Just curious.

Hasn't it been banned in Germany or some crap like that. Toxic to the environment or something?<br>I'm not sure...<p>But I say screw the ducks! Paved highways forever!!<p><br>(i dont actually mean that).<p>

nt<br>

There are plenty of other nice colors, but only one Earth.<p>Mike

Rumor has it that they were also having QC problems with the pearl paint drying to various shades on the different materials of the car.This was consequently resulting in delays on the production line.<p>Supposedly, Audi is working on the problem and plans to re-introduce the color for MY 2000.<br>Jim

trust me, the earth has been through a lot worse than us and probably will go through worse after we are gone. The earth will not die, we will and then Mother Earth will recuperate and spawn new forms of life. Just a thought (stolen from George Carlin) Remember, humanity has only been around for a sliver of the time that the earth has, we are (hopefully not) transient visitors.<p>Kirk

Apparently, the paint reacts differently to the recycled plastics than it does on metal, and causes slight color variations. Then they have a hard time matching the pieces on the production line, thus the slowdown. Just what you said, but for some reason I felt the desire to repeat! :-) Although this might be OK on a honda, and most people would not notice it, it was not up to Audi's standards for color match. I hope you are right about the re-introduction :-) <p>ChuckH<br>

Uncalled for....<p>Steve S.<br>97 2.8QM<br>

IronMike, I might agree with you if I really felt that it was truly done out of concern for the environment. However, I am getting of the opinion a lot of this is done simply so that the gummint environmental programs can justify their existence. if they don't pass new laws, they can't show they're needed. <br>When I see proposed laws like what's being proposed out in the land of the fruits & nuts to have the OBD systems on cars communicate with some satellite link, so that whenever they register an emission fault it will automatically send this fact to an EPA bureau, who will send out the police to your door with a ticket or warrant if you haven't gotten it fixed in acertain period of time, I have a problem. Similar problem I see with the concern about global warming or the supposed destruction of the ozone layer - gummint programs are behind them since they promote their agenda and keep them in business. I also have a major problem when hear about world organizations passing environmental laws detrimental to US businesses, but third-world nations can throw all they want into air & water without these same organizations getting upset. Just my opinion; you're entitled to yours.

My ex has a Nissan 200SX with Pearl White and has the same problems with the pearl paint on the bumber. <p>It eventually became a darker shade<p>

One space shuttle launch does more damage to the ozone layer than all the CFC spray-paint ever sprayed. Just a little info.<p>And yes, I think space exploration is a more important endeavor than graffiti here in Chicago. But maybe that's just me (probably the graffiti is more relevant to everyday life if the space shuttle program has become a publicity stunt for certain retiring government officials...) But that discussion belongs in the general forum.<p>Liking driving pearl A4's more than hugging trees,<br>Cameron

<br>nt

nt<br>

Aerosol propellant cans have NEVER been the main cause for ozone depletion. Ozone depletion is predominantly caused by CFCs from freon. CFCs are HIGHLY stable molecules that migrate up to the ozone layer and then break down with exposure from UV light to release chlorine molecules. ONE CHLORINE MOLECULE DESTROYS OVER 100,000 MOLECULES OF OZONE!!! Another HUGE problem is the use of methyl bromide in agriculture, especially in California. One molecule of bromine from methyl bromide DESTROYS OVER 600,000 MOLECULES OF OZONE!!! Even after the Montreal Accord and Helsinki Accord banned the use and production of CFCs, CFCs still exist in our atmosphere, and the ozone hole over Antarctica will remain until at least the year 2000. Congress just SHOT DOWN a bill to ban the use of methyl bromide. In areas of the world like QUeensland, Australia and Patagonia, 75% of people over the age of 65 have skin cancer and a larger percentage suffer from cataracts. CFCS ARE NO LONGER MANUFACTURED OR USED in most of the world. Third world countries DO NOT have the technology nor the resources to produce most chemicals detrimental to our environment. Instead, these products are mostly manufactured by US companies like Dow and sold to foreign nations. Environmental accords like the Montreal Accord are INTERNATIONAL efforts to fix our environment. YES, YOU ARE RIGHT, if we have stringent environmental laws, we will lose jobs to other countries. But remember, the US is the still the #1 largest polluter in the world. As an international superpower, it is the RESPONSIBILITY of OUR COUNTRY to set an example to other less powerful nations. If we continue to pollute, why should they stop? To get some A4 content in here, if PEARL PAINT POLLUTES, I'll be happy to take mine in a variety of other colors, and if electric cars were more affordable, I'd be first in line for one. <p>Mike (Accelerated medical program major, environmental science minor, A4 1.8T owner and lover) :)