Audi representatives from Germany, Sweden and Australia presented HK with its first "Audi Driver Experience" driving course yesterday at the old airport runway. What an enlightening and exciting event! They even flew in the S4 from Germany for our perusal although we could not test drive it as it was not insured. <p>The course consisted of a classroom session, driving at high speeds through cones, slamming on the antilock brakes at high speeds to illustrate how much control there is under extreme braking, and braking on wet pavement without antilock brakes. This was once in a lifetime opportunity to push the A4 and A6 to their limits and still see how well they perform. <p>There were also demonstration of tire blow out, and airbag release. The best part was that Brad Jones (Australian Touring Champion) gave everyone an opportunity to experience the A4 competition car in action. He took us down the runway at over 220km. The engine sound was sweet the G force kept our backs glued to the Recaro seat. What a thrill with the Hong Kong skyline as the backdrop. It was like a jet taking off on the runway!

Michael,<p>I went today and is even better because it's raining today. Must say this is the biggest thrill for me for a long time. The best part is the hot lap. I never knew a car can be driven this way. He (Brad Jones) also took us down the witch hate course in the A6 quattro. What a ride! He threw the car into every corner without any thought and the car was sideway on every corner. I took some picture and will try to post it later on.

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Are there any driving courses offered in the United States, and especially in Florida (Miami preferred)> What is the procedure, i.e., applying, etc...<br>I have been invited for the Beemer's driving course and intro to new 3 series - but I've selected to race in 540 and M Coupe, on 12/5/98.<p>Would like to do the same in my A4.

The best things in life are free!

Well, the reps said they travel around the world during this "Audi Driver Training Course" but I imagine they do most of the courses around Europe. I would suggest you talk to your area dealer and see whether they can arrange this.<p>The fortunate thing was that we just had the Macau race so the race crew was around. Otherwise, it would have been too expensive to fly Brad Jones specifically to HK to do this.

Michael: How can it be free? Are you an Audi salesperson or a car magazine test driver? I'm really jealous!<p>Kevin C.<br>Vancouver A4 Club<br>http://vancouver.a4.org

They invited selected Audi owners. It was more a PR thing as they invited the press, local actors/actresses, fleet buyers, and buyers from China. Trying to raise awareness of the Audi brand in Asia was their main intention I think. You are right, it must be expensive to put something like this together. Lucky as past owners!

You must go to Europe to attend one of these courses. Audi does not offer this training in the US (with our legal climate would you) I attended this training course in October with the Audi Quattro Club USA at the Legendary Nurburgring Circuit. The airfair was about $600 and the 3 day course cost apprx $1400. Audi takes care of all your needs during this time however. I'm talking first class accomodations and some of the best meals you may ever eat ( breakfast, lunch, and dinner ) <p>This was the best experience an Audi fan could ever ask for. Do it, do it, do it. We even had the oppertunity to watch a race at the track the day before we started driving. Oh, I did also get to drive the new S4 and an older S2 coupe at the track if ever so breifly. The S4 is a real screamer.<p>Audi really knows how to treat the people who love Audi's. Thanks again Audi.

You must go to Europe to attend one of these courses. Audi does not offer this training in the US (with our legal climate would you) I attended this training course in October with the Audi Quattro Club USA at the Legendary Nurburgring Circuit. The airfair was about $600 and the 3 day course cost apprx $1400. Audi takes care of all your needs during this time however. I'm talking first class accomodations and some of the best meals you may ever eat ( breakfast, lunch, and dinner ) <p>This was the best experience an Audi fan could ever ask for. Do it, do it, do it. We even had the oppertunity to watch a race at the track the day before we started driving. Oh, I did also get to drive the new S4 and an older S2 coupe at the track if ever so breifly. The S4 is a real screamer.<p>Audi really knows how to treat the people who love Audi's. Thanks again Audi.

It cost Audi AG 7000 marks per driver to put one of these on in Germany. I'm sure it cost more to fly the cars and instructors to Hong Kong. As Americans we got a better deal due to the fact that Audi is trying to regain lost ground in the US. The cost to an American would be between $1400 and $2200 depending on the type and duration of the course. I am attending another of these courses in Seefeld Austria in January. It is called the Audi Experience on Ice. I've heard it is a real blast.<p>