The Return of the Suzuka Grey 3.0T Avant!

[lnferno]

Last year, with our first child on the way, I figured it was time to get an Avant. I got a pretty nice B7 A4 Avant (6 spd manual, Bluetooth, Cold Weather package, etc). I'm 6'2" and with the rear facing baby seat, it was pretty cramped. That, coupled with the day trips to see my family, we'd load up the Avant with the stroller, pack n' play, etc, it just was not quite enough room.

In January of this year, I started frequenting the "Avants Only" forum here and saw a lot of impressive C6 A6 Avants, but what cinched it for me was Bryzf1's (Bryan) Suzuka Grey Avant thread. That was the sexiest looking Avant that I'd ever seen. I learned in that thread that it was likely the "only" Suzuka Grey A6 Avant in the U.S. Bummer! I fell in love with that car and color the second I laid eyes on that thread. Unfortunately, I was about 6-7 months late to the party - - Bryan had sold his beautiful C6 A6 Suzuka Grey Avant last summer.

Oh well, since that was out of the question, I started my search for the perfect C6 A6. I wanted the Prestige package w/Cold Weather and it had to be the 3.0T supercharged engine. Suzuka Grey was pretty much out to the question since I learned that you had to custom order that color, so I figured I'd settle for an Ibis White or Silver A6 Avant. I searched everywhere you can possibly imagine online, but unfortunately, there were not that many to choose from and none of them had the cold weather package. I succumbed to the fact that I'd have to compromise. I finally settled on a 2011 Prestige Silver Avant. It was clear across the country and I really wasn't thrilled about it, but from the limited # of Avants to choose from (based on my earlier requirements), it was probably going to be my best bet. I exchanged several phone calls and emails with the seller and finally came to an agreement on the selling price. This was on a Friday a couple of weeks ago. I told him that on Monday, I'd wire the funds to him.

Despite the fact that I had pretty much finalized this deal, I still did my daily search for "my perfect Avant". That Sunday, I came across an ad that completely blew my mind. "2011 Suzuka Grey A6 Avant for Sale"!!! I was like W T F!?!?!? I thought that Bryan had the only Suzuka Grey A6 Avant!?!? It turned out that this was his car! The 2nd owner put it up for sale. The seller is actually an accomplished musician and tours, but as much room as this Avant has, he needed more room.

The timing couldn't have been better. I was literally hours away from wiring the funds to this other A6 Avant that I felt I was compromising on. I quickly contacted the seller of this Suzuka Grey Avant - - checked out all of the service records, etc and bought the car! I couldn't be happier with this purchase! It's ironic that I was finally able to get THE very same car that actually inspired me to get a C6 Avant in the first place!

As a lot of you probably remember, Bryan had done some very impressive mods to the car such as wheels and suspension (dropped). I'm sure the first question that I'm going to get asked is "What are you doing to do to it?". I'm sorry to disappoint, but I'm actually going to keep it stock - - at least while it is still under warranty. After the warranty is up, then I'll likely put coilovers on it and maybe an ECU flash. Well, that's not entirely true. I actually did my first mod today. I hard-wired my radar detector (hey, that counts, right?).

I'll keep this thread updated as I have new updates to the car.

Anyways, I know these pictures aren't as impressive as how it looked when Bryan owned it (dropped w/wheels and all), but I still think it's sexy as hell!

[D's Avant]

Good to see it back in the Audizine family.

[Anthony]

Good to see it back in the Audizine family.

X2

That's a pretty amazing story. I love when stuff like that happens!

[305Supercharged]

X2

That's a pretty amazing story. I love when stuff like that happens!

x3 - it actually was one of the best looking avants I had seen

[lnferno]

Thanks - - I'm still in disbelief that this played out like it did. What are the odds that this would be up for sale literally hours before I was about to get the other, less desirable Avant?! It was fate I tell ya!

[Ynnekdude]

Absolutely gorgeous. Congratulations!

Very jealous of that color.

[lnferno]

So, here's my first mod. It's not much, but I figured that I'd keep this thread updated. I hard-wired my Escort 9500 radar detector and smart cord. I thought about doing a stealth install and drilling the ashtray, but I really don't want to hack up this car, so the next best location was by my right knee. It's out of sight from both the passenger and out of sight from anyone standing outside the driver's side (wink wink). The location is good also because it's directly in my line of sight right in between the two right side steering wheel spokes.

[ProjectA3]

That is awesome to hear. I sat next to this car for the few days it was at our dealership in Arizona... Audi North Scottsdale. We bought the car from the first owner and sold it to the 2nd owner who took it to the Northwest IIRC. It was a beautiful car and one of my favorites I've seen in 7 years working there.

[lnferno]

That is awesome to hear. I sat next to this car for the few days it was at our dealership in Arizona... Audi North Scottsdale. We bought the car from the first owner and sold it to the 2nd owner who took it to the Northwest IIRC. It was a beautiful car and one of my favorites I've seen in 7 years working there.

Surprised that you guys have seen this car. That's cool to hear.

By chance, do you recall if your dealership aligned it after they took the coilovers off? The camber on the rear looks a bit aggressive.

[lnferno]

Well, I bit the bullet and did my first TD1 mod haha. AKA APR Stage 2+ (pulley + v2 software). Keep in mind I did this coming from bone stock - - I didn't have any performance mods previously. Holy crap - - It feels like my Avant just did a line of coke and chased it with a red bull! I haven't been on it too much, but I did do a quick low mph pull today and it did a good job of pinning me and wifey to the back of the seat! I haven't done any high mph pulls yet, but I'll be making a 100 mile round trip (mostly highway) this weekend. I imagine it should shine even more in the higher gears at the higher RPMs.

[305Supercharged]

Nice! Believe me, you are going to fall in love with the avant more and more every day :).

P.S: Try to launch the car one time and see how much it pins you to the seat :P.

[Ynnekdude]

Well, I bit the bullet and did my first TD1 mod haha. AKA APR Stage 2+ (pulley + v2 software). Keep in mind I did this coming from bone stock - - I didn't have any performance mods previously. Holy crap - - It feels like my Avant just did a line of coke and chased it with a red bull! I haven't been on it too much, but I did do a quick low mph pull today and it did a good job of pinning me and wifey to the back of the seat! I haven't done any high mph pulls yet, but I'll be making a 100 mile round trip (mostly highway) this weekend. I imagine it should shine even more in the higher gears at the higher RPMs.

Wait til it adapts even more. Your mind will be blown. Talk about ultimate sleeper.

[lnferno]

For me the results are a little skewed because I bought the car close to sea-level. I live at 6500' elevation, so unfortunately, the car took a major hit on power as I made my way back home. It basically felt like it did at sea-level with a bit more torque and pulls a tiny bit harder on the top end with stage II+ now. However, comparing it from when it was stock up here at altitude compared to now is a HUGE difference.

I tried really hard to squeeze in a baseline dyno, but I just couldn't make it happen with my travel schedule this last week. It would have been interesting to see the before and after dyno, but oh well.

[lnferno]

Wait til it adapts even more. Your mind will be blown. Talk about ultimate sleeper.

How long or how many miles does it take to adapt? Are you suppose to really get on it for the first few days for it to adapt properly?

[Ynnekdude]

How long or how many miles does it take to adapt? Are you suppose to really get on it for the first few days for it to adapt properly?

Couple hundred miles I would say. At first I noticed it a lot then a week or so later I REALLY noticed it. Cooler weather also helps a ton.

[lnferno]

Painted the rings Flat Black!

Before:


After:

[bryzf1]

Oh man, I hate to say it, but I am not a fan of the rings. It cheapens the car IMO...

[lnferno]

I like it. Its not for everyone.

What I didn't like from the back is how the the chrome rings didn't complement the rear valence. The flat black definitely gives it more of a contrast. Like how on the front grille the chrome rings on the black grille is a nice contrast. The chrome in the back gave it an inconsistent look IMO.

[lnferno]

Putting on new rubber today - - Bridgestone Pole Position RE970AS

[lnferno]

Added the obligatory Audi Sport License Plate Frame

[305Supercharged]

I see you have put the avant to use with the new tires already =P

[SinCityA6]

I like it. Its not for everyone.

What I didn't like from the back is how the the chrome rings didn't complement the rear valence. The flat black definitely gives it more of a contrast. Like how on the front grille the chrome rings on the black grille is a nice contrast. The chrome in the back gave it an inconsistent look IMO.

on the black rings. I did the same with mine. It just works! Looks real nice.

[lnferno]

on the black rings. I did the same with mine. It just works! Looks real nice.

Thanks!

Pics? I'd like to see your rings as well

[Ynnekdude]

How is the Stage 2 treating you?

[lnferno]

How is the Stage 2 treating you?

You picked a good day to ask. We had 30 degree weather here in Colorado today. But before I go into that, I have to preface this by saying that it's all relative. I had a 600HP B5 S4 that would eat 911 Turbos for lunch, so when I was shopping for a C6 A6, I obviously wasn't looking for the quickest thing in the world. First and foremost, I wanted a more luxurious ride that had ample room for carrying things in the back (plenty of leg room in the back for passengers, stroller, luggage, etc). The power came second.

Obviously the A6 isn't known for it's quickness, but the 3.0T does put out some decent power. The only fair way for me to comment on Stage 2+ is by comparing it to the few days I had it stock up here at 6500' altitude. As a point of reference, using the 1/4 mile as a benchmark, supercharged cars up here at Colorado altitude lose a full second in the 1/4 mile. If you run a 13.00 close to sea level, expect no lower than 14s here. That is a MAJOR loss of power! However, with that said, Stage 2, especially in colder weather, is TONS quicker than stock. I know a lot of you started off with APR v1, upgraded to v2, and maybe then even added the pulley later.

Keep in mind that I leap-frogged all the way from stock to Stage 2+. There was no in-between for me. It's kind of a double-edged sword. I'm so used to turbo'd vehicles where you really feel that rush of power come on, but with this A6, especially on Stage 2+, it's pretty crazy how hard this thing pulls, but it is SO linear that it's quite deceiving! But all I have to do is look at the gauge cluster and I'm amazed how fast the needle goes up the tach and speedometer! I very rarely get on it, but I did take advantage of the 30 degree weather today to do a few pulls and man, this thing pulls pretty hard all the way from 1st gear through 4th gear (I haven't taken it higher than that).

I really wanted to do a before and after dyno (as I've done with a lot of my past cars), but logistically I just couldn't make it happen with my travel schedule before I went Stage 2+. It certainly would have been interesting to see the differences, but I don't need a dyno to tell me that APR Stage 2+ is a major kick in the pants compared to stock.

Again, it's no where near how quick my B5 S4 was, but for a 4300 lb A6 Avant, I'm definitely impressed with how hard this thing pulls at ANY speed or RPM on APR Stage 2+!

[lnferno]

I'm looking for ideas on wheels. I don't have a certain brand or model in mind, but I was thinking about black wheels with a polished lip. I'm open to any suggestions :)

[305Supercharged]

Can I have your weather? I think my car needs a break from the heat..hit 100 today afternoon

[SinCityA6]

I'm looking for ideas on wheels. I don't have a certain brand or model in mind, but I was thinking about black wheels with a polished lip. I'm open to any suggestions :)

Found this while looking thru some past photos....

[SinCityA6]

Thanks!

Pics? I'd like to see your rings as well

Sorry for the delay. I will take a few and post them this weekend. I also did black rings on the front too.

[bryzf1]

I still have those dpe's sitting in my garage if you're interested...

[lnferno]

Bryan - as good as those wheels look, I can't do 20s here where I live. Not sure if you saw what I mentioned in my thread in the Avants Only forum, but the crappy roads here are just not conducive to having a slammed ride like that on low profile tires.

Perhaps I should move lol

[Anthony]

Bryan - as good as those wheels look, I can't do 20s here where I live. Not sure if you saw what I mentioned in my thread in the Avants Only forum, but the crappy roads here are just not conducive to having a slammed ride like that on low profile tires.

Perhaps I should move lol

Well, at least do 19"s. I think you'll regret going 18" on that car.

[lnferno]

[SinCityA6]

Hum......I'm wondering what happened to this quoate "I'm sorry to disappoint, but I'm actually going to keep it stock - - at least while it is still under warranty.".

Mod bug has bit hard once again!!!

[Anthony]

Hum......I'm wondering what happened to this quoate "I'm sorry to disappoint, but I'm actually going to keep it stock - - at least while it is still under warranty.".

Mod bug has bit hard once again!!!

If you hang out on Audizine at all, it's going to bite you eventually.

[lnferno]

Hum......I'm wondering what happened to this quoate "I'm sorry to disappoint, but I'm actually going to keep it stock - - at least while it is still under warranty.".

Mod bug has bit hard once again!!!

Yah I usually have an angel on one shoulder and the devil on the other shoulder, but the devil always ends up kicking the angel's ass

[lnferno]

Well, at least do 19"s. I think you'll regret going 18" on that car.

DAMN YOU ANTHONY!!!

[lnferno]

Hmmmm

[cebo0650]

Putting on new rubber today - - Bridgestone Pole Position RE970AS

Put the same tires on a few weeks ago and have to say they are amazing!

[SinCityA6]

Thanks!

Pics? I'd like to see your rings as well

Here ya go! I did the Black license plate frame and will be blacking out the chrome on on the trunk and the grill surrounds. I know the grill is dirty, sorry. Just got back from a road trip and i am about to clean the car.