I am looking to do a nice integration of a radar detector in my new A8. Has anyone seen a good job of this? Have any pictures? I would love to take out the ashtray and somehow fit something more useful, like a radar detector or a coin holder. Its just dead space for me.

I had a power wire brought up through the headliner and used the factory suction cups to mount a Valentine One radar
detector. The higher up the mounting, the better the reception. The Valentine actually fits nicely there, too.

I recently had a Passport SRX installed and I am very happy with the results. The main unit fits into the ashtray with room to spare. The whole system is fairly stealthy, you would probably not notice it unless you knew what to look for. One of the local Audi dealers here is an official SRX installer and so I was less nervous about having them take apart things. They did an excellent job and there are no unsightly cables or unit obstructing the field of view through the windscreen. The main unit in the ashtray is not visible when the ashtray door is shut so there is one less thing to tempt thieves who may be looking for a smash and grab opportunity.

Here is the unit mounted in the ashtray:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/81119/srxinashtray.jpg">

The center unit is the radar detector, the two units underneath on each side are the laser detectors. The radar and the laser detectors are very sensitive and have already proven their value.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/81119/srxfrontradarlaser.jpg">

Here is the rear laser detector that is integrated into a black license plate frame. It is not really evident that it is not part of the license plate unless you are very close.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/81119/srxrearlaser1.jpg">

Here is a rear view from further away so you can get an idea of what it may look like to someone who is tailgating you.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/81119/srx_rear_view.jpg"><ul><li><a href="http://www.passportsr1.com/srx.htm">More Info on Passport SRX - CLICK</a></li></ul>

did your install? T!!!!!!

They are on Route 46 East.

Ask for Bruce.

... Leasing my car and not wanting to do a pricey install, I had an Escort 850 (blue) hard-wired into the ignition and mounted it with velcro on the far left front on the dash. You can see it on my picture poster. It's relatively unobstrusive and does the job.

see the alerts or do you use the audio alerts? Which dealer did the install? Where? Thanks.

Thanks. When I am the using the detector (typically for highway driving) I open the ashtray door so I can see the screen. I have mine set for audio alerts as well so I can hear it even if the ashtray door is closed.

This system was installed by an Audi dealer in Dublin, OH (suburb of Columbus) called Midwest Auto Group (MAG). The installation was time consuming (2 days) since they had to remove the front bumper to do it correctly.

They charged about $1700 since the install was so labor intensive. That includes the SRX system which they charged me the same price that I could buy it on eBay. The installation charges are less for vehicles that don't require the bumper to be removed (~ $1495 for an installed system). Although I did not ask, I doubt they would sell the unit without doing the install.

thats looks awesome. nice! How do you think it does at detecting radar?

I usually turn down the volume when driving around town. On the highway, the radar function has successfully given me plenty of warning each time there was a threat detected.

The laser shifting seems to work well too... I have already been targeted once from the front and once from the rear and I was able to reduce my speed sufficiently and without drawing enough attention to be retargeted.

What do I think? It does what I had hoped it would do. Is it the best solution? I don't know. I picked this solution because it integrates both radar and front/rear laser detection; it is reported to work very well when properly installed; and it goes unnoticed. So far the results I have seen support my decision.

get one when I can find a reliable installer in San Francisco. The only dealers authorized by Escort are way out of the city. I'm reluctant to use a car stereo/phone instraller due to interfacing with Audi electrical system, etc. One guy wouldn't do it.

list of $1500 installed...for the Audi hassle factor!

They charge the normal price for other Audi models that are easier to work on.

I would not have purchased this system if my local Audi dealer was not an official installer. The only other person I would trust to install it would be PaulW. Although he is a D2 guy, I think he could install this system without breaking a sweat and would probably be less expensive... unfortunately I don't live in Chicago. = (