What do you make of this then ?

[DavidT]

http://www.autocarmag.com/news_article.asp?na_id=211153

[PhilT]

Audi’s S and RS ranges will no longer offer more power than the equivalent models from AMG or BMW M-Power. Stephan Reil, the General Manager of Development at Quattro Gmbh, the company responsible for Audi’s RS models, claimed that, ‘continuing to increase the power outputs is not the way forward. With more power the car normally gets heavier and then you need more power again.’

Taking a sideswipe at AMG, which recently launched the 603bhp S65 AMG, Reil said ‘with a rear-wheel-drive car, all you succeed in doing is lighting up the yellow traction control sign. Our drivetrain allows us to transfer the power to the road.’

Reil said the Quattro Gmbh brand will develop cars that combined high power outputs with ‘outstanding driving dynamics and road handling.’ Audi is planning to adopt a new naming structure (SQ3 to SW8) for its sporting models.

I'd heard some similar news from my Audi dealer regarding the patents on the naming convention. Audi have a long way to go to revive the ‘outstanding driving dynamics and road handling’ though..... Time will tell, but will the customer base be patient enough?

[johneroberts]

think this battle of whos car was more powerful was getting bad press, so Audi have taken the sensible stance, on optimising the weight ratios, with lower power and higher efficency
hmmmmm
we will see
jr

[simple1]

Is quite interesting to read................ just dont agree, my E55 has more mechanical grip in the dry as two wheeldrive than any other car I have owned, in the wet it is as hopeless as my RS 500, only the electronics keep it from swapping ends, Audi's view is similar to that of WRC, develop engines which are more efficient and less powerful, paying attention to friction, drag and weight

[TimJMS]

Stephan Reil :

Audi’s S and RS ranges will no longer offer more power than the equivalent models from AMG or BMW M-Power.

REPLACE THIS MAN NOW AUDI!!!

Audi doesnt do light weight and well balanced... front mounted engines and 4wd wont easily allow this.

What they do do is powerful road cars with 4wd deployment, which is great for this role, but incurs additional frictional losses, which in turn requires.....

More power please. Much more.

Sensible cars wont produce a halo effect, people will simply lose interest, and there will be blurring of the distinction between VW and Audi.

With statements like Reil's I become riled, and I fear for future plans regarding the V10, and any decent efforts at taking the fight to the opposition.

[DavidT]

Do we (or more importantly Audi) think that driving dynamics are more important that 4wd traction then ?

[thomas]

Power does not equal fun. I'd say that Audi lost its way some time ago - I haven't read a test that was particularly positive about an Audi's handling since the 20v Quattro.
This sounds to me like a step in the right direction, to be honest.