Richard Solomon

Seems like the new style fob is 1/4 again the length of my old C5 switchblade and another 10-15% wider. I've always hated how large the C5 setup was and now the C7 is larger. Sigh.

I'd really like to have a fob with no mechanical key and no remote buttons, just the battery and electronics for the keyless entry/ignition. Then I could carry the emergency key in my wallet, the micro-fob in my pocket and be set.

keithl

Yeah I do not get it, heavy I suppose to make you feel like you bought a substantial car, but honestly with tech today this should be a credit card size for tour wallet.

Silent Drone

Agreed. Its way too big and bulky.

NABS4

Maybe because there is a real key in there

irenesbob

Maybe the A6’s demographic? All the older folks whose arthritic hands need something easy to grasp? Seriously, I do agree it is pretty bulky, but on the plus side that makes it less likely to be lost or left on the dresser.

Richard Solomon

Maybe I'm in the minority here, but mine goes on a keyring - with other keys, like house, wife's vehicle, bike/ski rack lock, etc... so losing or leaving is much less of an issue.

snagitseven

I believe I read where Audi will soon offer a subcutaneous implant for the key. It will be inserted in the armpit and they will be called Super Advanced Key. It may be included in the Driver Assistance Package and will be installed in the service department upon delivery. No more bulky key to worry over.

Richard Solomon

Well the Immobilizer III used an RFID tag, and I believe the same is still present in the C7 fobs & emergency key as the emergency start panel uses contact sensing without need for a live battery in the fob.

Sure enough, google confirms it:
http://www.audi.com/newtech/super-advanced-key

snagitseven

There you go. And if a battery should be needed and it were to die in a few years, you just press your armpit up against the key symbol on the dash. Easy, peazy.

TVR1977

Yeah, it's a little bigger and a lot heavier than the old fobs. It is somewhat thinner, though,
and I do like the fact that I don't have the "switchblade" key opening up in my pocket every five seconds!