Why am I thinking about Audis?

I have been thinking, talking and looking at alot of Audis lately.

Not too long ago someone mentioned on The Road Rake that Audis were pieces of crap (no need for literary flourish here). This is true. The early model A6s with the 2.8 liter engine were prone to electrical gremlins and leaks.

Today, however, Audi does have two or three proven gems in its stable when it comes to engines. While at an Audi dealer this evening (of all places) the salesman waxed about the little 2.0 liter turbo that currently powers the base A4 (and also the VW GTI and EOS–great new convertible for under 30k from VW.) While at times salespeople get things wrong, this guy knew his stuff–it is, by all accounts a great engine with proven reliability.

I have written in other entries about the 2.7 liter bi-turbo found in the first generation S4 (AllRoad and A6 Quattro as well), which has proven to be an easily rodded German engine (rare).

Finally, I have also been hot for awhile on the Audi 4.2 liter V8. At this stage its primarily an emotional attachment that has something to do with the ballsy move of stuffing this large engine into the bay of a diminuitive S4 (years before the M3–which is only recently getting around to it).

I have not heard anything really bad about this engine, and I also know it can accept twin turbos to pump its output up to exactly 469 HP (the rating in the fast but clinical RS6).

Finally, I really dig the second generation re-skin of the A4. Its a change that actually makes this model look more contemporary that the third and current generation model. When you combine those good looks with a proven 4WD handling package, sweet interior and mondo engine in a little chasis, you have a recipe that John DeLorean would love.*

(*John DeLorean remains a hero to many car guys, if only for the fact that he may have been the rare Engineer with matinee looks.)