I started a thread over on the 'zine (http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=335517) because I thought the b8 s4 felt a little uninspiring. I was suggested to try the c63 amg, so I did. Here are some of my impressions if anyone cares...

Made an appointment to test drive the c63 today and popped into Audi first (since they're about 500 ft from each other). Took the s4 out for another spin, trying not to compare it directly to my car and judge it on its own.

The interior really does fit like a glove and the 3G MMI works so intuitively. As others have stated before, the car performs effortlessly. The torque down low does get the car moving and I enjoyed flicking through the gears. I still feel the car feels a bit bland as the revs climb, but I'm still confident this will be fixed with a tune and exhaust (you guys see AWE's video?! http://www.youtube.com/user/paeurotu.../0/2j0NX1hvAZU) Getting back in my car really made me appreciate the b8 setup; the seats and steering wheel are a nice combo.

At the Mercedes dealership, I see the Steel Gray c63. From the videos and pictures I wasn't a huge fan of the exterior; but I really liked this complex charcoal hue spilled over its haunches. In the proper color, it doesn't look over the top or gaudy...its just mean. On the inside, the steering wheel and black walnut looking trim were nice and the seats were phenomenal. Huge bolsters held me snug, but were comfortable enough to sleep in. The rest of the interior seems 'cheap' for $70k (although this option from oversees seems better: http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w204...ther-pics.html). The nav and interface seem childish in comparison to the Audi 3G MMI. The interior (sans seats) is really bothering me...until we start the car. What an angry snarling beast. Power is effortless, the car is an animal compared to anything I've ever driven. I just keep laughing every time I accelerate. Shifting using the paddles gets annoying and reminds me how much I really want a manual. On the way back to the dealership I enjoyed the car more by slipping it into Sport and allowing the transmission to shift for itself. I think it would make a great daily driver and ultimately generate a lot of speeding tickets.

By combining the aspects I like most of both cars I end up with the engine, sound, and flared aggression of the c63 dumped into the s4. Add all that up with the fact that I'd prefer a coupe over a sedan and you get...the rs5? *sigh* I hope they bring it here and I hope I can afford it. Otherwise I'll anxiously watch the b8 s4 tuning development and see if this engine makes it to the s5.

 

Audi = yawn

 

Definitely not the most exciting cars on earth in stock tune....