With all the chipping that's taking place with the A4, I have to wonder why Audi doesn't (will they?) go for a piece of the action?

Here's a scenario. Audi offers a dealer installed chipping option, at say, US $695 for the A4. Yes, it's more expensive than aftermarket chips, but Audi's chip doesn't "void the warranty". Also, I'm sure Audi wouldn't want to advertise the new lineup as "chipped" but rather as a "retuned" high-perfomance option with a different exhaust and air filter. ;-)

Another scensario: Audi could market the A4 at different levels from the get go; maybe drop the V6 and leave that for the A6 model. It's pretty obvious that chipping is safe, so why not?

I know that if Audi offered this option, I would jump on it. As it is, I think I'm going to wait a while before I chip.

-Adam
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A4 Avant 1.8TQT Silver/Onyx

<i>With all the chipping that's taking place with the A4, I have to wonder why Audi doesn't (will they?) go for a piece of the action?

Here's a scenario. Audi offers a dealer installed chipping option, at say, US $695 for the A4. Yes, it's more expensive than aftermarket chips, but Audi's chip doesn't "void the warranty". Also, I'm sure Audi wouldn't want to advertise the new lineup as "chipped" but rather as a "retuned" high-perfomance option with a different exhaust and air filter. ;-)</i>

Personally, I don't think the chip market is big enough for Audi to worry about...especially since the "need" is being satisfied with the current aftermarket offerings.

I could see something like this happening in Europe where the stringent DOT restrictions don't exist, but in the U.S. it won't happen IMO. In fact, doesn't "Quattro GmbH" offer tuning items for Audi's in Europe. I bet you won't see those offerings in the U.S. anytime soon either.

<i>Another scensario: Audi could market the A4 at different levels from the get go; maybe drop the V6 and leave that for the A6 model. It's pretty obvious that chipping is safe, so why not?</i>

Here's why not: because some people want a V6...especially Americans who seem to always believe that "bigger is better". Personally, I love my 1.8T but there are plenty of times when I think to myself that the 2.8 V6 would have been a better choice for me. Eliminating the 2.8 from the A4 would be a big mistake IMO.

<i>I know that if Audi offered this option, I would jump on it. As it is, I think I'm going to wait a while before I chip.</i>

Don't get me wrong, I hope Audi <b>does</b> offer a chip. But I certainly wouldn't wait for an "official" Audi chip...that would be one long wait!

<A HREF="Mailto:andy_hedin@hotmail.com">Andy Hedin</A>
'97 A4 1.8Tqms, Wett 1.0 Bar, ABT Filter, Euro Headlights, APR/Borla Exhaust (coming soon!)...

It's called Quattro GMBH, check it out on the Audi World website. There's some pretty cool stuff there including appearance and suspension packages, as well as the 180hp engine upgrade. I would love to see this stuff come to the States. I think Audi should keep the V6, and keep improving it, on the A4, and should not be afraid of the power output from the 1.8t getting too close to it.

Regards,
Rodney

'99 A4 1.8tqms

I bought a V6 even though I know I could have bought a 1.8T and chipped it. The V6 may not be as tunable but it is smoother and quieter. I for one would not care if the 1.8T made 180HP stock and the 2.8 stayed at 190HP, I would still have chosen the 2.8. Course, I want the 2.8 to have more power stock!