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solo64 January 31, 2008 3:32 PM

The question has to be when will this power race end.

Every time one of the 3 big German firms launch a car it has to be topped by something with more power or faster 0-60 time.

Is this what people today want?

I love fast cars but find it strange that in the land of the V8 the big 3 over there are all looking to launch Eco cars whilst in europe all we get is faster, more power and more weight.

Is it no surprise the Germans don't like the EU ideas on emissions.

SpecB January 31, 2008 6:43 PM

I think Audi are pushing this power thing a tad too far - don't get me wrong, I like powerful cars and fast estates are cool because people don't expect them to be.

I think they should have spent the money making the car much lighter.  I have plenty of fun in my car which is only 245bhp but it is half a tonne lighter - that is plenty as there has to be limit of what power you can actually use these days.

coolGav February 1, 2008 9:10 AM

I like estates (I drive one), and quick cars are great. However on todays roads there's only so much performance that you can use. If you have the money, then it's up to you to spend it on the most powerful one should that be a priority. If not, then save a fortune and arrive at your destination a minute later.

My own performance figures relate far more to economy and range than outright acceleration. (I usually have to go slightly out of my way to fill up, and when there's a queue it's annoying). All too often I catch up an "on-paper" fast car since the driver isn't using the performance/handling - they might not know the road or the car, or not realise that they don't have to brake for that kink, but could accelerate instead. To me it's how you drive it that counts, and the fun you have.

T1berious February 1, 2008 4:03 PM

I can't help but agree with a lot of the statements made earlier, I'm also completely baffled by the need by Audi to grab the V10 (I'm assuming it's the same unit used by Lamborghini) bolt on some turbos, stand back and say " job well done!", As always the target market for these cars have more disposable income than they know what to do with.

Considering the need for the industry to look at becoming greener, lighter more efficient cars need to be leading the charge.

Funny thing is my own experience is from my Corrado VR6 v our E92 330i, how can a car 12 years older feel faster while losing out 80bhp? 300Kg is a lot to lug about I guess. As much as I love performance cars and the idea of a rapid estate wins, surely the question has to be when will they clock on that big power lugging heavy cars isn't that clever.

I look forward to when one of the big 3 says "can't be bovvered, I'm going to put the development money into lightening my motors across my range, up performance that way, rather then pour cash into a pointless halo product"

Funning thing is the improvement across the range would probably gain more sales, hence more profits.

Too bad the "mine hits the limiter before yours" game still has legs in it.

JeremyT February 1, 2008 11:18 PM

Ridiculous price.  Monkey's column this week hits the spot.  How strange it is that we love the RS4 and yet this is just too much.  £77000 ?  Bonkers.

RS_Inc February 2, 2008 4:14 PM

  I honestly believe that this discussion is less about muscle-Avants and more to do with the German mind-set. I like to call it 'Nth Degree Engineering.' They design and engineer vehicles for the mass market at huge expense, throwing money at it in all different ways, from Safety to Handling, Economy to Design, Technology to Quality. Then they wheel out their baby to the entire world, waiting for praise to be lavished upon it.

  But like any pushy parents they can't leave be. "We'll never make an M5 Touring," BMW say, "the 55 AMG is the top model in SL-Klasse, there's no need for more PS or Nm," says Mercedes, "we're moving away from forced induction and concentrating on normally aspirated, high revving engines in future RS models, and remember only one at a time!" says the quattro GmbH spokesperson... and so on.

  Yet what do we see pounding the Nordschleife 3 years into the model cycle? Yes maybe the sales are lulling a little and a Halo-car would help, but more importantly they've had atleast 18 months with nothing else to do on their baby. And if other companies babies are prettier and more talented, the best thing to do is up the ante.

  Obviously the 'power race' cannot continue, but neither do I believe these cars won't be around in the future. It'll be the 'weight-race' to contend with next and who's got the balls to strip out more weight than the other challengers. As I said, its a German mind-set.