Sean's A4 page has posted similar photos of the so-called 2000 A4. Fake or not, I like the A6 rear end and the TT front end and think they would make a fine improvement to the A4. As much as I like the current A4's, the rear end looks like a lot of other cars -- a bit common. I like the daring lines of the TT coupe and the A6 better -- they're more original, unique and fresh. In fact, it was an A6 rear end that first caught my attention on the freeways of LA and prompted me to look closer at all Audi models. As a designer, I think they stand out head and shoulders above some of the other rehashed automotive stylings.<p>I have noticed that current A4 owners are loathe to praise anything that doesn't resemble their own models. A bit closed-minded for my taste. This was recently exhibited with the '99.5 model changes. Very subtle styling changes, and yet, to current owners it was if the A4 had undergone some hideous transformation! Jeeez... if this narrow mindedness prevails in all A4 orgs, I think I'll pass!

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I like the A4. It's ashame that a discussion of style and the exciting evolution and possibilities of future A4 designs is reduced to such silly insults and chauvenism (to borrow your words). I feel uncomfortable in a place that attacks a fellow A4 enthusiast's enthusiasm. It does not speak well for the A4 community.

So yes, some are biased. I actually would like to see some more angles on the car. I like the back and the front grill of the A4 the best. I think the flowing lines of an A6 makes it look more like a cruiser and less like a sports sedan which is fine for the A6. I like the more sporty, aggressive lines of the A4. To each his own.<p>Mark (98.5 2.8 QMS)

:)

:)

I guess I didn't really express myself very well and some how came off like I was insulting the current A4 design. I happen to like the current A4 design very much. But I also like the TT and A6 designs as well. Like all cars, a model design is never static but always evolving and I personally find the new TT design an exciting direction for Audi -- it's very original and stands out from the crowd. I wouldn't mind seeing elements of it incorporated into future A4 designs. This was no way intended as an insult to the current A4 design. I just find this rabid defensiveness a bit weird... so how about a truce, eh?

The trick, for all of us, is to make our point without denigrating the substance or mode of expression of others. We all struggle with it. OK, truce. Incidentally, there is something very right going on at the Audi design studios, no question. But the present iteration will remain quite special, I believe. Walk around it. There just isn't a bad angle.