Help: Daytona Gray Matte or Daytona Gray Pearl?

[CTRS7]

I am very excited to be purchasing my first Audi. I am ordering a 2017 RS7 but having a tough time deciding between Daytona Gray Matte & Daytona Gray Pearl.
I am leaning towards Matte but wanted to see if anybody here can give me their advice/opinion on why they choose one over the other. Especially looking to hear from any Daytona Gray Matte owners (past or present) to tell me a little about how they maintained the paint or any major issues they had with the Matte. Also been looking everywhere for a picture of both matte and pearl daytona gray in natural sunlight side by side but can't find that anywhere?
I greatly appreciate any guidance and thanks in advance for any help you provide me! If you have either of these colors would love to see pictures of them!

[JoshDub]

I'd go with pearl but I am a little biased.

[bakedziti]

I'd go with the matte. I like both really, but the matte is seldom seen, at least for me.

EDIT: Side-by-side link http://fourtitude.com/news/on_location/on-location-11-10-2012-audi-rs-4-at-cars-coffee-great-falls-va/

[yas]

Both are beautiful. For the cost of the matte option, I'd probably go Xpel Stealth, and enjoy the possibility of going back to pearl.


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[HeelBuff]

I am very excited to be purchasing my first Audi. I am ordering a 2017 RS7 but having a tough time deciding between Daytona Gray Matte & Daytona Gray Pearl.
I am leaning towards Matte but wanted to see if anybody here can give me their advice/opinion on why they choose one over the other. Especially looking to hear from any Daytona Gray Matte owners (past or present) to tell me a little about how they maintained the paint or any major issues they had with the Matte.

I've had my 2014 Daytona Grey Matte RS7 for almost 2 1/2 years and I am so glad I chose the color I did. I was nervous about the matte finish - both how it would look in person and how it would stand the test of time - and have been pleasantly surprised to the upside with both. Care is a breeze; I use Dr. Beasley's matte care package, consisting of soap, cleaner & sealant. The only special thing about the soap is that it doesn't have any sort of wax or silicone-based ingredients because they reduce the matte effect over time. The sealant you apply twice a year and it is incredibly fast and easy to apply. As far as appearance goes, it definitely is a head turner so you have to have your eyes wide open about that. I was reticent about this aspect because I'm generally not a "look at me!' kind of guy. The matte finish Audi uses is kind of satin-like and it reflects sunlight beautifully and it still allows the pearlescence of the underlying Daytona Grey to show. I would be fearful of using a matte film because it would be likely to obscure the pearl flakes in the underlying paint due to its opacity. Matte paint was a $6K option when I ordered my car and I feel it was the most worthwhile option I bought. I would pick it over the B&O stereo - which I have and like - every time.

[gta7]

The matte is so nice in person!

[Djpeaksd]

QuaTTrings has the Matte Daytona RS7 and it looks pretty bad ass in person, not gonna lie!

[Brooklyn]

Pearl and have Xpel Stealth installed over it. Much easier to maintain and if you decide you don't like it later on, you can revert to the pearl look.

[Kevin1]

I am an old geezer. When I was young cars ended up having a matte finish after a few years because the quality of the paint was so bad. Everytime I see a new car with a matte finish I think that moron paid extra for the paint finish we made fun of as kids in the 1960s. I vote for the Pearl finish. But it's your car so get what you like.

[LW3]

Both are beautiful. For the cost of the matte option, I'd probably go Xpel Stealth, and enjoy the possibility of going back to pearl.


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Pearl and have Xpel Stealth installed over it. Much easier to maintain and if you decide you don't like it later on, you can revert to the pearl look.


Win win either way, but I would agree with Yas and Brooklyn. DGP with Xpel stealth gives you options plus if you decide against the film, you have some extra cash for wheels or mods or strippers or whatever.

I have Daytona on a SQ5 and feel it is pretty solid, especially with black optics (carbon optics for the RS7).

[Sd76]

Win win. Agreed. That's a hard choice pro's for both. I'm glad I'm
Not making that decision!!!!! But post pics ASAP


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[Stan77]

Go with pearl ) At least i did

https://g-a.d-cd.net/f71a8f6s-960.jpg

[CTRS7]

I'd go with pearl but I am a little biased.
Any pictures?


I'd go with the matte. I like both really, but the matte is seldom seen, at least for me.

EDIT: Side-by-side link http://fourtitude.com/news/on_location/on-location-11-10-2012-audi-rs-4-at-cars-coffee-great-falls-va/
Thx so much been looking for this everywhere!

[CTRS7]

Both are beautiful. For the cost of the matte option, I'd probably go Xpel Stealth, and enjoy the possibility of going back to pearl.


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So I am a total newbie, have no idea what speak Stealth is, will have to research!
Thx for reply

[CTRS7]

I've had my 2014 Daytona Grey Matte RS7 for almost 2 1/2 years and I am so glad I chose the color I did. I was nervous about the matte finish - both how it would look in person and how it would stand the test of time - and have been pleasantly surprised to the upside with both. Care is a breeze; I use Dr. Beasley's matte care package, consisting of soap, cleaner & sealant. The only special thing about the soap is that it doesn't have any sort of wax or silicone-based ingredients because they reduce the matte effect over time. The sealant you apply twice a year and it is incredibly fast and easy to apply. As far as appearance goes, it definitely is a head turner so you have to have your eyes wide open about that. I was reticent about this aspect because I'm generally not a "look at me!' kind of guy. The matte finish Audi uses is kind of satin-like and it reflects sunlight beautifully and it still allows the pearlescence of the underlying Daytona Grey to show. I would be fearful of using a matte film because it would be likely to obscure the pearl flakes in the underlying paint due to its opacity. Matte paint was a $6K option when I ordered my car and I feel it was the most worthwhile option I bought. I would pick it over the B&O stereo - which I have and like - every time.

Wow I think you sold me. Cant thank you enough for posting all the info you provided. It is great to hear from a Matte owner so may have a question or two down the road if you don't mind.
Thx again

[CTRS7]

QuaTTrings has the Matte Daytona RS7 and it looks pretty bad ass in person, not gonna lie!

Thx will also say I am a huge Sepang Blue fan as well, have it in my current ride.

[CTRS7]

Win win either way, but I would agree with Yas and Brooklyn. DGP with Xpel stealth gives you options plus if you decide against the film, you have some extra cash for wheels or mods or strippers or whatever.

I have Daytona on a SQ5 and feel it is pretty solid, especially with black optics (carbon optics for the RS7).
Thx for the advice need to research this since I am really new to this and obviously need to do some more research!
Greatly appreciate all the opinions

- - - Updated - - -


Win win. Agreed. That's a hard choice pro's for both. I'm glad I'm
Not making that decision!!!!! But post pics ASAP


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Will do once it arrives!

- - - Updated - - -


Go with pearl ) At least i did

https://g-a.d-cd.net/f71a8f6s-960.jpg

That is a stunning car, thx for the picture!

[Stan77]

I love the pearl effect of DGP, it looks amazing under the city lights at night
https://b-a.d-cd.net/89a8f6s-960.jpg

I can add 1 point to your choice, go with pearl, it's always possible to wrap it with matte xpel and remove it when you'll get tired of it instead of OEM matte paint )

[DrBeerMD]

Exactly what Brooklyn said

[Big Chewy]

Count me in the Pearl camp -- mine looks amazing with the carbon package. Highly recommend it

[SilvaDolla]

My dealer recently had a matte gray RS7 and it looked amazing. I had to stare at it every time I went in. I ended up with Nardo myself. The good news is you can't go wrong with either of those choices


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[QuaTTrings]

Thanks Djpeaksd!

To the original post: I was in a similar situation as you when deciding. Here's a picture of the two colors side by side that I hope will help. What I like about Daytona Matte is that the lines of the A7 body are accentuated. You can see this in the picture of my 7 vs my wife's Q5. The paint is simple to maintain (easier than gloss) and the pearl really sparkles in the Daytona Matte also.

Another thing, you can wrap matte with gloss Xpel and turn it back into gloss paint. I have gloss wrap behind the wheels (factory) on the lower part of the fenders and it looks just like the Daytona Q5 paint next to it. (*not that anyone would spend $6k and then another $4-5k on Xpel to do that, but just pointing it out)




QuaTTrings has the Matte Daytona RS7 and it looks pretty bad ass in person, not gonna lie!

http://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.audiworld.com-vbulletin/1634x1222/80-daytona_81ad73e23214ddda9e5f10705d7a0a0ba7a03af3.j pg

[impactplayer]

Matte all the way! Here's my matte RS 7: http://imgur.com/a/U6fAo.

[Djpeaksd]

Thanks Djpeaksd!

To the original post: I was in a similar situation as you when deciding. Here's a picture of the two colors side by side that I hope will help. What I like about Daytona Matte is that the lines of the A7 body are accentuated. You can see this in the picture of my 7 vs my wife's Q5. The paint is simple to maintain (easier than gloss) and the pearl really sparkles in the Daytona Matte also.

Another thing, you can wrap matte with gloss Xpel and turn it back into gloss paint. I have gloss wrap behind the wheels (factory) on the lower part of the fenders and it looks just like the Daytona Q5 paint next to it. (*not that anyone would spend $6k and then another $4-5k on Xpel to do that, but just pointing it out)





http://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.audiworld.com-vbulletin/1634x1222/80-daytona_81ad73e23214ddda9e5f10705d7a0a0ba7a03af3.j pg

Those wheels though!!!!

[QuaTTrings]

I know, I know, I need to do something about them! I've been lazy with this car mods....

[Audi 1932]

I went with Pearl but wish I did Nardo!!!

[AudiA6A5]

1 vote for matte


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[Demandred]

don't think you can go wrong with either...I would like Matte but also love the colour of Daytona grey as it is...Maybe get Pearl and you can wrap it matte to change if wanted and then revert back as many times as your wallet will allow :)

[subterFUSE]

I agree the smartest move is to get the pearl finish and then wrap the car in XPel Stealth. Having paint protection film is such a good investment if you love your car because it protects from rock chips, keeping your looking car like new for years.

By going the film route you will also have the option to revert back to pearl if you ever decide. It's sort of a win, win, win situation.

You get the matte look you want.
You get paint protection for your car.
You can remove it any time you want.

[notn41]

Pearl. Timeless

[CTRS7]

So first off, I wanted to thank everybody with their help/opinions! It was a great help to me, however I still couldn't decide since I love both colors.
So it all worked out in the end, I built the Car the ideal way I would want it and gave it to my dealership to try to locate one.
He was able to find only one 2017 with the exact build in the Pearl in the entire country and not a single Matte. Ironically, It was sitting at the port in Rhode Island less than an hour from the dealership. So it was meant to be!
In the whole country only one with the exact build I wanted and it was that close, so I just need it to get released from port and should have it in a week or two. Will post pictures once it arrives, thanks again for all the help!

[LW3]

So first off, I wanted to thank everybody with their help/opinions! It was a great help to me, however I still couldn't decide since I love both colors.
So it all worked out in the end, I built the Car the ideal way I would want it and gave it to my dealership to try to locate one.
He was able to find only one 2017 with the exact build in the Pearl in the entire country and not a single Matte. Ironically, It was sitting at the port in Rhode Island less than an hour from the dealership. So it was meant to be!
In the whole country only one with the exact build I wanted and it was that close, so I just need it to get released from port and should have it in a week or two. Will post pictures once it arrives, thanks again for all the help!

Nice. What was your exact build? I'll keep an eye out for you ripping around CT once you get it.

[HeelBuff]

So first off, I wanted to thank everybody with their help/opinions! It was a great help to me, however I still couldn't decide since I love both colors.
So it all worked out in the end, I built the Car the ideal way I would want it and gave it to my dealership to try to locate one.
He was able to find only one 2017 with the exact build in the Pearl in the entire country and not a single Matte. Ironically, It was sitting at the port in Rhode Island less than an hour from the dealership. So it was meant to be!
In the whole country only one with the exact build I wanted and it was that close, so I just need it to get released from port and should have it in a week or two. Will post pictures once it arrives, thanks again for all the help!

Congratulations. You are one lucky guy that your exact build will be in your driveway in a couple of weeks - it took me 6 months to get my car!

[Tisbury]

I didn't go through the four pages of replies, but wanted to toss in my vote. I would go with pearl and get a matte wrap. The color options are unlimited and more unique. I'm putting a black matte aluminum wrap on my RS7 next spring.

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[Tisbury]

I didn't go through the four pages of replies, but wanted to toss in my vote. I would go with pearl and get a matte wrap. The color options are unlimited and more unique. I'm putting a black matte aluminum wrap on my RS7 next spring.

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Should have read. See that you got yours ordered. Big congratulations. I have a great wrap guy if you need someone to talk to.

Some opinions:

Don't get the permaplate. Get Crystal Serum or OptiCoat Pro aftermarket.

Do get the interior leather protection package. It covers everything from holes to cuts to burns.

Make sure they throw in weather tech floor mats.

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[CTRS7]

So excited that yesterday my RS7 arrived. Could not be happier with the color choice and can't thank all the members on here enough for all the help and advice. I read somebody asked what packages I ordered...
B & O Advanced Sound System
Driver Assistance Package
Carbon Optic Package
Sport Exhaust with Black Tips
21' Gloss Black Finish
Red Brake Calipers
Carbon Optic Lower air intakes w/quattro

Can't say enough about Hoffman Audi Dealership, the best car purchase experience/delivery I have ever had and would highly recommend this dealership if you are in the CT/R.I area!
Here are some pictures.
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/7/0/5/9/1/1/webimg/917242743_o.jpg
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/7/0/5/9/1/1/webimg/917242757_o.jpg
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/7/0/5/9/1/1/webimg/917242621_o.jpg
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/7/0/5/9/1/1/webimg/917242633_o.jpg
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/7/0/5/9/1/1/webimg/917242607_o.jpg
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/7/0/5/9/1/1/webimg/917242671_o.jpg
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/7/0/5/9/1/1/webimg/917242655_o.jpg

[SilvaDolla]

Congrats! I've had mine now for about 2 months and still puts a smile on my face each day.


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[mbauer0]

wow! that's pure sex. CONGRATS!

So excited that yesterday my RS7 arrived. Could not be happier with the color choice and can't thank all the members on here enough for all the help and advice. I read somebody asked what packages I ordered...
B & O Advanced Sound System
Driver Assistance Package
Carbon Optic Package
Sport Exhaust with Black Tips
21' Gloss Black Finish
Red Brake Calipers
Carbon Optic Lower air intakes w/quattro

Can't say enough about Hoffman Audi Dealership, the best car purchase experience/delivery I have ever had and would highly recommend this dealership if you are in the CT/R.I area!
Here are some pictures.
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/7/0/5/9/1/1/webimg/917242743_o.jpg
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/7/0/5/9/1/1/webimg/917242757_o.jpg
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/7/0/5/9/1/1/webimg/917242621_o.jpg
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/7/0/5/9/1/1/webimg/917242633_o.jpg
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/7/0/5/9/1/1/webimg/917242607_o.jpg
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/7/0/5/9/1/1/webimg/917242671_o.jpg
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/7/0/5/9/1/1/webimg/917242655_o.jpg

[Big Chewy]

Looks Amazing! Great choice. Enjoy figuring out places to drive to for no reason!

[QuaTTrings]

Nice car - Congrats!


So excited that yesterday my RS7 arrived. Could not be happier with the color choice and can't thank all the members on here enough for all the help and advice. I read somebody asked what packages I ordered...
B & O Advanced Sound System
Driver Assistance Package
Carbon Optic Package
Sport Exhaust with Black Tips
21' Gloss Black Finish
Red Brake Calipers
Carbon Optic Lower air intakes w/quattro

Can't say enough about Hoffman Audi Dealership, the best car purchase experience/delivery I have ever had and would highly recommend this dealership if you are in the CT/R.I area!
Here are some pictures.

[Brooklyn]

Gorgeous. Congrats!

[CTRS7]

Doing that already LOL. Thanks, My kids are asking for rides all hours of the day, I feel like my ride has become a Disney park attraction!

Question for all you RS7 owners, Is it normal for cooling fans to run for 7 to 10 minutes after car is turned off? This is My first ever Audi, so not sure if this is a normal thing or should I call the dealership? Keep thinking the car is running, thats how loud it sounds like. Thanks in advance for your replies.

[LW3]

Normal for the fans to run after the vehicle has been turned off. How long they run for varies on coolant temperature I believe. Seven to ten minutes seems a little long though.

[SilvaDolla]

Is it normal for cooling fans to run for 7 to 10 minutes after car is turned off?

Yeah - mine does that - especially if I have driven it aggressively and pull into our hot garage (late afternoon) - then it takes a few minutes to cool down.

At other times the fans only run for a minute or not at all.


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