Mini Road Trip

Last week I drove over the mountains and down into the desert for an over-nighter to watch the meteor showers.  The sky where I live, by the oceanfront, is usually overcast at night, so if you want to have clear skies for viewing the Geminid meteor showers, you want to head to the desert.

Well, it was a good excuse to take my new car on a fun road trip.  Although it was less than 90 minutes, each way, it has some fun long stretches of relatively open country roads, as well as plenty of curves, and up and down grades of serious proportions.

It was a great drive.  Epic.

The essence of driving, for me, is the same as the essence of flying.  It's all about the ability to instantaneously create, and modulate, full body G-forces, while moving at high speed, and while simultaneously solving a real-time 3-D navigation puzzle under constantly changing conditions.

The best part is the G-forces.  The all-over body feeling of heaviness, the pressure of being thrown back into your seat, to one side or the other.  This, and the constant steering, flexes the arms and shoulders, and that just plain feels good.

Audi notes:  I want more horsepower (of course).  Best: the grip of all four wheels being powered, and working together.  The software that applies the power is very strong.  "Dynamic Mode" is the best for these roads.  And it's more fun too.  18mpg.

Pedals!

It's kinda dark down by my feet, so I think I need some shiny pedals.  Check out this source for custom made sport pedals: http://www.ultimatepedals.com/

PURE excellence!

It was a real pleasure to work with PURE Motor Sport in San Diego to get the new grille installed.  For several reasons:


1.  the price was good, not just for the grille, but install as well.
2.  the grille arrived much faster than anticipated.
3.  the install was quick and easy.
4.  follow up work on a loose wire was done fast, and no charge.


What impressed me most of all was the install.  I was quoted 85 bucks for the job, but when Michael (the owner) started in on the work, I noticed that there is a wide bright aluminum bar directly behind the grille which would be visible and distracting from the overall finished look.  I asked if he could spray paint some black on it, and maybe also on the aluminum radiator.  He looked around and found some paint, masked off the entire area, and lay on several coats to do the job right.


When it came time to pay the bill, all he wanted was the original 85 bucks, and never mentioned a word about the extra labor and paint.  Now that's a classy move!


Thanks, Michael, I'll be back for more work...

Grille Decision

Today I ordered the replacement grille, from PURE Motor Sport in San Diego. And while I was there I splurged on a set of shiny "sport pedals". The grille has to be shipped in from Europe, and it just might make it here in time to brighten up my Christmas driving.

Sounds!

This is about the best sound I've heard for the S5.  Check out the video and see/hear if you agree:

Audi Quattro Will Be Produced!

Spotted recently on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, it was confirmed that the car will go into production.  See the story here.

First service list

Just a reminder list for when I take it in for the first service:

1.  Transmission - in "Auto" mode, first shift from standstill seems slow
2.  Driver's side door doesn't close easily
3.  Windshield washer - over-sprays the hood
4.  Wind noise (?) by left window

Audi Improvement Program

0.  Replace grille with RS5 version.

1. iPhone mount/charging station, so iPhone will display the photo of the person who is calling.

    Referral by Miramar Audi salesrep Kevin Kao:

La Jolla Audio does high-end custom audio work for many differnt prestige brands and we've recommended them to many customers for some special auto electonic needs.

2. reprogram (remap) the computer for better performance

3. exhaust system for better sound and performance

4. pin striping

5. webcam(s)

6. hi-def backup camera, put on switch (not just backing up)

7. upgraded brakes: Brembo with drilled rotors

8. De-badge
9. add wheel spacers (20mm rear, 5mm front)

I like my Audi because...

1. The name "Audi" is not to be found anywhere on the car. It's not that I don't like the name Audi, it's that I don't like a lot of exterior badging, and I like that Audi obviously doesn't need to tell the world that it's an Audi. If you don't know, then you probably won't be getting one.

2. It's black. I never had an all-black car.

3. All wheel drive feels great on the turns.

4. Seats are the best of any car I've owned.

5. Steering wheel is the best of any car I've owned.

7. The backup camera is ingenious.

8. Trunk space is enormous, with fold down rear seats. I could sleep in it!

9. The engine looks like an engine!

10. "Dynamic" setting for steering, transmission, suspension.

11. Paddle shifters.

I wish my Audi had:

1. Another hundred horsepower. So I guess I'll add a chip, and exhausts.

2. Better interior controls. Layout and function could be improved.

3. Keyless entry and start. That option available, but not on this car. :(

4. Grille without a license plate holder built in. Germans use them. I don't. So I guess I'm going to replace the grille with one made for the RS5, still not available in the US.

5. Rear side windows pop out. Totally unimportant, but still...

6. Front opening moon roof. That would be big.

7. Paddle shifters that are stationary and not move with the steering wheel, so I can shift while cornering.

Window Tinting

I asked the dealer service manager for a recommendation for getting it done. I didn't want to take a chance on some random search results. I was told to call Don Durant at 619-804-0238, who has been tinting windows for 16 years. He comes to where the car is, saving time and hassle.

The car looks so much better with the windows tinted.