Audizine Newsletter - February '09

[Anthony]

The AUDIZINE NEWSLETTER for FEBRUARY 2009

• Welcome/Intro
• Monthly Poll: February 2009
• Featured AZ'er: February 2009
• How to be a Featured AZ'er?
• Latest Industry News
• New/Returning Audizine Advertisers
• Wrap-Up/Outro

Hello and welcome to the another Audizine Newsletter, this one being our second for 2009. We're once again back with a wrap-up of the latest news and info from around The Zine. Included you will find details on our Monthly Poll, the latest Industry News from the past month, as well as information on February's Featured AZ'er. We end the newsletter with a thank you to the companies recently joining or returning to our group of Official Audizine Advertisers.

New in this newsletter, we're unveiling an all-new process on how we choose our monthly Featured AZ'ers. Instead of tracking 'em down each and every month, we're making it easy for the best of The Zine to come to us. So, if you've long wondered How to be a Featured AZ'er, then read on to find out if you meet our few simple requirements and how to apply.

Please use the Table of Contents above to jump to a specific section of interest, or read on below for all the latest news and information from around The Zine.

[Anthony]

• AZ Poll for Feb. '09: Which is the best A4/S4 platform?

As Audi's most popular model, the A4 and S4 are extremely important to both us enthusiasts and of course Audi's profits. The vehicles have long been favorites of ours, and are certainly the most popular here on Audizine. Much like BMW's 3 Series and the Mercedes C Class, each new model A4/S4 has been the pinnacle of German sport sedans.

There have been many iterations, improvements, powerplants, and transmissions over the years. With over a decade gone by since Audi's "4" model was first introduced, we're now on the 4th generation.

With that, we want to know which one you like the most? There are many factors which one can base their decision on, but there can be only one favorite. When you hear "Audi A4" or "S4", which platform pops into your mind first?

Here's a brief rundown...

The B5 - The original. With its classic body lines it introduced the Audi/VW 1.8T and 2.7T motors as well as quattro to the masses. It also saw the 2.8 V6 naturally aspirated motor and the RS 4 model. - VOTE!

The B6 - The second generation brought about major changes to the body, which soon became a favorite and then later another classic. We also saw improvements to the 1.8T in the A4 (also a bump from the V6 motor to 3.0) and the switch to a 4.2 V8 in the S4. No RS 4 produced. - VOTE!

The B7 - With a sharpening of the previous gen's body lines, the biggest enhancement came by way of another iconic turbocharged motor with the 2.0T. The A4's V6 was bumped from 3.0 to 3.2. The S4 still came powered by the 4.2 V8 and an RS 4 model was produced. - VOTE!

The B8 - The new generation. With the A4's 2.0T and 3.2 V6 engines carrying over, albeit enhanced, the biggest news come by way of the S4. Dropping the naturally aspirated V8 in favor of a return to forced induction with a supercharged V6. - VOTE!

After you vote we'd also love to hear your thoughts and feedback as to how you came to your choice. Feel free to post on the poll thread after voting and tell us why you may have chosen the way you did.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=262653

[Anthony]

• Featured AZ'er: mrponline's 2008 S5

February '09 Featured AZ'er: mrponline's 2008 S5
Audizine Staff - 02/04/09


User Name: mrponline
Real Name: Peter Hovany
Location: Sydney, Australia
Year of Vehicle: 2008
Model of Vehicle: S5
Engine of Vehicle: V8 FSI
Color of Vehicle: Phantom Black

This month we're going to fall back on an old cliche, that less really can be more. Well OK maybe not more, but enough. The Featured AZ'er for February 2009 is proof positive that you don't have to do a lot to an Audi to make it into a stunner. Sure it helps when the Audi you're starting out with is one of the best looking cars sitting on dealer showrooms right now. Stating that the S5 is the meanest and at the same time the most beautiful car that Audi has ever produced (aside from perhaps the R8) wouldn't be a hard argument to win. It doesn't take much to turn it from a model off the cover of a Maxim mag to one off the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition. It's as easy as tightening up this, dropping that over there, and polishing it up at all four corners...or is it? More

- Full Article
- Article Discussion Thread
- Article Photo Gallery

And in case you missed it, be sure to check out last month's Featured AZ'er for January 2009, FrankA6's 2004 A6 sedan.

[Anthony]

• How to be a Featured AZ'er?

Up until now, the Audizine staff has been personally selecting members and their cars to feature each and every month. As you can imagine, it's no easy task. With more models available from Audi than ever before, and a constantly growing number of great AZ'ers and their cars to choose from, we've decided to have you guys come to us. If you feel that you and your car are worthy of being added to our growing list of prestigious Featured AZ'ers, then read on for complete details.

First off, the requirements.

- You must be an Audizine Member for at least 6 months.
- You must have at least 50 posts on Audizine.
- You must have between 3 to 5 photos of your vehicle (uploaded to your Audizine Gallery).

And now, how to apply.

- Send an email to feature@audizine.com with "Featured AZ'er Application" in the subject line.
- In the body of the email include your username, real name, and your location.
- Include your vehicle's year, model, and list at least 5 completed modifications.
- Upload 3 to 5 photos of your vehicle to the Audizine Gallery and include the links to them in your email.

If you meet the requirements and follow the directions correctly, as listed above, then your application will be accepted and kept on file. If chosen for an upcoming month's Featured AZ'er article we will contact you for further information. This will include a Q&A and new/additional photographs.

Please note that you cannot apply more than once within a 6 month period.

If you do not meet the requirements listed above, your application will be null and void.

We look forward to hearing from a good many of you, and wish you the best of luck!

[Anthony]

• Latest Industry News

New Audi A4 allroad quattro heads for the hills
Audi AG - 02/16/09

The Audi A4 Avant is about to leave the executive car park to head for the hills as the new A4 allroad quattro, a more agile and ruggedly styled interpretation of the acclaimed compact executive which makes its world public debut at the 2009 Palexpo Motor Show in Geneva on March 5th. The harder edged A4 opens for European order this week and will reach its first customers in May. More
- Full Article
- Article Photo Gallery
- A4 Wallpaper


More Industry News
More Motorsport News

[Anthony]

• New & Returning Audizine Advertisers

And now it's time to thank our Official Audizine advertisers/sponsors. This month we have a good amount of companies with us for the first time as well as a number coming back to the Audizine family. Each and every month we take the time to recognize thesm and to let them know that their support of this community is greatly appreciated. In turn we ask that you please show your own personal thanks for our Official Audizine Advertisers when you make your next parts or service transaction. You will find these and all of our Official Audizine Advertisers on our complete list within the Audizine Advertiser's Corner.

034Motorsport
(510) 657-6707
customerservice@034motorsport.com
www.034motorsport.com

CTS Turbo
sales@ctsturbo.com
www.ctsturbo.com

Deutsch Teile Haus
(916) 705-0897
info@dthaus.com
www.dthaus.com

EuroGEAR
(626) 443-8818
sales@eurogearusa.com
www.eurogearusa.com

North American Motorsports
(877) NAMOTORS, (877) 626-6867
sales@namotorsports.net
www.namotorsports.net

Wolfcars Motorsports
(305) 593-8162
info@wolfcars.com
www.wolfcars.com

[Anthony]

• Wrap-Up/Outro

Before we go, I figured I'd throw a teaser out there regarding some new Audizine gear we have coming soon. I was hoping to have photos and details to share before posting this month's newsletter, but we're still going through the "R&D" process. Nevertheless, information will be coming soon - along with a Group Buy or two.

Well that will do it for this month's newsletter. Thanks to an ultra-short month of February, we'll be seeing you again real soon.

Anthony
Founder & Editor in Chief, Audizine