I'm booked in for a test drive at Guildford Audi for a performance edition they are having In within the next 2 months...
I'm in no rush ATM.. it's either a c7 or wait for the next rs4.. my question is what do they handle like when pushed hard??
And any negative day to day things I need to know about??
Cheers lads RIV
Thinking about a performance edition
Re: Thinking about a performance edition
honestly, I find the C7 a brilliant day-to-day car. Some people dislike the size of the car, but I personally don't think its that bad - the birds eye view parking camera helps loads to negate that.
handling-wise, its a huge improvement over the past incarnations of the RS6 due to the vectoring/diff etc.. but its still no sports car. The speed that the car can carry often will make you think its handling poorly, but really, you've probably tried to take the corner 20mph+ too fast.
handling-wise, its a huge improvement over the past incarnations of the RS6 due to the vectoring/diff etc.. but its still no sports car. The speed that the car can carry often will make you think its handling poorly, but really, you've probably tried to take the corner 20mph+ too fast.
Re: Thinking about a performance edition
^ this is a pretty good summary.
On size, it's not compatible with most car parks if you're vaguely precious. For starters the car is fecking long, it's wide too. Top view helps, but if it's too big, it's too big.
Handling is night and day better than the C6, it's far more willing to corner. But, quick changes of direction will catch it out, you cannot, of course, defy physics. Pushed hard it'll just understeer.
It'll be very late in the cycle, and whilst interior is nice enough, look around now and the world has moved on quite a pace. I'd wait for B9/C8 if sticking with Audi.
On size, it's not compatible with most car parks if you're vaguely precious. For starters the car is fecking long, it's wide too. Top view helps, but if it's too big, it's too big.
Handling is night and day better than the C6, it's far more willing to corner. But, quick changes of direction will catch it out, you cannot, of course, defy physics. Pushed hard it'll just understeer.
It'll be very late in the cycle, and whilst interior is nice enough, look around now and the world has moved on quite a pace. I'd wait for B9/C8 if sticking with Audi.
Re: Thinking about a performance edition
Had a C7 (albeit a 3.0 Derv S-Line) before the B8, and my only comment is the size of the thing might get on your nerves. They are BIG, ok for motorway work, but around town and car-parks you feel every cm of it, especially the length.
As Doodlebug also says, the C7 is now at the end of is life, so is starting to feel dated inside. Go and spend some time in a new Q7 or B9, then sit in a C7 and you'll see what I mean, the difference is significant.
Also the reliability problems that seem to be cropping up around wheels and DRC, electric gremlins) are a bit off putting. If I were sinking c£90-100k into a big car, Audi would no longer be the first place i'd be putting it. Porsche Panamera (waiting for the Panny estate) or new E63 would be top of the list for me, especially as you said you aren't in a rush.
That's not to say the C7 isn't a good car, it is. But perhaps find a lightly used one to lessen the impact.
As Doodlebug also says, the C7 is now at the end of is life, so is starting to feel dated inside. Go and spend some time in a new Q7 or B9, then sit in a C7 and you'll see what I mean, the difference is significant.
Also the reliability problems that seem to be cropping up around wheels and DRC, electric gremlins) are a bit off putting. If I were sinking c£90-100k into a big car, Audi would no longer be the first place i'd be putting it. Porsche Panamera (waiting for the Panny estate) or new E63 would be top of the list for me, especially as you said you aren't in a rush.
That's not to say the C7 isn't a good car, it is. But perhaps find a lightly used one to lessen the impact.
'15 B8 RS4 - SOLD
Re: Thinking about a performance edition
I've not driven the B8 so can't compare but I can compare to the B7 which you used to own and the RS3 which I imagine has a similar gearbox to the B8.
You already know it will not handle like the B7. That is not to say it can't go round corners fast because it can. The problem for me is that it rolls too much especially compared to the very flat cornering B7. The air suspension cars roll more than the DRC but they both roll too much, although I felt there was quite a difference between the 2. In comfort mode it is exactly as described, in dynamic very hard, much much harder than the B7. So for me the choice between air and DRC was easy; both are comfortable when in comfort but DRC is better in dynamic. Probably doesn't go any faster round bends but feels better. Lowering the car then getting it aligned properly made a huge difference to the handling especially turn in which felt much sharper (not sure if this was because of suspension, alignment or both). Having said that, I hated comfort mode when I got it, I don't mid it now, but maybe that is due to the high motorway miles I'm doing at the moment.
As I said already, it does go round bends fast, but I used to find that I'd be running wide on tight roundabouts when coming in too quick. Not necessarily because it was understeering, it just didn't turn as well as I expected it too. But it is a long, wide & heavy car so expcted a little. As I said this got much better with the lowering and alignment. I think some upgraded anti-roll bars would sort it out and I intended on getting some but still haven't done it yet. From the same company that make the anti roll bars there is a nice stiffening plate but it is for LHD cars only. There is a guy on Instagram (one of Classba's friends) who got the ARB fitted and says it was a huge improvement. Sometimes I go to beat someone round a roundabout and have the power and grip but often bottle it due to the width and length of the car; quite often you just run out of room especially when the other driver is not expecting you to be overtaking them and they cut the corner a little; in the B7 there was still enough room to nip past but have to think twice with this beast.
It stops bloody well considering it's weight. I'm on steels and not had a problem with stopping yet. I felt in the B7 the brakes never got used that much on my daily commute and probably why pad deposits built up on the discs but they get used properly now; between the weight and the extra speed I am going they get a good work out but always do the job (on the road). I find when braking coming up to roundabout they grip then all of a sudden they give a really good bite and slow you down immensely. I always though this was due to a downshift but I've been trying to anticipate when it might happen and I don't think it coincides with a downshift. Maybe some brake assistance kicking in? But the point is, these brakes have no problem stopping it and are actually a lot more capable than noticed under normal braking.
Steering is a little bit meh. I don't find it awful but it is not as direct as the B7.
You may find the auto gearbox a little slow coming from a double clutch jobbie in the B8. Others have noted that it is not so fast before, but I am pleasantly surprised by how fast it can change. I'm used to the auto of yesteryear which were awful. I really like the Z8 box in this car though, and prefer it to the double clutch in the RS3. It doesn't feel any slower to me but can be driven in sport mode without being overly aggressive. The RS3 box for me is a little lazy and throttle response is slow in Drive but when you change to Sport mode it wants to shout and rip your face off, it seems there is no in between.
So handling is not bad, it's just not as fun to chuck around like the B7, you can tell it is heavier and just requires more effort and consideration about where you will end up. I had the rear end step out a couple of times in the wet but it manages it well. I'm on the factory Dunlops still, so a set of Michelins would probably help a lot although losing traction doesn't happen often. For me it probably a confidence thing, I'm just more cautious when not wearing Eagle F1s or Michelins.
But bloody hell it is fun when you put your foot down. It has this relentless pull that is addidctive. The problem is you can only do it for a few seconds as you will be into licence losing territory very quickly. And for me that is the biggest issue; I have to keep reigning it back and constantly worry about the high speeds as it happens so quickly.
Oh and it is surprising how much longer it takes to wash, and uses a lot more snow foam and needs more drying towels.
You already know it will not handle like the B7. That is not to say it can't go round corners fast because it can. The problem for me is that it rolls too much especially compared to the very flat cornering B7. The air suspension cars roll more than the DRC but they both roll too much, although I felt there was quite a difference between the 2. In comfort mode it is exactly as described, in dynamic very hard, much much harder than the B7. So for me the choice between air and DRC was easy; both are comfortable when in comfort but DRC is better in dynamic. Probably doesn't go any faster round bends but feels better. Lowering the car then getting it aligned properly made a huge difference to the handling especially turn in which felt much sharper (not sure if this was because of suspension, alignment or both). Having said that, I hated comfort mode when I got it, I don't mid it now, but maybe that is due to the high motorway miles I'm doing at the moment.
As I said already, it does go round bends fast, but I used to find that I'd be running wide on tight roundabouts when coming in too quick. Not necessarily because it was understeering, it just didn't turn as well as I expected it too. But it is a long, wide & heavy car so expcted a little. As I said this got much better with the lowering and alignment. I think some upgraded anti-roll bars would sort it out and I intended on getting some but still haven't done it yet. From the same company that make the anti roll bars there is a nice stiffening plate but it is for LHD cars only. There is a guy on Instagram (one of Classba's friends) who got the ARB fitted and says it was a huge improvement. Sometimes I go to beat someone round a roundabout and have the power and grip but often bottle it due to the width and length of the car; quite often you just run out of room especially when the other driver is not expecting you to be overtaking them and they cut the corner a little; in the B7 there was still enough room to nip past but have to think twice with this beast.
It stops bloody well considering it's weight. I'm on steels and not had a problem with stopping yet. I felt in the B7 the brakes never got used that much on my daily commute and probably why pad deposits built up on the discs but they get used properly now; between the weight and the extra speed I am going they get a good work out but always do the job (on the road). I find when braking coming up to roundabout they grip then all of a sudden they give a really good bite and slow you down immensely. I always though this was due to a downshift but I've been trying to anticipate when it might happen and I don't think it coincides with a downshift. Maybe some brake assistance kicking in? But the point is, these brakes have no problem stopping it and are actually a lot more capable than noticed under normal braking.
Steering is a little bit meh. I don't find it awful but it is not as direct as the B7.
You may find the auto gearbox a little slow coming from a double clutch jobbie in the B8. Others have noted that it is not so fast before, but I am pleasantly surprised by how fast it can change. I'm used to the auto of yesteryear which were awful. I really like the Z8 box in this car though, and prefer it to the double clutch in the RS3. It doesn't feel any slower to me but can be driven in sport mode without being overly aggressive. The RS3 box for me is a little lazy and throttle response is slow in Drive but when you change to Sport mode it wants to shout and rip your face off, it seems there is no in between.
So handling is not bad, it's just not as fun to chuck around like the B7, you can tell it is heavier and just requires more effort and consideration about where you will end up. I had the rear end step out a couple of times in the wet but it manages it well. I'm on the factory Dunlops still, so a set of Michelins would probably help a lot although losing traction doesn't happen often. For me it probably a confidence thing, I'm just more cautious when not wearing Eagle F1s or Michelins.
But bloody hell it is fun when you put your foot down. It has this relentless pull that is addidctive. The problem is you can only do it for a few seconds as you will be into licence losing territory very quickly. And for me that is the biggest issue; I have to keep reigning it back and constantly worry about the high speeds as it happens so quickly.
Oh and it is surprising how much longer it takes to wash, and uses a lot more snow foam and needs more drying towels.
Re: Thinking about a performance edition
This I will not miss!!MikeFish wrote:Oh and it is surprising how much longer it takes to wash, and uses a lot more snow foam and needs more drying towels.
Re: Thinking about a performance edition
Water purifier thingy solves the drying part!doodlebug wrote:This I will not miss!!MikeFish wrote:Oh and it is surprising how much longer it takes to wash, and uses a lot more snow foam and needs more drying towels.
Volvo XC90
C7 - RS6
C6 - RS6
B5 - RS4
C7 - RS6
C6 - RS6
B5 - RS4
Re: Thinking about a performance edition
I tried the purifier. Did't work that well for me. Didn't get rid of all the unprified water; it all looks the same and you have a limited amount of uses so used it sparingly.rtd wrote:Water purifier thingy solves the drying part!doodlebug wrote:This I will not miss!!MikeFish wrote:Oh and it is surprising how much longer it takes to wash, and uses a lot more snow foam and needs more drying towels.
Re: Thinking about a performance edition
I bought this 00pp version mike wash car rinse drive off zero hard spots.MikeFish wrote:I tried the purifier. Did't work that well for me. Didn't get rid of all the unprified water; it all looks the same and you have a limited amount of uses so used it sparingly.rtd wrote:Water purifier thingy solves the drying part!doodlebug wrote: This I will not miss!!
Volvo XC90
C7 - RS6
C6 - RS6
B5 - RS4
C7 - RS6
C6 - RS6
B5 - RS4
Re: Thinking about a performance edition
Slightly OT but at first I really struggled washing my new Range Rover Sport, I vastly underestimated how big the thing was and how long it would take to wash & dry. After asking for advice from a detailer I was pointed in the direction of these...doodlebug wrote:This I will not miss!!MikeFish wrote:Oh and it is surprising how much longer it takes to wash, and uses a lot more snow foam and needs more drying towels.
Kent Q6100 Extra Large Microfibre Drying Towel https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0030B9U6Q/ ... KybS39HER9
... sceptically I ordered a couple, but after use im totally converted! Not a word of a lie I can dry the soaking wet Range Rover with just two of those towels, they are mega! True; it doesn't stop the need for a pair of mini step ladders to wash the roof etc, but drying time has been cut down by at least 80%.
'15 B8 RS4 - SOLD
Re: Thinking about a performance edition
Sorry Si, staying off topic for a moment; Kev I recently got the Meguirs water magnet. Works really well, but doesnt wring out so need 2 to completely dry the RS6.
rtd, I have a 0PPM filter too but I only use it to rinse the water off after I have finished washing it normally so some unfiltered water stays on. Are you saying you use the filter for the whole wash? It wouldn't last very long that way but probably work well.
rtd, I have a 0PPM filter too but I only use it to rinse the water off after I have finished washing it normally so some unfiltered water stays on. Are you saying you use the filter for the whole wash? It wouldn't last very long that way but probably work well.
Re: Thinking about a performance edition
Yeah man whole wash - refills ain't that expensive in comparison you finish early and can do other stuff - if I had to dry as well it would take me all day. Sod that.MikeFish wrote:Sorry Si, staying off topic for a moment; Kev I recently got the Meguirs water magnet. Works really well, but doesnt wring out so need 2 to completely dry the RS6.
rtd, I have a 0PPM filter too but I only use it to rinse the water off after I have finished washing it normally so some unfiltered water stays on. Are you saying you use the filter for the whole wash? It wouldn't last very long that way but probably work well.
Volvo XC90
C7 - RS6
C6 - RS6
B5 - RS4
C7 - RS6
C6 - RS6
B5 - RS4
Re: Thinking about a performance edition
0PPM filter lasted me about ten washes using as last rinse only. Not really economic.
Re: Thinking about a performance edition
That was one of the main differences highlighted when I was researching the towels on the detailing forums, the Kent towels are 'wringable' (is that a word!?!?), so I'd defo recommend you give one a bash. For £3.50 what can go wrong.MikeFish wrote:Sorry Si, staying off topic for a moment; Kev I recently got the Meguirs water magnet. Works really well, but doesnt wring out so need 2 to completely dry the RS6.
'15 B8 RS4 - SOLD
Re: Thinking about a performance edition
How do you think i'm going to cope?? Can see me ordering a couple of these myself Kev & keeping the step ladders closer to hand.kmpowell wrote:Slightly OT but at first I really struggled washing my new Range Rover Sport, I vastly underestimated how big the thing was and how long it would take to wash & dry. After asking for advice from a detailer I was pointed in the direction of these...doodlebug wrote:This I will not miss!!MikeFish wrote:Oh and it is surprising how much longer it takes to wash, and uses a lot more snow foam and needs more drying towels.
Kent Q6100 Extra Large Microfibre Drying Towel https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0030B9U6Q/ ... KybS39HER9
... sceptically I ordered a couple, but after use im totally converted! Not a word of a lie I can dry the soaking wet Range Rover with just two of those towels, they are mega! True; it doesn't stop the need for a pair of mini step ladders to wash the roof etc, but drying time has been cut down by at least 80%.
Paul
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