I understand that the Audi Turbo'd cars have a so-called "pressurized" atmospheric system so that higher altitude climates don't adversely affect the power these 5v Turbo'd engines create. Then theoretically, wouldn't a Turbo car run faster at higher altitude (thinner air) than at sea level (thicker humid air)? Theoretically of course...<p>Living at 6000',<br>RocketJohn<br>'00 S4 (on order) in Big Bird ERR Imola Yellow sans the Jim Henson Rainbow M3 seats! hehe...

You are mixing two factors which affect the car speed.<p>1) The turbo forces air into the engine to be burned with the gas. Since the engine management system is a computer, when you go to higher altitudes it can adjust many factors, and one factor it has available is higher turbo boost to compensate for the thin air. After a certain loss of atmosphere, though, the turbo will no longer be able to compensate (it will "max out") and you will lose power at the same rate as a naturally aspirated engine. So it is best for smaller elevation changes.<p>2) The aerodynamics: yes, there will be less parasitic *DRAG* on the car at higher elevations than at low elevations with *DRY* air. Humid air is actually less dense than drier air, all other things being equal.<p>So you will have more drag at sea level (or lower), but take your S4 out early in the morning, and your engine will LOVE that cool, dry, dense air and will THANK YOU for it with gobs of powa!!!<p>(Luckily, you are also buying the fastest color, which is yellow. Better get a Valentine-one)

The turbo does not lose power linearly, like a NA car does. Yes, there is a minor loss, but it is typically made up with the lapse rate change in temps. So yes, you will have substantially more power at 14k than a NA car with the same sea level output.

so the turbo doesn't get to max boost at as low an engine speed as it would lower.

I got a V1 about a year ago and it has been one amazing piece of equipment. I plan on using the helpful instructions on the AudiZone to install that badboy into the S4...<p>From everything I have ever read, I agree, Yellow is the fastest color, many have noticed the force runs strong in that color... <p>RJ<br>hehe