but I want to

impressions after 5 days of driving my new 4.2

1. The engine is still the single most compelling part of this car -- sound/throttle response exhilirating

2. Bigger difference between SPort and Drive compared with old 2.7T (both tips) -- the sport mode in the 4.2 will happily stay in 4th or even 3rd where throttle reponse and sound are just amazing. You really have to try to get it into 5th.

3. First tank run entirely in sport mode in the burbs -- 16.7 mpg

4. Nav plus beats the h3ll out of the Nav minus I used to have. There is a "map" mode which lets you keep a real-time map on the screen that tracks your position on a map of your area (kind of like the "marauders map" from Harry Potter) with the scale that you choose. Very neat. (kids love it)

5. The radio is better than my 2003 ar. Much better mid range and Bass. Can actually crank it without distorting. The AM reception in Manhattan is now good enough to actually get NYC stations. WCBS/WFAN/WINS used to be pure static.

6. The heated steering wheel was very nice this morning.

7. when can I floor it? When, huh? when?

200 miles... just calm and easy..listen to it.
201-500..FLOOR from 40+ (not from a stop) it to about 80 MPH.. but don't stay at a constant speed for more than minute or so.. stay high but vary your speed. Keep the RPM regardless of geat to less than say..5000 RPM. Watch the oil on the stick for the first 1000 miles.

Been doing this with every NEW car we have ever owned since 1981. Never had a problem..just smiles.

overtake another car, while still keeping it under a RPM limit (say, 2/3) is a recognized break-in technique to help seat the rings, etc. You can find many expert references to this if you search online or read tech sections, even in last few months of Road and Track issues IIRC. I don't agree with Paulroad (and my father, incidentally) to floor it from stop or very low MPH, if that's what Paulroad means.

page 152, Tech Corresp. - summarized:

Also seek periods of high vacuum in cylinders to better seat "back side" of rings & grooves, as opposed to the side normally pressurized by combustion. Lift throttle at speed and coast in gear to a low rpm, dropping 20 MPH, to create vac. Running errands around town gives this effect. Also the flooring is discussed.

I'm in love with the exhaust note and the mechanical sounds. My buddy, who had a A6 4.2 and currently a C5 Vette, came back with a big smile after driving my ar 4.2!!

My love affair with the ar is renewed.

thanks guys...still a little giddy

Just noticed your sig...I've been thinking about an older A6 Avant to mod the heck out of and have been getting "whaddaya need 2 wagons for?"...sheesh

I always drive using the tip, never use drive or sport mode.....

Paul,

5000 rpm..... 80mph am I missing something.... I usually take my allroad 4.2 for a wake up drive on I84 Sunday morning to go from Lords Valley PA to Mountain Road NY exit 2....to work with a friend of mine.....well nothing under 95mph (no traffic of course). Nearly got nailed last Sunday in NY state between Port Jervis and Greenville, on the part going up....thanks to the V1. The troopers were sitting in the middle behind trees on a sloped access road, just got enough time to slow down to 70mph....

I really miss a 6 speed manual on this car...

I know the feeling...just awesome.