Does anyone know if the '05.5 will feature voice recognition for the navigation, audio, climate, etc.? It seems that if it's coming with Bluetooth, DVD navigation, MP3 playback, etc., and if the other Audi models have voice recognition, it's a no brainer for this car to have it.

I didn't see it on the options sheet, but of course I didn't see Bluetooth either and it seems that's just a part of one of the other packages or standard.

It will be available in 2005, I don't know if it will be considered available on the 5.5's or if you'll have to wait for the '06's.

This according to my dealer.

I'm assuming what you meant to say is:

"It will be available on the 2006..."

Is that correct?

. . . but to clarify: voice recognition for the new B7's (which I assume will be the designation for BOTH the 2005.5's and the 2006's -- both being available to purchase in calendar 2005) will be offered sometime before 12/31/2005.

My lack of clarity -- and I got this from my Audi sales rep who does make every attempt to "pin down" his Audi insider from AoA -- is that it is unknown if the 2005.5 designated A4's and S4's will be offered with voice recognition.

Here are the options that "ought to be" in the upcoming versions (either 05.5 or 06's):

1. Voice recognition (requiring both nav and Bluetooth)

2. Bluetooth -- which I assume can be had without voice recognition

3. "Smart key" (like the new A6 has and also as is already being announced for the new BMW 3 series)

4. Manual transmissions on: A4 2.0T, A4 3.2 & S4

Now what "ought to be" and what will be often seem vague. Just a few short weeks ago, the color choices for the new A4's seemed awfully skinny. Now, there is a new order guide that lists additional colors that were not on the first cut of the order guide.

While we're wishin' and hopin' -- DSG transmission avail across all versions, sport seats, S-Line from "day-one," more wheel and tire choices, more interior color choices (amaretto and red leather choices would be dandy, for instance), power actuated steering column (like in the A8 and V8 A6's), heated steering wheel, front and rear parktronic (not just rear).

I would go to the option list from the UK or DE web "konfigurators" and offer more "stuff" (for a price) to NA customers.

But that's just me.

I am still blown away by the statement that "you can have Panther Black Pearl paint on an A4 -- IF you are willing to pay $2,500." Heck, I'm nuts and I wouldn't pay more than half that (or less).

My main "wish" however would be for the S-Line to be made a "day one" option, rather than 2 - 6 months down the road (according to what I read, more likely the larger number rather than the smaller number of months, down the road -- damn!)

I'm right there with you on the wishes and hopes...every single ONE of them. The Audi UK and Audi Deutschland build-your-own things depress me cuz you see all the cool stuff we can't have.