I was hoping that somehow the new styling would look better in person, but I must say that it doesn't look nearly as nice as the outgoing B6 model. There is no question in my mind that if people were to see both body styles side by side for the first time, most would prefer the B6. The engine and suspension upgrades are all nice and I am sure it's a better car than the B6 under the skin, but it's sad to see Audi mess up one of their best designs just because the 3-Series is coming out with a new body style. The front overhang on the B7 looks huge from the side.

but a lot of people are in love with the new Nuvolari grille...Mike

I didnt like the new grill in person the first time I saw it either on the A6 or the W-12 A8. But after a while every time I saw it it grew on me and after a while I started thinking that new grill is hot after all. I huess it takes more thant a few pictures to appreciate these new designs. I also had a similiar experience when the B6 first came out.

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Tne new look has created more controversy than one would expect... or should expect which is not a good sign of a sucessful design. I'm waiting until I've actually driven the car and seen the thing up close.

It's either the A4 or an STi. It won't be long now.

almost like the allroar concept, but w/ black spokes instead of chrome...

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I still think the B6 is not a ever good looking car.

The new rear end is not as good as the B6. The new twin-spoke sport package wheels don't look sporty (but I suspect they weigh less than the B6 5-spokers) and the inside is virtually unchanged (audio controls on the steering wheel is nice and the center console now has two large cupholders). I will get used to the new front grille, but I just don't see the B7 as an improvement in styling over the B6. Also, the front overhang just seemed really big with the new front end. I know they only added about an inch to the overhang, but it almost seems longer than the rear overhang now.

I am also surprised that Audi is putting the same rear end treatment on the A3, A4/S4 and A6 Avant. The only way to tell them apart is from the overall size of the car. I prefer models with separate identities.

but I ordered one, so I kinda have to back it up! Cheers, Mike

In fact, I can't imagine where you, or anyone else, could come up with this idea. The new front is a corporate front. It appears, or will as soon as they can impliment it, across the Audi model range.

While everyone is entitled to their own opinion, stating such an obvious untrue "fact" only serves to lessen your credability, and that of your opinion.

I am not saying the grille change is for competing with the upcoming 3-Series. The whole upgrade is designed to keep the car competitive with cars like the Acura TSX, TL, G35, 3-Series, etc. As you have witnessed lately, the A4 1.8T with only 170 hp was finishing near the bottom in all recent comparison tests. Also, the 220-hp 3.0 was slower than a 184-hp 325i. I think with the prospect of a 215-hp 325i and 258-hp 330i on the horizon (not to mention existing 200-hp TSX, 270-hp TL, 298-hp G35, etc. already on teh market), Audi had to do something quick and they couldn't wait until the 2006 model year. Also, 2004 Audi of America sales were down about 10% from the year before. All these factors had something to do with the earlier than usual facelift.

Don't get me wrong. I applaud the engine upgrades (even though the 2.0T is still not competitive with the 325i). I just don't care for some of the styling changes (rear end, wheel design, deletion of std. wood trim from V6 model, etc.)

The B5 A4 was facelifted four years into its model cycle. The B6 is getting this facelift four years into its lifepan. The main difference is that the B5 facelift was subtle and this one is very pronounced. But that is because Walter DaSilva has taken over as Audi styling chief and he is moving the brand in a new styling direction.

I agree that the B7 is not the nicest looking Audi creation of all time, but I am warming up to the new corporate grille. I don't like the B7 sedan tail lights, either, though or a lot of the new wheel designs.

First, forget what's happening in America. Audi doesn't change their cars to sell more in America. They change them as necessary. Corporate decided on a nameplate front end. Hence, the new front end derived from Auto Union Grand Prix car of the '30's. FSI came about from trying to develop cleaner and more fuel efficient engines without losing power. By stratifying the charge, to reduce emissions and improve fuel usage, the engine is more efficient and makes more power. The additional power is just a wonderful byproduct of the stratified charge. Both Audi and its customers get lucky. Cleaner, fuel efficient engines that make more power.

Most of these reasons, and the stories behind them, are readily available from Audi news and press releases. There are no secrets here. Isn't it better to read the facts rather than guess?

I can't say I disagree. I'm one who is pretty ambivalent about the new front end. If there's one reason I like it, it's because it draws attention to a car you'd otherwise overlook. In traffic, however, the front end is not overwhelming. In fact, the new Chrysler 300 front end hits you harder than the new Audi front end. (Living near the southwest desert VoA test center means you see many new and not available in NorAm VW's and Audis.) I've seen a number of the new A6's, A4's and even A3's running around the AZ test center, and, in traffic, the front end does not overwhelm you. But, like the poster says, the horizontal license strip seems out of place. The one piece grill pictured looks much cleaner.

but it didn't stop me from exploring the possibility of ordering one today...

Whenever a new body style change comes out like that, it always takes me a while to accept it.

and break up that huge grill in two.

[First, forget what's happening in America. Audi doesn't change their cars to sell more in America. They change them as necessary. Corporate decided on a nameplate front end. Hence, the new front end derived from Auto Union Grand Prix car of the '30's.]

Too bad VW is using it too. It isn't distinctive when an Audi wears it.

[FSI came about from trying to develop cleaner and more fuel efficient engines without losing power. By stratifying the charge, to reduce emissions and improve fuel usage, the engine is more efficient and makes more power. The additional power is just a wonderful byproduct of the stratified charge. Both Audi and its customers get lucky. Cleaner, fuel efficient engines that make more power.]

I thought the engines coming to North America were direct injection but not stratified charge.

[Most of these reasons, and the stories behind them, are readily available from Audi news and press releases. There are no secrets here. Isn't it better to read the facts rather than guess?]

Take your own medicine, then lecture others about it.

I wish I knew what your problem was. First, I suggested to forget about what's happening in America because America does not drive VWAG. Then, you go and focus on America.

I suggested people read up on the wherefore and whys. Then, you go and comment how the FSI engines in NorAm will not be stratified charge engines. VWAG has said this is because NorAm fuel in stratified charge engines will plug the catalytic converters. When NorAm fuel suppliers begin providing acceptable blends, VWAG will begin providing stratified charge engines in NorAm.

As I said VWAG has publicly announced their reasons for what they're doing. If you don't like it, fine. But, don't guess at the reasons behind their decisions, and don't think the NorAm market figures into their decisions (because they have said it doesn't).

Now, quit ragging about what you have failed to learn.

B5 is better looking by far.