Neeeeewwwwww Member

[jonp]

Well, not exactly new, but back in the RS fold.

For those that don't know me, I have had a significant amounts of Audi's from a UR, to a TT, through S4, RS4 (b5) and RS4 (b7) and finally an R8 in march last year.

Unfortunately, without going into too much detail the R8 suffered 25% of it's time off the road having significant warranty work carried out, to the point where I lost faith in the car.

Audi were very good, and we came to an agreement where I would take ownership of an RS6, instead of the R8.

So, here I am, the proud owner of a Black RS6 Avant, which I picked up on Wednesday evening from Bedford Audi, who have been brilliant in the whole swap-over.

On Thursday I completed over 200 miles in the car, including motorways and my favourite welsh mountain roads.

My first impressions - wow - awesome power, great luxury and a really good all-round Uber Wagen. I guess the only downside for me is an Auto-Box (would have loved a manual option) and the 'Turn-In'. After an R8 and RS4, you can't disguise the 2.1 tonne weight of the RS6, so it's a bit like a train in it's initial handling. Naturally, once it's decided to change direction, the the usual rev 5 quattro kicks in, and all is safe and happy.

One real added bonus is the boot space (after an R8). I am taking her down to Geneva next week, and will be stretching her legs on the french Autoroutes filled with filming equipment, so I will give anyone that cares a heads-up on how she does over a good stretch.

That's if for now - anyone know how to get the MMI television to work when travelling, or who can do the mod at a reasonable price?

Jon P

I'm Back !!!

[jonp]

Oh... and fuel consumption...

On the motorways, can achieve 20mpg - once I got onto the welsh mountain roads, 11mpg was about average

[Condor24]

JonP,

When & where are you crossing the channel ?

I get my C6 next Sunday, so you can imagine I am counting down the days;

I'm planning to take my C5 across to its new home in France w/c March 2 .. perhaps the same crossing ?

Jeremy

[jonp]

09.20 Euro-tunnel, 2nd March, then heading straight down to Geneva to the Motor Show to do 2 days of filming

Where in France are you heading?

Jon

[Condor24]

By the way .. great congrats on your car.

I can't leave until Tuesday March 3 .. heading towards Bordeaux.

Have a great trip ...

[Nige_RS4]

Welcome back Jon - please try and keep her a bit longer this time, eh?

[Condor24]

I have no doubt Jon will love the car so much, he won't be able to part with it !

[kcsun]

Hi playmates
Just got off cloud 9 after my little test drive


Couple of points though
The buggars lent me one with a boot, mind you I got lost, it was cavenous, I am certain there was a family of illegals living at the far end. Still we got a complete Aston DB5 exhaust in with plenty of room to spare (thank god it had the Ski through option)

It is the first car I have driven with "keyless go" worth every penny - brilliant

Lovely seats and driving position - especially for the more "portly" amongst us

The whole car is humungous, did not realise how big the car was, don't know about letting Clare loose with it with high kerbs, 20" rims and narrow lanes - mind you my eyesight is starting to fail as well now I am the magic 50




Tried the suspension setting, -
comfort - good allround setting, best of all worlds if you are not pressing on
Dynamic - loved it when we went for a "chase the Vanquish" through the twisty bits, and the Audi kept up well considering he is a pro race driver and he drives these roads every day (well thats my excuse and I'm sticking to it)
Sport - no thank you - my teeth and back could only take 5 minutes and I gave up!

Would grow to like the reversing camera with a bit more practise, seems odd looking in the dash to reverse! and the IR lighting works well at night

What I could not get use to was pulling out of a junction without giving my passengers whiplash, could not get a good balance, gentle press of accelerator - nothing happens, slightly firmer press and whoosh - whiplash!

The other strange thing was the rear view mirror, all cars behind you look lowered with 6 foot high windscreens, after checking it I think it was caused by the rake of the rear window causing a distortion effect in the mirror - weird


Overall
Did 300 miles averaged 17 to the gallon on 95 (should it run on 98?)octane
Goes like hell - definate license loser
Think I will keep my money in my wallet a little longer

Did not think it stood out that much - but created a crowd when I filled up at the petrol station

kc

[Condor24]

I think the fact that it does not stand out, but is such an awesome machine, is the whole point !

[jonp]

Great stuff Ken

I think the rear mirror distortion is a saloon issue. I guess that's an Ex Audi UK car with that reg no.?

Keyless is great - had it on the S8, although the biometric start would seem to accept heathers fingerprint as well, even though set up for me!!!

I agree, the Sport setting is only for smooth tracks, and I have to admit, for cruising about the 'comfort' mode is great - <beep> I am getting old!!!

Mine is parked in Wales at the moment, so having 3 days of withdrawal syndrome - had to sit in as advisor for my son as he's passed his test and wanted to do some motorway work, under instruction

Back in the driving seat, 11am monday - yeah baby

[JBW]

Well done -Jon
Shame to hear about the problems with the R8-good to hear Bedford Audi came through for you.

Had mine six months now-no compaints-still impresses.

JBW
C6 Avant Daytona

[Merlot]

My A8 fingerprint sensor will not take me prints but takes others so iffy technology - now dropped from the A8 price list apparently.

[sonny]

Great read and pics too, so how is the IR at night, never experienced it on a car driving!

[MugelloR]

Me likes that C6 saloon!!!!!!!!! So has it "hit the streets" yet? Officially speaking?

[P_G]

Yep, there were a few on the Audi used configurator but now down to one, looks like the market for fast automotive metal has picked up again.