reason that the 1.8 is not even available) - they are worried about having a slow car - the extra weight and drag of quattro need to be dealt with. Look for a 6spd auto to debut within the next 18months (throughout the VW/Audi line) I would bet that will get paired with quattro (along with the 6sp manual) for when it debuts.

[izzyloveslizzy]

I wouldn't worry about Quattro. Just wait a while and you'll see quattro in these models as well. In fact the first A4 Cabriolet Concept I read about had Quattro (why would they put it in the concept if they're not gonna make it?). You just have to wait a bit. Also, as far as the future of the company goes you'll be glad to know all new Audi models from 2005+ will have Quattro. It will become a standard feature on Audis. They already have it in most models.

[Mihai]

i think the quattro is optional for some engines and standard for top versions. the new audi a3 has quattro option, why wouldn't audi a4 have?

[izzyloveslizzy]

Yeah like PolarFox said you have to give it some time it's a new model. And you're right about the top version thing. Of course like I said from 2005+ they will ALL have quattro (according to Audi). It's a feature I think all cars should have. Like ABS.

[thepolarfoxqx]

maybe they just should have waited till they had all of the final touches (like quattro) finished to release?

[izzyloveslizzy]

Maybe. I personally don't know what Audi is doing. They seem to be experimenting on the consumers' reactions (and sometimes they really test the sonsumers' patience!). I think they may have excluded Quattro for the first releases, as to see if people cared at all. Also, maybe they want to give it some time to refine the Audi and add Quattro and other such thingamajigs, but maybe at the same time they didn't want to delay the sales. Maybe they have it figured out. I don't think the average buyer would care much (or even know about) the availability of Quattro. But for the masses Quattro is a guaranteed inclusion for the upcoming models. Besides, I can't see how anyone would be so desperate as to want to buy an Audi A4 Convertible at it's first release. And if someone wants it that bad then maybe they can just overlook the fact that not all the wheels on their brand new Audi are turning.

[thepolarfoxqx]

i doubt it is an engineering issue, so it is probably something like seeing if there is market share for it. they should at least make it an option. then again, it could be a weight considderation, the convertible is heavier, so maybe they don't know that they want to put the extra weight of the all wheel drive equitpment on?

[izzyloveslizzy]

Well in that case they should increase power a bit more. Audi's A4 3.0 puts out 225HP right now. The direct competition (BMW's 330) has 231HP. Besides they already had Quattro in the older versions so I don't see why all of a sudden they would take issue with the weight of the car.

[thepolarfoxqx]

yeah, i don't know, they don't even offer the 1.8T engine for the cabrio, why not just press the 220hp 3.0 up to 235, with 30 valves, it can't be hard to get some extra go out of it, or maybe just shorted the gear ratios?

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Hallo Latoure,

 

schau doch mal hier zum Thema Zubehör für Audi (Anzeige)? Eventuell gibt es dort etwas Passendes.

[izzyloveslizzy]

Yeah, I know they can get 250 out of that engine easily (well, almost). And not only that, but their 2.5L engine is also weaker than BMw's 2.5L. The Audi makes 184HP, where as the BMW makes 192HP. Audi's playing catch-up at the moment. Of course at least their S4 is one horse power more than the M3!!!! LOL!

[0wnage]

I find that all Car Manufacturers should start adopting Quattro or AWD systems to their cars ... it should be a standard saftey system such as ABS and ESP i meen it is really worthwhile. Now for Audi to launch that new A4 conv without a Quattro option is a real crime nearly all Audis have it as standard.

And for the Navigation ... either leave america or go for a Merc or BMW ... Mercedes doesn't have much 2 offer in that price range ... only the SLK which i find is horrific (if u have that extra $ then get a SL500 or SL55AMG) ... the BMW 330ci conv. or M3 conv. would be the ultimate choice in this category ...

[thepolarfoxqx]

why is all wheel drive so important? if you are going off roading maybe? what about anti-lock brakes? How about ESP, maybe in some cases where you do something you shouldn't have, but I don't like them. They take away your control of the car, and if you are a competent driver - you are more capable than a computer, you see and sense what is going on around you. These system operate on algorythms usings sensors that can at best extrapolate what they think is happening, and adjust accordingly. Nothing a driver can't do better. If you drive intelligently, you should never find a need for these. I almost got killed because of traction control once, so I am not a big fan of computers over-riding what I put in.

[0wnage]

You do have a point with the AWD systems ... they do add weight and a good ESP system can do the same job. Many drivers dislike the ESP or DSC systems because they take the control away ... in most cases this is a good thing because most drivers are not capable of controlling the power under their right foot. This is why its is always recomended not to turn of the DSC or ESP unless u really know what ur doing. I personally think that these systems can be improved to such an extent that the car can be driven to the absolute limit before they intervien. The new BMW M3 CSL has a DSC system called M-Track which is supposed to allowed the car to be driven to its absolute physical limits before interviening ... i think the developers and designers need some time and soon they will have the perfect system !!! Lets wait and see

[djfux69]

im not really a fan of convertibles but i have to say , the new a4 cabriolet caught my eye. however the reviews arent too great. the compared it to the other convertibles, (i.e. sc430, z4, sl500,s2000, etc.) the audi had the slowest top, and i dont remeber it exactly but i think the audi either had the worste top for weather, or 2nd worse. they tested the tops in 30 degree weather, they heated up the cars to 70 and shut them off, they then waited 5 minutes and took the temp again. i think the audi had 4 degrees difference. i dont have the article with me but i will check and post again. the only car that kept the temp constant was the lexus. ill go check the article and let you know more

[izzyloveslizzy]

How can this guy be disappointed? The A4's of 2003 and up are actually better than current 2003 BMW 3s and MB's and Jags. They're getting better and better. And Quattro is actually one of the many reasons.