2011 Audi Q5 2.0T Test Drive: Is it a "chick car" ?

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The Audi Q5 is attractive and borrows some of the swooping lines from the A5 coupe. Check out the lines on the door.

The Q5 is generally considered to be one of the best small luxury SUVs. It’s also viewed as a “chick” car. So, can the Audi Q5 impress a guy? On a three day test drive I put the car though the ringer and a wet gravel parking lot (not what the Q5 liked). A small luxury SUV should be comfortable, competent, and fun. I found it to be competent, but not as comfortable as it should and not as much fun as it could.

For enthusiast drivers the Q5 has limited appeal. The 2.0T engine lacks consistency. Off the line it hesitates, at 4,000 rpm you get a kick in the head, and past 5,000 rpm it runs out of steam. Talk about inconsistent power delivery. Plus, under full acceleration the automatic keeps the engine above 5,000 rpm, which creates a lot of noise but not much thrust. The automatic routinely shifted before the 6,800 redline even with the gas pedal pinned to the floor. Why even have such a high redline if the engine power drops off?
The Handling is great on curvy roads. The stiff suspension delivers well-balanced and sporty handling. I raced up on a wet and slippery Highway 9 near Los Gatos, CA with utter confidence (I had the optional lager 19 inch wheels, but not a sports package). An Audi A4 (the basis for the Q5) will under steer more than this heavier Q5. The precise steering and well-sorted suspension almost makes you forget that this is an SUV. Almost. On fast bumpy curves the top-heaviness becomes apparent. Other than that it’s fun to drive, even with the lower grip all season tires.

For mall duty the engine feels strong. Let’s be honest. Most buyers will dive it to the mall, not race up mountain passes like I did. It’s a pleasant run-about that has the typical buttoned down German sports sedan feeling. The engine pulls nicely – if you are slowly easing into the gas. Depressing it ¼ of the way produces good acceleration and makes the car feel faster than it really is. Once you adjust to the delayed engine response it has enough passing power to handle any situation.

But, the ride is too harsh for a luxury vehicle. Cruising on anything but smooth roads creates harsh impacts and even small road undulations register with a low frequency thumping. It seems that the structure of the Q5 resonates too much. Some more sound-engineering is needed. If feels unfinished. Not premium. Disappointing.

Check out my new “Craig’s Wish List” bonus feature at the end of the post.


The engine sounds like a downgrade. Driving the Q5 2.0T there is always this nagging feeling that you have a lesser engine. It might pull strongly, but it also vibrates and sounds like a 4 cylinder (or a modern diesel for that matter). The engine is quieter than what I remembered from an A4, but it will never be confused with much smoother BMW or Mercedes 6 cylinders. At this price level I expect strong AND smooth engines. Audi, if you need to offer a 4 cylinder, then sell them at a nice discount. Charging the same for a lesser engine feels like margin improvement on the back of consumers. Think about upgrading to the V6 (for $3,100 more) if you want a better, faster, smoother engine.

The Q5 looks bigger on pictures. In reality it's not that big, four fit well but not five.

The Font Seats need improvement and the rear bench is adjustable in the wrong direction. I didn’t like the front seats. They don’t offer enough lateral support for faster driving or enough thigh support. Was the Q5 designed for short female drivers? I need sports seats in a sporty SUV. The back row is adjustable, which is a great idea. Unfortunately, it is already tight in the furthest back setting, so who would want to move it up closer? It’s pretty much a useless feature. Same goes for the back recliner. But it looks good in the marketing materials.

The buttons around the shifter look good on pictures but the placement is ergonomically challenged

Ergonomics are upsetting. Who decided to put the radio volume button next to the shift lever over on the passenger side? Why sprinkle the buttons form the MMI around the shift lever and force drivers to look down while driving? The ergonomics are infuriating. The buttons should be on the dash, but Audi decided to waste this valuable real estate with an expanse of nothingness and two tiny SIM card slots. WTF? A first year Human Factors student could design a better layout. This isn’t the only Audi that uses this senseless design (mostly when you order the navigation system).  What are you thinking Audi? Are you?

The Q5 is a small but classy. The overall packaging is just right sized for four adults. Adding one more isn’t recommended unless you want to start a fight between your friends.
The general ambiance is classy luxury car, which is what we come to expect from Audi.  The trunk offers good space for shopping trips but forget taking 3 to the airport with an average amount of luggage. Then again all small SUV’s have a small trunk, so that’s what you get for picking a small SUV.

The new 8-speed automatic and 2011 engine are getting better. The new for 2011 8-speed automatic is very good and should have been standard in my 2010 A5. It doesn’t feel as smooth as the new BMW 8-speed, but it shifts quick and crisp.

Gas mileage. That’s one area where the 4 cylinder should shine. In my testing the Q5 averaged 17mpg. My old 2002 745i also averaged 17mpg but had a 325 hp V8 and much more space. So, the gas mileage is SUV typical bad even with a 4 cylinder. Why do you want an SUV’s again? Oh, yeah it’s the higher up seating position, I guess.

Women love it. My lady passenger was smitten with the Q5. She loved the high but not too high seating that makes for easy entry and exit, the classy interior, and the overall quality feel. After a test drive she deemed the Q5 comfortable and spacious enough for a family road trip (I didn’t agree). She also didn’t object to the engine sound as I did … and she hates her Nissan Altima 4 cylinder whine. So there you have it. Women love it. And that is a problem for most guys.

The Q5 is a chick car. When is the last time you saw a guy driving one? For the same reasons women love it, guys don’t want to be seen in it. I was glad that “Audi Courtesy Car” was plastered all over the back.

The Q5 from the back

Conclusion
The precise steering and sporty suspension make this a very well handling SUV. It is fun to drive and offers enough space for four. Unfortunately the unsupportive seats and inconsistent power delivery take some of that driving fun right back. For cruising around town the engine is swell, but the ride is too harsh. What you are left with is an SUV that is not as comfortable as it should and not as sporty as it could.
It is still a compelling package and a fun little car. It grows on you over time, I miss it. If you can live with the steep pricing there is nothing seriously wrong with the Q5. My tester came in at $45,000 with a few luxury options (Premium Plus, Multimedia Package) which gets you navigation, xenon lights, Bluetooth, sunroof, etc., … all the things you need.

Alternatives
If you have sticker shock cross shop a Toyota RAV4 V6. It’s $10,000 to 15,000 cheaper, is faster, and also a chick car. Avoid the 2010 X3 at all costs. It will be replaced with a much better design in December 2010. The Mercedes GLK looks more butch and appears to be a good alternative if you like things more comfortable and less sporty. I wonder how many female Subaru Outback drivers will trade for a GLK.

Or, for the same price as a Audi Q5 you can get the brand new and excellent 2011 Grand Cherokee. Fully loaded with “trail rated” batch, V8 and leather it’s about 45K, just like my Q5 tester. That would be my choice of SUV: big, luxurious, and masculine.

Audi Q5 2.0T in short:
Great handling and steering even without a sports package
Smart packaging and space for four adults
Engine is strong, but lacks refinement
Difficult to understand ergonomics take a step back in time
Pricy with popular luxury options
Seats are unsupportive. Audi, we need sport seats
Stiff ride, annoying resonance noises from the structure
“Chick car”, if you are concerned about that
————————————————————————————-
Bonus Feature

“Craig’s Wish List” for the Audi Q5 2.0T. If Audi were listening here is what I would change:
Easy Stuff to fix:
1.    Install sports seats. You probably think that only short-legged timid woman are buying the Q5. Then why would you set up the suspension like it’s an S4? Make it a complete package by springing for better seats. You have plenty good ones in the existing Audi/ VW inventory to choose from.
2. Fire the guy who made the button placement decisions. And get back to the ergonomics that make sense, not the ones that look good in pictures.
Harder Stuff to fix:
1.    Audi, you need to get rid of the annoying resonance noises. Don’t skimp on insulation and sound engineering. The Q5 does not feel premium yet. Didn’t think I noticed? Yes I did.
2.    Fix that turbo lag in your 2.0T engines. And make it pleasurable to rev past 5,000 rpm. I’ve heard Hyundai nailed it with their new 2.0 turbo engine in the Sonata. And as always BMW figured it out a while back.  But I’m sure you already know that.
3.    What’s up with that sliding rear bench? Why does it only slide forward? I though the point was to get additional knee room, not take it away. Audi, you need to figure out a way to increase rear legroom. I know the rear wheel wells are in the way, but you designed that not me. Find a way, I know you can.

« BMW M3 versus BMW X6 M comparison test. Is the X6M a worthy M vehicle?

Rental Car Test: 2009 Dodge Charger SXT V6

When my Audi broke down a few months ago I got a rental from Enterprise, a Dodge Charger. I didn’t have a chance to publish my thoughts until now, so here we go.

The Dodge Charger feels large, sloppy, and bit lazy. It’s not sophisticated in build quality or handling and never pretends to be. There was a very noticeable gap mismatch on the trunk lid. One side was very tight fitting, the other I could almost stick my pinky finger in it. Well, I guess as long as the trunk opens and closes we are in business.



What you get is a big car with lots of sheet metal and an engine that is good, but not great.
Past 5,000 rpm the engine is coarse and you end up lifting off the gas before it gets there. A four speed automatic in a 2009 (and in 2010 models) is an embarrassment and just shows that Dodge does not give a damn. The Charger would be faster, more responsive, and get better gas mileage with a 6 speed automatic. But Dodge needed to save $200 per car. I wonder where else they saved money.
I tried the 178hp V6 base engine previously but the 250 hp 3.5l engine in my tester is the best engine combo for the Charger. The 368 hp V8 is better still, but makes the car too pricey. Checking CarsDirect.com shows that a Charger SXT goes for about 22K, which is a reasonable attractive price. Honda, Toyota, Ford, GM, and Hyundai all only offer 4 cylinders in that price range. And I rather have an unsophisticated V6 than a cheap sounding 4-cylinder.

Having said all that the Charger has attractive qualities.
It has that hard to define American brawn to it.  It’s almost feels like a family pickup truck. It does the job and never pretends to be anything more than a workhorse that just gets stuff done.
I liked the higher up driving position and the spaciousness of the cabin. It was reasonably quite on the freeway and around town. Comfortable, but not very sporty, it still retains precise steering.
If you are into driving a bit sportier you definitely need to upgrade the stock tires and rims. They are skinny and offer too little traction for cornering, accelerating, or braking. I had a hoot spinning out the rear end when late May rain made the northern California roads slippery.
Low traction tires + rear wheel drive + enough torque from the V6 = fun over-steer in corners.

There is one thing that prevents me from recommending the car.
No, it’s not reliability, which is about average with this engine (according to Consumer Reports) it’s the disappointing crash test results that make this a deal breaker for me. This is a family car and you want maximum safety for your family, right? According to the IIHS side impact crash protection is only marginal, the second lowest score, and therefore unacceptable in my book. There are many other family sedans at the same price point that protect you better.

The Verdict
I was surprised how much I liked the Charger, regardless of the miss-fitting panels and general sloppiness of the handling. If you are looking for a large family sedan that doesn’t look like one with a V6 when others are offering only a 4 cylinder, consider the Dodge Charger. But, since the crash test results are unacceptable I just can’t recommend it.

The Good
High driving position and spacious cabin
Attractive price for a V6 family sedan

The Bad
The engine is lacking refinement
The 4-speed automatic is a relict
Disappointing side impact crash test results
Sloppy build quality is noticeable in the details

A new and redesigned Charger is due for 2011 model year.
I expect this new Charger car to be much better. With a smoother and faster engine, a six speed automatic, and excellent crash protection. Wait for the new 2011 Dodge Charger before you buy, it will be at dealerships this month.

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Test Drive: 2010 BMW 535i GT (yes, the one with the ugly back)

The 535i GT was hit the ugly stick. Take a look at the back and you want to visit the Audi dealer next door.

I didn’t really want to test dive the car, after all it’s just unattractive. And on top of that it’s expensive. Who wants to drive a cross between Minivan and station wagon for almost $70,000?

The BMW GT in all it's beauty ...

Then I took it for a spin. Yes, it’s still ugly and overpriced, but now it sort of makes sense … considering the BMW line up and pricing scheme.

The Good
The car is large inside, think 750i. Font and back offer plenty of room for well-fed adults. The driving position feels like a lowered X5 with great forward visibility. The handling is better than the X5 but still too top heavy for my taste. It doesn’t handle like a 5 series sedan. It’s more like a lowered X5 without a sports suspension.

Although the car is heavy (about 4800lb) the 3.0 turbo engine is all you need. The excellent engine pulls strong and stays smooth in any situation. I also tested the GT with the V8 and although it’s faster the 35i is the best fit for the GT. This isn’t a sports car (and never will be) but the 35i always delivers enough to not feel underpowered. And you’ll save a nice stash of cash over the V8. Plus I do not like the turbo lag in the twin turbo V8 anyways (see my 550i review).
The GT is all about is traveling in comfort. If I could have my pick for a road trip car sitting in the back, I would choose the GT over the X5, 550i sedan and even the 750i.

The Bad
As good as the forward visibility is, the rear window is a joke. Think X6, with a tiny back window that is close to useless.
It would make a great airport shuttle that moves four executives in comfort. However, you need to ask politely to travel lightly – there isn’t much space in the trunk.  The limited trunk space makes it questionable as family vehicle. If you have kids try to fit two strollers before you buy. It looks awfully small back there for a vehicle this size. Why buy a big van when you can’t fit much in the back?
And as I mentioned before the rear end is just plain ugly. I suspect the GT is a slow seller because of the questionable looks. From the front you will confuse it with the 5 or 7 which isn’t a bad thing. All large BMWs seem to have the same corporate BMW face nowadays.

Conclusion
With a mix of Minivan and station wagon the GT ends up looking like an odd compromise. Add prices close to a 7 series but with none of the prestige, and you get a car that is a tough to understand. It’s unclear who would voluntarily spend close to $70,000 on a GT (well equipped).
Other than that I actually like it. It surprised me. It is clearly bigger and better than the X5 and offers 7 series like space and comfort. To sum it up: great engineering, bad styling.
If I was in the market for an SUV because of the great forward visibility I would get the GT over the X5. But, the GT is just plain ugly in the back, and I’m sorry, I just can’t do ugly.

Don't know about you, but somehow the proportions on the GT are off

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2010 Audi A5 3.2 vs 2010 BMW 335i coupe comparison test

I was shopping for a new ride and two cars stood out. The 2010 335i coupe and the 2010 A5 3.2 quattro. Why did I ditch my all time favorite BMW for an Audi? Read on for the details.

Although both are $46,000 sports coupes the character couldn’t be different
The BMW feels like a driving tool where everything was designed to maximize fun. The 335i  has the sportier suspension and steering, but it is also more nervous and less confident than the A5.

Supreme confidence is what the A5 should stand for, especially on the freeway.  If you like to weave through city traffic the BMW is better, if you like high-speed freeway travel pick the Audi. In the end I prefer the Audi approach of beauty and confidence, it’s a more exiting car overall.

Oh God, those curves
I usually prefer substance over beauty, but The A5 is the first car I considered on looks alone. The A5 just looks like a more expensive, more impressive car next to the somewhat plain looking 335i. The LED daytime running lights on the Audi are just a beauty, the wide stance, the curves, the rich overall look. The Audi is the exotic sports car for an (somewhat) affordable price.

Audi’s Quattro or BMW rear wheel dive?
Unless you like to floor the gas while making a left turn, rear drive is still more fun than all wheel drive. Having said that the more powerful BMW could use the extra traction of Quattro. The 335i spins it rear tires virtually anytime in 1st (and sometimes even 2nd gear). Which is fun if you have an extra $800 to spend on new rear tires, but honestly do you really want traction control drama anytime you lay down the power? I didn’t think so. In the end the Audi is unflappable no matter when you hit the gas. Acceleration in the dry or wet are always worry free.
Audi 9. BMW 8.

What about luxury?
Maybe it’s just me but a $46,000 car should not only be fun and good looking but also luxurious. Let’s start with the interior: Here the Audi impresses with a stylish design while the 335i is plain and dated. The A5 actually uses less expensive materials than BMW. Tap the plastic around the dashboard and you know where Audi saved money. The A5 scores with a noticeably wider cabin and more comfortable seat belts. The BMW seat belts are mounted too low, too far back and cause annoying shoulder strain on longer drives.
Audi 10. BMW 7.

BMW 335i coupe

Audi can’t out-handle BMW
Handling is one of the reasons why I had a tough time considering anything but the 335i. Although Audi got better you still notice too much weight up front and boring under-steer. You have more fun in the BMW in tight corners. But the Audi impresses with a more planted and secure feel anywhere else.
With all wheel drive and a wide stance the A5 feels more mature and less of a edgy “let it all hand out” car.   That’s not as sporty, but it’s a great feeling nevertheless. In the end BMW has better turn in and quicker reflexes. On the thigh on ramp I take every day the BMW bits, and the Audi runs wide.
Audi 8. BMW 9.

The Audi Automatic is a disappointment
The Automatic is Audi’s most obvious weak spot. It shifts quick and smooth, but then occasionally it clunkers the gears like an old pick up truck. Forget about using the paddle shifters, it will hammer in the gears for drive-line abusive. With so many excellent automatics available this is a big disappointment in 2010 luxury car.  The automatic should have never passed Audi engineering & quality standards. Fire your supplier or pay them more. The BMW automatic is clearly better and never missteps.
Audi 4. BMW 9.

BMW Engine still rules
And then there is the BMW 3.0 twin turbo of course. While the Audi 3.2 matches my old 330i in acceleration, it’s hopelessly underpowered compared to the 335i. The power and torque difference is immediately noticeable – you need about 2 seconds to tell. The A5 3.2 feels strong until you drive the 335i. The A5 is not slow, but just not enough to run with a 335i.
Audi 7. BMW 10.

Audi Freeway ride revelation
This is where the Audi was a revelation. Rarely have I driven a car that feels this secure and in charge on the freeway. The wide stance, firm suspension and tires, and the automatic are now all in tune to deliver a ride that is unflappable. Even the steering wheel mounted shift paddles make sense now – there are perfect to drop a gear or two while passing on the freeway. This car was made for triple digit travel. It’s reminiscent of more expensive luxury cars such as a BMW 7 series. The 335i in comparison feels nervous and a bit tipsy. Still secure, but not as confident and calm. I never noticed this 335i weakness until I drove the A5 3.2 Quattro with sports package.
Audi 10. BMW 8.

Steering is still BMW’s domain
Steering is one of the best things about my old 330i and the new 335i is virtually identical. Audi almost matches the precision BMW steering – most of the time. The A5 steering is great until you drive under 25 mph. Then the steering becomes too light, too over boosted, and too artificial. This might be helpful if you mom parks your A5, but it’s not what you want in a sports car. Audi’s plan to have a light steering at low speeds and a firm feel at higher speeds was a great idea, but the execution was botched. It’s not an acceptable compromise. On a short test dive it might appeal, but after a week you want hack into the OBC to get rid of it.
Audi 6. BMW 10.

Bottom Line
When you tally up the points the 335i BMW is a better driver’s car – no surprise here. The Audi is competent, but it’s not as fast, not as much fun and does not offer the discounted leases or the awesome free maintenance that BMW comes with. So why did I get a more costly, less sporty, slower Audi? Because it’s a beauty, it’s a coupe that 6.2 feet guy can be comfortable in, and no matter how good the BMW handling and engine is, the car has its shortcomings.

In the end it’s more than just getting bored of BMW. The Audi drives like a larger, more mature car. It’s a supremely competent high-speed cruiser and only give ground to the 335i in city driving – or drag racing. The Audi A5 3.2 is a Grand Tourer that can handle. The Audi wants to be driven less aggressive, but at higher speeds. Right now I prefer the supreme confidence and style of Audi over the edgy, fun, and a bit nervous BMW set up.

Brazilian Girls and the Audi don’t mix
No problems so far with the car, except that my on again off again fiery Brazilian girl kicked the passenger side door and put a shallow dent into it. It’s barely noticeable, but it was so wrong. She feels terrible about it. She loves the car too.

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Test Drive: 2010 Chevy Camaro SS

Don’t get me wrong the Camaro SS is a good car – it’s just not that much fun.
On paper it does everything right. 426 hp, fat V8 torque, macho looks and plenty of elbowroom. I really wanted to love the Camaro SS, but it’s missing what makes Muscle Cars great.
In the quest of making better cars Chevy overshot the target and created a big Chevy Malibu coupe. Take a Malibu, add a strong V8, chop off two doors, give it a wide stance, and you got the 2010 Camaro SS.

The Camaro has potential, but GM needs to make a few changes to make it great.


Where is the V8 sound?
I’m talking about an aural excitement that stimulates your deep down desire of having more muscles than brains and loving it. I’m talking about hearing the superiority of a V8. I’m talking about rolling up on unsuspecting pedestrians and scaring small children.
The Camaro is missing the primeval fun that comes with a rumbling V8. Driving the Camaro SS is too generic, the engine is too muted. Yes, it can accelerate in 4.6 seconds to 60.  But I also want to hear the V8 when I’m cruising down to the corner store.
No one expects the Camaro to handle like a serious sports car and it doesn’t. It’s just too big and soft for that. That’s what the lighter and firmer Corvette is for.

The Camaro became a fast generic Coupe
The Camaro SS became a fast, heavy coupe with overdone styling. It’s comfortable, quite on the freeway, and handles like a well-designed large sedan. With the latest safety gear and low prices it’s a great choice for your Consumer Reports reading neighbor.
But the Camaro SS should stimulate you groin, not you brain. Deep down we like to be a bit trashy, we desire the slutty girls and the bad boys. And with being muscular and bold comes the rejection of pretentious wine bars. Unfortunately the Camaro SS became the car parked in front of you local wine bar.
And yes, the outward visibility is ridiculous, the interior could be better, and the design looks like a Transformers Action Figure. But all that could be forgiven if it had that special excitement that makes you want to drive it.

Conclusion
The Camaro SS is a well-designed car underneath it all. It has great potential. Lose 300 lb, add better V8 sounds, add much needed outward visibility for the driver and you have a winner.
There is one thing GM could do to fix the Camaro SS right now – it badly needs better sound engineering. It has a Corvette engine, so let it shine, let me hear it, let the girl in the passenger seat know that I’m having more than 400 hp at my disposal.
Maybe an aftermarket exhaust would do the trick but as it is, the car leaves me cold. If you want an authentic Muscle Car get the Mustang V8. Which, by the way, will get an upgraded engine with 411 hp in 2011.
The Mustang isn’t perfect (see my Mustang review on CraigSelection.com), but it’s right now the only authentic Muscle Car on sale.

Lamborghini V10 engine sound for $49.95?

The sound of an engine is very important and one of the reasons you pay so much for a Lamborghini or Ferrari are the awesome engine noises. So, how can you make your whiny 4-cylinder sound like an exotic V10? Meet the SoundRacer V10.

How it works
Plug it into your cigarette lighter and it will read the rpm of your engine though the fluctuating current form the alternator. As the engine revs so does the alternator.  The V10 soundtrack will play though your stereo system. A neat technical solution but does it work in practice?
Before I ordered the device I read reviews on Amazon. Some liked it some hated it. So, that wasn’t exactly useful.  I decided to test it myself. Here is what I found.


Does it work?
In my research on Sound Engineering I came across the SoundRacer. This was MY IDEA a few years back and finally somebody overcame the tech challenges to made it a real product. I’ve contacted SoundRacer (a Swedish company) to get a sample for the review you are reading right now.

Once I figured out how to calibrate the system (it’s pretty easy) it became addictive. I started revving the engine everywhere, stayed in low gears and stomped on the gas as much as a could.
The V10 sounds the best just off idle (1000-1500 rpm), and develops into a scream anywhere past 3,000 rpm.

Word of caution. At the beginning you will get addicted to the sounds and rev you engine into stratosphere. After 15 minutes of testing my Audi A5 3.2 engine compartment emitted a wave of hot air and some funny rubber smells. Be careful with older cars as you might just push them to overheat.
As much fun as it was initially the novelty wore off. After one week I barely use it.

Here are the problems:

The sound quality is not good enough
It sounds realistic in idle and it sounds great just off idle (1000-1500 rpm) but once the rpm climbs it’s not good enough to fool anyone. To be host my V6 sounds better than the V10 from the speakers. And my stereo system is pretty good. I tested it in a 2009 Nissan Altima 4 cylinder and it sounded worse.  I also took a 6 year old on a test drive and he liked it, but did not love it. So there you have it. If kids love it you have a winner.

It can’t keep up if you are driving fast
And that was the real deal breaker. I want the sound to change as the rpm change. Driving fast it could not keep up and it took too long to realize when I was shifting.
The only time it tracked accurately was at medium speeds. If you let the engine rev slowly it delivers a V10 sound in sink with the engine speed. But that is an unnatural way to dive. Either you floor the gas and rev high or you take it easy and shift early. Who slowly revs the engine until 5,000 without going fast?

It think this is a great idea, but I’m looking forward to the improved version 2.0.
As it is right now I can’t recommend it because it has limited usefulness. The sound needs to be more realistic and it needs to track the rpm’s quicker especially at gear changes. Other than that, I still love the idea. Please fix it and I’ll be the first to buy one.

You can get the SoundRacer in two versions: V8 and V10. I tested the V10 but the V8 is cheaper and *might* sound more realistic.

Links to Amazon.com:
SoundRacerV10   $49.95
SoundRacerV8   $39.95

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2010 Audi A5 water pump failure at only 8,000 miles

Here is some disappointing news about my new 2010 Audi A5.
My Audi left me stranded in Palo Alto, CA with a massive coolant leak. I can’t remember the last time I broke down in a car with less than 150,000 miles on it.
Here is the lesson learned: 1. Audi has quality problems 2. Roadside assistance is slow 3. The Audi Dealer needs customer service training

Audi Quality is disappointing
Water pump failure and a massive coolant leak at 8,000 miles? Hey Audi, cooling systems have been figured out since 1960. It’s car building basics and should not happen with a new car. Period.

How it happened
The first thing I noticed is that the heater did not work. I usually blast heat down low and 3 minutes into my freeway ride I still got cold feet. As I entered city traffic the tell tale signs of white smoke and the smell of au de coolant reminded me of days past gone – when I couldn’t afford new cars.
I pulled over and popped the hood.  Coolant was all over and the reservoir was empty. Did I get a warning message or low coolant signal? No. Luckily I was already at my destination so I just parked the car and went to my appointment.

Roadside Assistance takes too long
At 11:40 am  I called Audi Roadside assistance. At 3 pm I was in a renal car going home. Spending almost 3.5 hours to get home is not acceptable. I wasn’t stranded in the middle of nowhere, it was downtown Palo Alto.  The whole process should have taken an hour or less.
First I waited 30 min for the wrong tow truck to show up  – the car needs a flat bed truck because I have all wheel drive. Audi should know that. Then I had to wait another hour and 15 min before the right truck came by. The dealership had attitude but on loaners, so before I got a rental from Enterprise it was 3 pm.

High Call Volume Roadside Assistance line?
The roadside assistance number has a voice-mail system designed with self-service in mind. Press this button for that, type in your home phone number here (I guess I broke down at home), listen to this message first, etc.. I’m not calling to track my FedEx package, this is an emergency road side assistance line. Yes, this wasn’t a real emergency, but if I would have been stranded elsewhere at night I would be pissed.  It’s all very efficient – if Audi is expecting a high call volume on this line.
The Roadside assistance reps are friendly, but not very effective. The rep advised me to call the local dealerships to check if they have loaner cars available. Should you do this for me? The rep also promised to call when the tow truck is there.  Two trucks showed up but neither time did I get a call. I guess the automated system didn’t work.

Dealership Service Department needs training
The dealership experience was less than stellar. The service adviser enjoyed being argumentative. Do you work in Customer Service? Or maybe he was just annoyed that another Audi broke down. Ironically an “Excellence in Customer Service Award” for the same guy was hanging at the wall. I just stared at the framed award while he was talking down on me. Nice!

So, what’s the lesson leaned?
Braking down in the same year that my car was made constitutes a new record. Let’s see what 2011 holds.
This could be a one off bad luck scenario. But if I do break down I expect better treatment from the Audi dealer and more effective roadside assistance. Audi supposed to be a luxury brand.

Oh, and think twice about owning an Audi past the warranty period.  The Service guy explained to me that Audi makes millions of water pumps and I just can’t expect them all to be perfect. Oh, my bad.  I guess I was expecting too much from Audi. Thanks for giving me another attitude adjustment.

BTW, the car was fixed under warranty after two days. It still smells like burned coolant, although I brought it back for a second cleaning. The smart rep advised me to just drive until it’s all gone. Nice, job guys, I now have a new car that smells like my neighbors leaky 1986 Ford Ranger.

2008 Audi TT used car test drive: Get the Quattro and get used to a lurchy DSG

 
Just test-drove an Audi TT from my dealer service fleet.

It was a 2008 model with only 10,000 miles on it and FrontTrack (no Quattro). Will it make a great Audi certified pre-owned car some day? How is the TT holding up after a year in the loaner fleet?

The TT is a handsome car inside and out that has sports car potential. But it has some quirks that make it difficult to live with.

It spins the front wheels like a Oldsmobile Alero
Do you remember the Alero from the 90’s? It was front wheel drive car with a strong V6 and torque steer from hell. This Audi TT without Quattro is a modern day Alero.

plenty of torque + turbo lag + front wheel drive = You will look like a hack who can’t drive
A strong engine with initial turbo lag and low traction conspire to make you look like a hack who can’t modulate the gas pedal. You will spin the tires in the city, especially while turning, even if you are trying hard not to.

What fun is a sports car when you got to be super careful about applying the gas? Want to make a quick right turn without drama? What to merge quickly on the freeway without loosing you steering feel or aim? Forgetaboutit.

Get the Quattro. Seriously.
Audi should have never sold any TT without Quattro. (Thankfully all 2009 and 2010 models come standard with it).

Capable on mountain roads
I took the TT on my usual test loop to Saratoga, CA and up highway 9 to the summit road. The combination of quick tight corners and long sweeping curves is a great way to test the suspension and steering set up. The TT performed very well (aside from the traction problems), with predictable handling and high limits even without the sports package. The steering is getting almost BMW 3 series precise and most importantly my lady passenger said she felt secure being driven fast in the TT. Ultimately, the Audi TT has a bit too much weight up font, which translates into too much under steer. But this is entirely save set up and does not seriously interfere with having fun.

The DSG Transmission is great on the open road, sucks in city
Many good things have been written about the DSG and I agree it’s an excellent transmission – most of the time. The DSG dual clutch automatic fires gears off quickly and smoothly in manual or automatic mode. Regardless if you give it full power, half power, shift at redline or at 2,000 rpm. It’s always crisp and fast. Fun, fun, fun.

But, the Audi TT also suffered from a lurchy automatic.
When you come to a stop the engine rpm briefly drops until the car shakes. A few times I was looking for the clutch pedal with my left foot. Then, as you let go of the break the car starts to shake (again) and then lurches forward as you give it some *gentle* gas. Try to park a car with a lurching automatic and you will look like a fool who doesn’t have motor skills. I’ve talked to my local Audi service advisor and apparently this is a common problem with the DSG. There is no fix for it, you just have to live with it.
If you do a lot of city or stop and go traffic it will annoy the hell out of you.  I expect better from Audi. Much better.

Bottom Line
If you are interested in the Audi TT the “must have” option is the Quattro. The front wheel drive is killing all sporty driving ambitions and fatally flaws an otherwise capable little sports car.
Cruising around town in the TT does not satisfy their either. The ride is a bit busy and choppy, the engine is vibrating (especially in stop and go traffic) and the DSG automatic is lurchy.  It’s definitely not a smooth cruiser like a Mercedes SLK.

The Porsche Boxster is clearly the better sports car for a few thousand extra. I’m no friend of the BMW Z4 (because of the non-BMW like handling), but at least it offers a much smoother engine and automatic.
Still want the Audi TT?  Get the Quattro and check if you can live with the jerky DSG and vibrating engine. Also, watch the options list and keep it simple. A roadster/ sports coupe should be simple and fun. Even if you load it up with options it will never be a luxury car.

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2011 BMW 550i Test Drive dissapoints. What's happening to BMW engineering?

I was really looking forward to driving the brand new 400 horsepower 550i, but walked away disappointed.
There are two problems with the 2011 550i. The suspension shows some serious high-speed flaws that are uncharacteristic of BMWs. And although the V8 turbo engine is powerful it does not quite fit to a luxury car.
Let me explain.

The biggest flaw of the new 5 series: An incoherent suspension
BMW usually stands for sporty and fun handling. But five minutes into my test drive I was disappointed -  actually I was pissed (maybe I’m taking this thing too seriously? )
I expect excellent high-speed stability form a German sports sedan. But, quick lane changes on the freeway produced a slow reacting and unsettled rear end.  It tends to swing side to side and reduces driver confidence to about zero. It felt like a stabilizer bar was missing or the electronics can’t respond fast enough. Maybe it’s the rear active steering I have to get used to, but the suspension set up is not at all buttoned down.

Even in the sportiest setting (Sport or Sport +) it was a bit scary in quick lane change maneuvers.
Once the car does settle down it pulls very nicely through fastest corners (as one would expect from a BMW). But the initial looseness takes all fun out of driving fast. What a disappointment. I expect much better form BMW.


Here is the second issues with the 550i: The turbo lag

The engine is great, until you drive it really fast or really slow
The Twin Turbo V8 is a model of smoothness and power. It’s deceptively fast and you find yourself doing triple digits in no time. It’s worthy of an expensive luxury car.  Until you drive it very slow or very fast, at which point it all falls apart. Blame the turbos and the delayed power delivery.
Yes, there is noticeable turbo lag, not matter what other auto journalists say.

Case in point 1: Launching the car from standstill.
With 400 hp and 450 pound feet of torque you think that it would helplessly spin the rear tires, but not so. Floor the gas and it accelerates drama free. Traction control steps in at an unusually high 5,000 rpm when the turbos are on full blast. The car is fast, it just doesn’t launch as hard as you think. Power comes on like a tsunami: Slow but relentless. Full torque at 1,750 rpm like the BMW brochure says? Doesn’t feel like it – not at all.

Case in point 2: While on the freeway put the auto in manual and stomp on the gas.
At 2,000 rpm in 8th gear the engine needs 3 to 4 seconds (and eternity if you want to pass or make a quick merge) until full power comes on. Even at 5,000 rpm the engine takes a second to spool up. That is turbo lag at its finest.
Why would I keep the engine at 2,000 rpm and then floor the gas? First, I like to drive in manual mode and second, a powerful luxury car should have enough grunt at low engine speeds. Dropping a few gears and flogging the engine is the hallmark of lesser cars and at over $80,000 as tested price I expect power whenever I need it.

You can’t drive it smoothly
If I haven’t picked enough on the turbos here is another thing to consider. Taking off smoothly is almost impossible. Let’s say you are taking your hot date out for dinner. As you ease into the gas the car takes off, and then bam the turbos hand out an extra jolt. Right after that the auto shifts into second gear and your slender date’s head moves again, this time forward. You will look like a guy with money but no driving skills. Bad. A luxury car supposed to make you look good.
For a comparison purposes BMW had a Mercedes E350 on hand and it took off smoothly every time, like a luxury car should. (The Mercedes does not have a turbo engine.)
BTW, the 535i also has a turbo and it is also jerky off the line, a bit less than the 550i though.

The V8 Turbo is not yet ready for luxury cars
I’m sorry to beat up turbo engines here, but the lack of instant power and the non-linearity just does not fit to a luxury car. Put the same engine in a sports car and all that might be forgiven. I guess some more engineering time is needed to iron out the power delivery issues.


Here are the good points:

Excellent Automatic
The new 8 speed automatic has quick smooth shifts, in maual or automatic mode. This is the way to go as far as automatics is concerned. Expect this unit to show up in all future BMW’s.  Nice job.
It’s Comfortable
Aside from the harsh riding run-flat tires (all BMW come with it) the car is comfortable, quite, and luxurious. It offers slightly more room than the previous 5 series and has enough space front and back for a 6.2 foot guy. If only my knees wouldn’t rest against harsh edges on either side it would be close to perfect.
The Interior is well done
No complaints about the interior. It’s luxurious, classy and rich. It leaves the E class Mercedes in the dust and it even makes the usually stylish Audi look less appealing.
Except for the cup holders. They are hidden under a large high-gloss cover that creates annoying reflections anytime the sun shines in. And closing the cover sounds like taping on cheap plastic found in economy cars.

The Exterior is not going to win design awards
The 5er shows classic BMW style albeit interpreted in a very conservative manner. It’s a shape that is non-offensive and probably appeals to those who still fondly remember the 5 series from 1995. This should have been the design language of the last generation 5 series. For a 2011 it looks a bit uninspired.
A few details do not work on the car. The nose seems to be grafted on by an after-market body shop and the back crease tapers too much inward. I guess both are either concessions to pedestrian safety and aerodynamics.

Conclusion
Instead of creating a larger and well-balanced 3 series, BMW made a smaller 7 series with handling flaws. BMW can make great sports sedans, however the new 5 series seems unfinished.
Asides from the suspension issues  the rest of the car is executed well. Comfortable, luxurious, powerful.  But having a BMW that isn’t fun to dive fast is just wrong.
Many (slower) drivers might never realize the high speed handling weakness, but it makes me wonder what happened to BMW engineering prowess. And who did the final sign off on the suspension setup? If I would be a BMW executive jobs would be re-assigned and heads would roll. I know that BMW can do much better.

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How can every car insurance company claim they have the lowest rates?

Anyone else getting annoyed by that Progressive woman touting big savings?

You saw the commercials from Geico (15 minutes could save you 15% or more). And that overly cheery Progressive woman who annoys the hell out of me. Now State Farm claims to save you $489 over Geico and Progressive. How can every one claim to be cheapest? Who is lying here?

Here is the real deal.  They are all correct and yes, you can save big by getting a quote. Not because Progressive, Geico, or State Farm are so awesome, but because you are cheaper to insure than you think.

Here is why. And how to save.


Rates should go down over time. Why are you still paying the same?
Let’s say you bought a new car for 40K three years ago. Your insurance quote was (partially) based on replacing this car. Three years later you car is worth 20K but you are still paying the same. Why?

Your driving record gets better over time
You also accumulated more driving experience over the last three years, so you are less risky to insure (if you had no serious tickets like a DUI). This is especially true for younger drivers. Why are you are still paying the same?

You see, both factors should reduce you insurance premium over time. But most continue to pay the same (or even accept increases year after year). It’s a great way to make money for the insurance companies. And the basis of their large savings claims once you do get a new quote.

How to Save Money
If you haven’t shopped for car insurance in a while pick up the phone. Most people wait until they get a new car. That is too late. Stop paying your outdated premiums and get a quote every year or two.

I recommend sticking to insurance companies that have a good track record of service and paying claims. Being financially stable is also important. Check out Consumer Reports for Ratings to avoid the dogs.

BTW, you don’t have to switch from your current insurance. Just let them know you are shopping for a new quote. They might just lower yours on the spot.

You can read more about money saving tips and cars on CraigSelection.com