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Audi To Build Their Own VW Up!
Detroit, 3:30 PM
Sun Dec 6
14 posts in the last 24 hours
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Audi To Build Their Own VW Up! |
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Also, in the States, VW dealers have notoriously bad service, while Audi dealers have notoriously good service.
All that said, I'd have a hard time getting excited about an A3 over a GTI.
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You're paying for the burden of increased labor rates (trained techs are expensive), and design/engineering solutions that favor excellence over cost, serviceability or durability.
I suppose in a lot of ways, this is what Cadillac did wrong over the years. They offered badgineered GM products, but didn't spend the extra time to make it excellent.
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I do agree that there is something more to Audi than VW. I've been with my B5 Passat for about 8 years, and in the meantime have had some seat time the B5 and B6 Audis, as well as the TT and others. There is definitely a higher build quality to the Audi.
One specific thing I like to point out is the door striker plate. VW uses the traditional U-shaped steel, while Audi (and Merc, BMW, and others) use a thick, box-shaped, rubber-dampened striker. I'm sure the part costs several dollars more, but I suspect that's just one more step toward reducing vibration and rattles in the cabin.
Now, chassis being the same, that's just lipstick on a pig...but when a lot of your brand is based on "perceived solidness," you pull no punches in supporting the perception. FWIW, the A4 also has other things, like a lower subframe brace that the Passat does not (I have one, aftermarket).
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Personally, I'd love to have Skodas to choose from.
10/31/08
The reason the parts cost more is because there's more overhead at a luxury dealer. The couches are nicer, they pay their employees more, they give you loaners.
All this shit costs money, and that's part of what you're paying for with an Audi.
If you're just evaluating the car, and intend to do all your own work with parts from the parts counter...then the value really deteriorates. I guess that's also why used (particularly high-mileage) luxury cars depreciate so much. With 120k on the clock, it's not like you're getting a gift basket from the dealer every Christmas.
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The very essence of the up! is that it doesn't REALLY have a platform; it has three. The car is designed kind of like lego. The rear platform has the entire engine-transaxle assembly. The front platform has the steering, electronics, cooling and climate control systems. The middle section houses the passengers. It's been designed that sections can be easily mixed and matched to create dozens of different styles of cars. It is pretty much perfect to use to create a luxury subcompact.
I'm wondering how long before Lamborghini takes a stab at it.
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Link please!
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Long story short, I am actually excited about the VW up!, and if there actually is an Audi version (and I'd guess it probably will make it to Canada, but maybe not the 'States) I would expect it not to look like quite so blatant platform prostitution as that; I will probably buy one to commute with. Should look great beside the G8.
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I'm not sure how AUDI is regarded in other markets but, it would seem a bit out of place in their lineup.
10/31/08
This car is actually cooler and cooler the more you look into it.
10/31/08
How come there's no clip on the steering wheel for the scorecard?
This golf cart is designed all wrong.
10/31/08
This niche, thus abandoned, is being explored by Porsche-VAG. And I for one welcome SOMEONE building cars I actually might want to buy.
Bravo Audi!
10/31/08
Aveo, Fiesta, etc... those are as small as it gets.
Hell the Geos of the world etc... they dabbled, gotta give them that. I also must mention the Cruze which is on its way as a better entry into the "not quite micro but don't call it small sedan" category...
But the audi one spanks the bejesus out of the VW for sure!
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The Audi will come with stock leatherette and cost $8 grand more?