AudiWatch Update (Tm) #58

[Glen Powell <gpowell@acacianet.com>]

AudiWatch Update (Tm) #58  2-29-96


AUDI IN THE NEWS
----------------

This Baby Hauls More Than Groceries

AUDI S6 WAGON Turbo & Hi-Tech Performance May 1996 pg 38-39, 125
(some nice color pics, Ed.)

THIS IS ONE GOOD-LOOKING WAGON THAT HAS THE SOUL OF A PERFORMANCE COUPE AT
ITS CORE. THE ALL WHEEL DRIVE GIVES THE BIG BAVARIAN SURPRISING AGILITY IN
THE TWISTIES AD HIGH-SPEED STABILITY ON THE STRAIGHTS

WE WERE IMMERSED WITH THE 2.2-LITER'S BEEFY EXTERNAL WASTEGATE. IT LOOKS
LIKE A HIGH-PERFORMANCE AFTERMARKET UNIT
(pic is of a standard Audi WG with no hose attached to the end cap -- 100%
mechanical?, looks like some nice carbon-fiber heat shielding next to the WG
too, Ed)

  We lined up the test of the Audi S6 wagon to coincide with out trip to LV
for the annual SEMA show. We thought the turbo, 20V 5-cyl engine and AWD
powertrain would offer a bit of fun but figured the car's strengths would be
freeway cruisability and storage space. Boy were we wrong. Once we flogged
the S6, we discovered the turboed Audi is one of the most potent wagons on
the road. But the S6 has more than sheer acceleration in its corner. The
interior is leather trimmed and appointed like a CEO's office and the
suspension is a sweet blend of perf and luxury.
  At the beginning of our trek we were only mildly impressed with the Audi's
acceleration as at-speed the car seemed heavy. (it is, Ed.) But, pulling out
of The Mad Grek Rest in Baker CA, we decided to launch the 3924-LB wagon
NHRA style. The Audi didn't miss a beat as it blasted off down I-15--60 MPH
was reached in 6.46 sec but thanks to the g forces created by the Quattro
system, a big grin started to materialize on out faces at about the .46-sec
mark. By the time we hit 60 MPH we were giggling--we also had a new way of
looking at the Audi "freeway cruiser."
  The heart of the car is pure performance. The iron-blocked in-line 5-cyl
is topped with an aluminum head chiseled out for four-valves-per-cylinder
operation. The motor's forger-steel crank features 6 main bearings for added
durability. Ignition and fuel curves are controlled by the high-tech
Motronic sequential fuel injection system from Bosch. The system utilizes a
hot wire air mass sensor and features dual cylinder selective knock control
and a distributorless ignition. The S6's 227 turbo-enhanced horses are out
to the pavement by Audi's Quattro AWD system which distributes power to the
axle with the greatest adhesion when wheelspin occurs. The Quattro AWD
relies on a Torsen center diff to help deal out the power. The max split is
25/75 or 75/25; of course it could be anywhere from 25% to 75% depending on
the amount of wheel slippage. Braking is on par with the drivetrain as
4-wheel discs are in charge of bringing the big wagon to a halt. Up front,
10.9" ventilated rotors are squeezed by a dual-piston caliper while the rear
features 10.6" ventilated rotors.
  With the addition of winged body panels, a grappling hook for those tight
turns and a laser cannon or two, the Audi's hi-tech mechanicals would make a
nice Bat Wagon. However, its interior is fashioned more after Wayne Manor
that the Bat Cave. Burled walnut trim and supple Seiden Nappa leather give
the cabin a warm aura. The buckets seats are heated so this "warmth' can
really be felt. The guages are white-faced with chrome trim. At night, they
are backlit in red which gives the S6 cockpit a hi-tech aerospace look. The
interior is quiet and the driving position is comfortable.
 The only prohibitive aspect of the S6 may be the price. At $48,385 USD, the
Audi is quite an expensive date. The performance and security of AWD, a
5-speed manual gearbox that delivers 6.46 0-60 times and a super-roomy
interior that is on par with any of the upscale luxury offerings, make the
S6 an excellent choice for those who want hi-style, but need a wagon.

NEW AUDI PARTS SOURCES & SERVICES and ELECTRONIC COUNTERMEASURES
----------------------------------------------------------------

Electronic Knock Sensor/Display System

ANS Knock Alert $89.95 USD
ANS Performance
708-450-1095
(that's all I know -- have not used or seen this system, Ed.)

Phosphate-Free Antifreeze

Texaco  Havoline Extended Life Anti-Freeze/Coolant
....5 year or 100Kmi, no silicates, nitrates, borates, molybates phosphates
or amines, reduced pump wear,
ex hi-temp alum protection, etc.
800-782-7852
(possible alternative to the expensive Autobahn stuff, Ed.)

UK Ur-Q 'hard to find' and Euro-parts sources

AM CARS
phone: 01460 63851
FAX: 01460 68275

DIALYNX
phone/FAX: (44) 01793 772245
(source for aftermarket exhaust manifolds at 340 Pounds, Ed.)

QUATTRO SPORTS
phone: (01444) 451542
(ask for Kim, very knowledgeable, I bought some oil cooler lines from him at
a very reasonable price, like $140 US the pair, Ed.)

UPCOMING EVENTS
---------------

COMSCC @ NHIS

April 27 & 28

QCUSA

Feb 2-4, Winter Driving School, Steamboat Springs, CO
Mar 1-2, Portland International Raceway, Portland, OR
Apr 27-28, Grattan Raceway Park, Grand Rapids, MI
May 10-11 or 17-18, Stapleton, Denver, CO
May 23-24, Brainerd International Raceway, Brainerd, MN
Jun 20-23, Virginia City Hillclimb, Virginia City, NV
Jul 13-14, Blackhawk, Rockton, IL
Jul 15-16, Watkins Glen, Watkins Glen, NY
Aug 19-20, Lime Rock Park, Lakeville, CT
Sep 7-8, Waterford Hills, Clarkton, MI
Sep 27-29, 11th Annual Safety Seminar,  Brainerd, MN
Nov 23-24, Roebling Road, Savannah, GA

COMPANIES *NOT* TO DO BUSINESS WITH
-----------------------------------

European Traffic aka Mid-Atlantic Automotive
Parts screw-ups, shipping screw-ups, credit-card billing before parts
actually ship, poor service, as reported on the .net

SUPERCHIPS, grossly misleading advertising claiming CPU chip upgrades
where, in fact, no CPU chip reprogramming is done in Audi CIS applications,
as discussed at great length on the .net

JTMotorsport, refuses to accept returns for incorrect shipments as
documented here on the .net

TAP, see superchips above

COMPETITION RESULTS
-------------------

AUDIS OF INTEREST FOR SALE/WANTED
---------------------------------


"Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice and moderation in the
pursuit of justice is no virtue."

Vorsprung durch Technik,

-glen