As some may already know, I read about a ship with BMWs, Volvos and Saabs sinking en route to the USA on Saturday. there were approx. 3k cars on board. Do you think any of the volvos were the new "R"s or they're not manufactured as yet??
Had the pleasure(last friday) of taking my brother's Audi A4 1.8T/Q for a spin and check out. I was VERY impressed features and handling wise. It's a '02 demo w/5K miles on the odo. It's FULLY loaded except for power seats(and no sport suspension)which is strange since the seats are "leather" and heated in F&R. Anyways, power-wise it's no match for my T5 w/a few minor mods. The fit and finish is outstanding thou, and handling is good since it's AWD. It was a little sluggish off the line cause when I pulled out from a standing stop, the tach runs to 4-5K, but the speedo is only at 20-30mph. By 3rd, it catches up but I can fell it's not a big turbo or maybe the boost is not high in this car. Once up to 50-60 it seems fine! Now the sound system is Unbelieveable; that BOSE w/ in-dash changer makes my SC-901 w/infinity speakers seem like it came from K-mart.
The most likable features were: 6cd indash BOSE system;Xenon lights;compass in R/V mirror;matching full-size spare;semi-manual mode w/control on steering wheel; dual exo.; nice looking dash at nite and that silver/aluminum trim interior, even around the tach and speedo! Execution gets an A+!
So the BIG Q is: would I buy one? YES, but in FWD and manual and do some mods to bring up the power to at least 280HP. I wouldn't want to be left in the dust by a Maxima or TL or the new G35. Actually, I can buy one of the above 3 and save a few Gs, right?? BTW, my bro got his A4 for $27K(in NJ), but it was his lucky day. Any boarders have the new A series and what's you feeling compared to our bricks(850, S70 or S60)