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This program enables Audi enthusiasts or anyone interested in Audi to experiencing Audi's history, culture, technology, and of course ts products. The program starts with an exciting exploration of the brand at the Audi Forum Ingolstadt, Audi's worldwide headquarters. The Audi Driver's Day program offers different packages depending on the number of days you would like to drive your dream car and where in Germany you would like to drive. The latest information about the packages can be found at www.audi.com/driver. For my dream driving vacation, I signed up for the Driver's Day combined with the Audi Winter Driving Experience in Seefeld, Austria. I also asked for an extension of my German driving experience past the usual two-day Twists and Turns package.
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After only a few minutes behind the wheel, I was surprised to find how easy it was to drive this powerful automobile. The six-speed transmission and the clutch were very easy to operate. Acceleration was more than exhilarating: in fact, it was something that can't be described in words. Push the accelerator firmly and one is instantly compressed into the sport bucket Recaro seat, which, by the way, is a bit of a hassle to get in and out of in contrast to the U.S. version S4 Recaro seat, but in return the European-spec seat holds the driver very firmly in place. And as I discovered, once I was seated, I didn't want to get out. The engine note was another aspect of this car that I fully appreciated. Throughout the journey, I rarely turned on the radio because I enjoyed so much listening to the melody of the 4.2 FSI V8.
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In my RS 4, the Audi Navigation Plus incorporated the Traffic Monitoring Control system. I was surprised to hear the navigation system warning me about traffic congestion near downtown Zurich. It directed me to an alternative, less crowded route. Downtown Zurich during rush hour was the perfect place to validate the handling of this 414 hp four-door sedan in stop-and-go traffic. The Audi engineers didn't want to build a raw muscle car that would only perform well in drag races, but instead, aimed at creating a confidence-inspiring automobile that can actually be driven on city streets but also provides total stability in corners and an insane straight-line speed. Thus, the RS4 has a muted exhaust note when it is operated in the "detuned" mode. At low speeds the car is whisper quit. Nonetheless, the stance of this car drew many onlookers in downtown Zurich who were not quite sure why this particular A4 looked so menacing.
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This RS4 was also equipped with adaptive headlights. I found this feature very useful when navigating the Black Forest's twisty roads with blind crests and corners. This was the stuff of quattro dreams, even at 10 pm, in pitch darkness and a snow storm. with the On the way back to Ingolstadt, I decided to focus my attention to the "S" button that was in the middle console. As soon as I pressed the "S" button, the RS4 perked up like a startled Doberman. The gas pedal became very sensitive, responsive and fast; the sound of the engine became louder and deeper as, according to the car documentation, some valves in the exhaust system were opened up to release more of the engine's potential and the driver's seat closed in on me to provide better side, upper and lower support. Even in sixth gear, it was quite an experience to feel the G forces as the car accelerated from 120 km/h to 220 km/h. There was very little drama, except for the scenery flying past the window like the view from the Millennium Falcon reaching the speed of light, and the horizon apparently deciding to come and meet the car halfway. This car gathered momentum so quickly that looking at the speedometer became a shocking experience.
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After this RS 4 test drive I am not sure if I still dream of owning a Ferrari. This tame and understated four-door sedan doesn't have an obnoxious badge on the front, and the sleeping giant underneath the hood can be woken up to transform the car into a very ferocious race car by a touch of a button at anytime one desires. I am definitely going to the RS4 Barcelona Track Driving Event in August 2006 to get training on how to control this high performance, yet practical, car on an international race way.
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