5 Days in a new B8

[Postman]

My B7 was getting its timing belt tensioner changed and apparently the tech slipped the belt off a couple teeth………….and started the car. So while it’s getting new valves put in I’ve been driving a 2009 2.0T Premium as a loaner for the last five days.

I had already driven the 3.2 at Infineon and liked it (but not as much as the BMW xi though they had for comparison). My lease will be up next spring and figured this would be a good chance to try out the 2.0T which I hadn’t driven yet.

I have to say that I really didn’t like this car as much as mine at first. Super soft low speed steering and all around lack of personality. After taking it for a long drive this weekend on some backroads around the Sacramento Delta I think I’ve changed my mind.

The new engine kicks ass. Even with the lousy Tiptronic ( I still can’t understand how people can enjoy these cars with automatics, but to each their own) this thing just blasts out of corners. I’ve never driven a four cylinder with this much low end torque. It’s amazing really, I’m shocked at how the motor pulls and keeps on pulling until about 5K RPM. They should of just made the redline there, because after that it kinda feels like shit. Engine gets rougher and seems to lose power. With a manual this would be OK, but with the tip you just feel like your wasting your time. Since it has no paddle shifters (it’s a premium with no sport pack), it’s just not that much fun to shift it. Sport mode doesn’t seem to help much either.

The rear wheel bias (and the engine being moved further back) really makes this car a blast to drive on tight windy roads. Even with no sport suspension and crappy 17” touring tires this car is fun when pushed. Minimal understeer and (seems to me anyway) less intrusive ESP then a B7 allows you to even get the rear a little loose to tighten the line with no drama at all.

I despised the MMI or whatever they’re calling it on the B8. Just seems ridiculous to me to have to push two buttons and look at a LCD screen to adjust an AC vent or lower the midrange on the shitty stereo. After a few days though I don’t even think about it, and have actually started liking it.

Before I drove this thing for a week I was thinking I was done with Audi, but I really feel a manual and sport package (seats, wheels/tires, steering wheel etc) would be absolutely fantastic on this car with this engine. Really the only negative would be that soft steering. I don’t know what they were thinking on that, other then trying to sell to American/Japanese conquest customers. The new Jetta GLI steering feels better IMO.

Anyway, if they come out with a manual and a decent lease, I’m sure I’ll probably pull the trigger on one in the next 6 months.

Here’s some pics:

[pyro]

good post. i would def wait for the s line manual to come out...and even more so the diesel. yum.
no american manual avant tho.

[b6onboost]

a few comments:

1. Man the new B8s come with weak wheels and 4x4 suspension. I know S-Line will look better, but that plain B8 looks so cheap with those wheels.

2. Is your B7 stock? For about $500 you can chip it and it'll have more power and torque than the stock B8.

[Postman]

good post. i would def wait for the s line manual to come out...and even more so the diesel. yum.
no american manual avant tho.

Unfortunately the S-Line will only be on the Prestige so the price (IMO) just isn't worth it. The 'sport package' though includes the sport seats, better steering wheel (another weak spot in this car), 18"s etc. and is only a $1,495 option. Worth twice that I think and will still be well under the Prestige price. Anything higher and personally I would step up to an A5 or 335. Cheapest one I can get with the sport package and I'll stick with the A4.

[Postman]

a few comments:

1. Man the new B8s come with weak wheels and 4x4 suspension. I know S-Line will look better, but that plain B8 looks so cheap with those wheels.

2. Is your B7 stock? For about $500 you can chip it and it'll have more power and torque than the stock B8.

Wheels are horrible. They're 17's though, which shows you how big these cars have gotten.

My B7 is stock and the three VAG turbo cars (B6 USP, B6 and B5 Passat) before it were as well. I always say I'm going to chip them, but never follow through. I procrastinate until the leases are almost up.

[Silververtu]

Damn, i wish i get a B8 A4 as loaner car!!!

[Postman]

Damn, i wish i get a B8 A4 as loaner car!!!

Have your dealer bend your valves during a minor repair and I bet they will!

[khmerguy978]

I am so happy I got the Prestige package. my 18 > those 17s. And no HIDs/LEDs? Weak!

I love my B8. I find the Tip to be fine since I spend a good amount of time in traffic and my other toys are manual, even the Wrangler is. It's nice to get in a beautiful car with all the technology and be able to sit back and relax knowing I have plenty of power to get me going when I need it.

Glad to hear you enjoyed the car!

Cheers... Rocco

[cellg8]

I never understood why Audi ever put these wheels are such a beautiful car...

[DELUX]

I saw Khmerguy's B8 yesterday up close and it is BEAUTIFUL. It was the first prestige package I've seen and the 18s are f'n hot, no joke. They look VERY sporty.

[Silververtu]

Have your dealer bend your valves during a minor repair and I bet they will!

They better give me a new car if they do so

[toaster]

audi never understood the concept of a "base" model luxury car. there is a minimum standard that should be adhered to, but audi always seems to drop below that on the "base" model cars they make. ie. they think it's alright to put crappy wheels on a drop dead gorgeous machine.

when will they learn?

[b6onboost]

you're missing out. with just a reflash your B7 would be significantly quicker and more powerful than that new B8 you just drove.

My B7 is stock and the three VAG turbo cars (B6 USP, B6 and B5 Passat) before it were as well. I always say I'm going to chip them, but never follow through. I procrastinate until the leases are almost up.

[TapouTx914]

Omg all i have to say is that suspension is hideous haha

[DELUX]

audi never understood the concept of a "base" model luxury car. there is a minimum standard that should be adhered to, but audi always seems to drop below that on the "base" model cars they make. ie. they think it's alright to put crappy wheels on a drop dead gorgeous machine.

when will they learn?

What are you talking about? What base model comes with nice wheels? Base model is a base model... for people that can't afford more. What do you expect? Forged 19s?

[jriddle11]

I am waiting to see a car with the following packages before I decide if i will buy one or not. Prestige, S-Line, and Sport. I know it will be around $45K but I think it will be worth it.

[Postman]

I am waiting to see a car with the following packages before I decide if i will buy one or not. Prestige, S-Line, and Sport. I know it will be around $45K but I think it will be worth it.

S-Line would override the Sport Package I believe.