In reply to a message from JozJag sent Wed 5 Dec 2007:
Just came back from a quick grocery run in the Audi, so this
will be a long rant:
Regarding the VW/Bentley melding, if the gentleman had
shelled out for a ‘‘proper’’ Bentley (the $450,000 Arnage) he
would not find any VW parts in it, but he would also be able
to enjoy the ‘‘special’’ interior fit and finish found only
only very high end British cars.
The only reason the Continental Flying Spur is offered at
the bargain price of $250,000 is that the chassis,
drivetrain and interior are lifted from the VW Phaeton/A8L.
I must admit though, I am incredibly impressed by the A8L.
The build quality is truly ‘‘german’’ (like a tank): no
rattles, squeaks or anything. Everything is of the best
quality inside: leather, alcantara, woven headliner, acres
of gorgeous wood, and the plastic is high quality as well.
The exterior styling is very understated, and only those ‘‘in
the know’’ realize it is a low production high performance
machine. Those who don’t know assume it is a extended
wheelbase Passat.
With all these pluses, you’d think I would be thrilled to
drive it BUT:
Lets say I want to program a radio station that is playing.
(Jaguar: press and hold the ‘‘1’’ button until it beeps)
Audi:
- Put car into park
- Select ‘‘Radio/TV’’
- Select ‘‘Source’’
- Select ‘‘Radio’’
- Select ‘‘Memory’’
- Scroll to desired frequency
- Select ‘‘Memory Input’’
- Select Memory Number
- Press ‘‘Return’’ 4 times to return to ‘‘Car’’ interface
- Select ‘‘Drive’’ and you are on your way.
I am not joking, this car makes driving SO DIFFICULT every
time I head out I take the '96 VDP (with an intermittently
function radio) or the '82 V12 (with no radio).
And, to their credit or otherwise, Audi has figured out a
way to make 450hp boring. When coupled with a computer
mouse wheel and 7’’ LCD screen instead of buttons, this
becomes incredibly dangerous.
If you did not grow up with a computer in your bedroom (I’m
23 and I didn’t have one until I was 5) you will hate this
car so much you will start thinking ‘‘now how long would
transit take.’’
I can’t wait to sell it and get another modern Jaguar. The
Audi may massage my buttocks on request, however its not
smart enough to move the seat back when I take the key out,
which is my single favourite feature on the post '94
Jaguars.
As long as Audi/Mercedes/BMW prefer to make video games
rather than cars, Jaguar is safe.
-Chris–
The original message included these comments:
very new Chrysler 300 pulled up next to me. Being the chatty Yank,
I asked the driver how he liked his new Chrysler. His face turned
red and he quite aggressively informed me it was not a Chrysler,
but a Bentley.
–
Chris Los 1992 V12 Vanden Plas #51
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