Drove a 1.8T and 2.8 today at Bell Audi (Rahway, NJ), and was impressed by the 1.8TQ Tiptronic. Didn't seem slow (a chip would help I imagine), but the brakes were VERY touchy (like a 96 or 97 A4). The 2.8 had softer brakes (a la my 98.5). The 1.8's 15" wheels made ride softer (but obviously not handle as well). <p>The 2.8 Tip was a bit on the "rough" side -- when cold, the engine didn't sound as sweet as my broken-in car, but the Tiptronic really added something. Steering wheel controls are cool as hell, except when turning-and-shifting (can't do it).<p>-josh<br>98.5 2.8qms

You made a good point. You probably want to use the manual aspect of the tip when you are driving aggressivly and the controls on the steering wheel will make that hard to do. Sounds like it's becoming a marketing gimmik. I suppose it will still help when down shifting for a pass on the highway. Too bad they can't support both at the same time. Who knows, maybe the manual with a clutch is slowly becoming obsolete, like the column shifters.<p>Mark (98.5 2.8 QMS)

They work great for me though they did take some getting used to. <p>You said '...to bad they can't support both..."<p>You can still use the shift lever, the steering wheel controls are additional. I find myself using both all the time.<p>MikeP<br>99 1.8TQSTipWett