Letters to the Editors are always welcome. When writing, please include your name, city and story to which you are referring. We will not publish your e-mail or phone number. You can reach us at editorsIL@edmunds.com. We may edit your letter for length or content.
Letters to the Inside Line Editors:
Like to Drift? Turn Off the Quattro
European First Drive: 2007 Audi S3
Dear Editors:
It is interesting to read Alistair Weaver's take on the S3. Interesting enough that you can hear the negativity he feels through the keys. Perhaps he may benefit from a few lessons in driving Quattro.
The Audi product is phenomenal; you must understand it to drive it. Yes, it feels stable and safe, but if you want the tail out then use the gas and see why Quattro was banned from DTM and all European Touring Car Series in 1997. It will give you a drift like no other car. I recently saw a video that showed Tiff O'Neal in an RS4 versus an M3. Amazing to think that a former pro driver like Tiff did not know how to drift Quattro.
You throw it in, flip it round and stand on the gas. The car will return you from the brink of an off-road excursion with stability and control. Perhaps you can seek out Quattro drift videos online and work on it for yourself. For this article tells those who know what your writer does not. He may want to work the social pages. It's more acceptable to be inaccurate there.
Lawrence
From the Web
Audi Needs to Improve Reliability Before Raising Prices
European First Drive: 2007 Audi S3
Dear Editors:
I question whether Audi's recent announcement that it's raising prices to match BMW and Mercedes is the best answer for acquiring Tier 1 Luxury status. Given Audi still has reliability and focus issues (does it really believe a more-than-$50,000 S3 is the best answer for a "hot hatch"?), doesn't its suggested approach seem wrong?
Lexus, by comparison, has a much better idea; for a higher-priced luxury product, give the customers quality, reliability, performance and luxury all at the same time.
Perhaps someday, Audi and its VW parent will figure out what Americans really desire in an automobile.
Kurt W.
From the Web
The Hummer H2 Can't Hit the Rubicon?
Full Test: 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara
Dear Editors:
Of course, a narrow vehicle, like the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, would make it easier, but is still possible in an H2 and H3. There were a group of us, 5 H2s and 2 H3s...and 1 Stock Xterra that ran it the first weekend of October. The Hummers virtually came out unscathed. It was a great trail, and a great run!
Aaron
From the Web
Thoughts on the Coming Porsche Panamera
EXCLUSIVE: Porsche Spills Pricing Details on Four-Door "Panamera"
Dear Editors:
Your article about the upcoming Porsche Panamera states that the pricing will be from $125K -$175K. However, I've also read from many "spy sources" that the base engines could be a 3.5-liter V6 from VW and the entry 340-hp V8.
Also, consider the coming competition. By 2009 BMW will have a new-generation M5, Maserati would probably launch an improved Quattroporte and Rapide will have cornered a major share of the market.
Porsche needs to get it right in the styling department, because styling needs to be as good as the performance. Hopefully it will contradict those spy pics.
Still dreaming of the Panamera,
(Hopefully by 2011, I would be able to afford one),
B.L.
From the Web
Challenger Earns Letter From Near Brampton, Ontario
Dodge Challenger Concept
Dear Editors:
Regarding the Dodge Challenger, it is going to be built within an hour drive of here. I don't think I've ever been this excited about wanting to spend about $50 large!
Alex
Ontario, Canada
Letters to the Inside Line Editors:
Like to Drift? Turn Off the Quattro
European First Drive: 2007 Audi S3
Dear Editors:
It is interesting to read Alistair Weaver's take on the S3. Interesting enough that you can hear the negativity he feels through the keys. Perhaps he may benefit from a few lessons in driving Quattro.
The Audi product is phenomenal; you must understand it to drive it. Yes, it feels stable and safe, but if you want the tail out then use the gas and see why Quattro was banned from DTM and all European Touring Car Series in 1997. It will give you a drift like no other car. I recently saw a video that showed Tiff O'Neal in an RS4 versus an M3. Amazing to think that a former pro driver like Tiff did not know how to drift Quattro.
You throw it in, flip it round and stand on the gas. The car will return you from the brink of an off-road excursion with stability and control. Perhaps you can seek out Quattro drift videos online and work on it for yourself. For this article tells those who know what your writer does not. He may want to work the social pages. It's more acceptable to be inaccurate there.
Lawrence
From the Web
Audi Needs to Improve Reliability Before Raising Prices
European First Drive: 2007 Audi S3
Dear Editors:
I question whether Audi's recent announcement that it's raising prices to match BMW and Mercedes is the best answer for acquiring Tier 1 Luxury status. Given Audi still has reliability and focus issues (does it really believe a more-than-$50,000 S3 is the best answer for a "hot hatch"?), doesn't its suggested approach seem wrong?
Lexus, by comparison, has a much better idea; for a higher-priced luxury product, give the customers quality, reliability, performance and luxury all at the same time.
Perhaps someday, Audi and its VW parent will figure out what Americans really desire in an automobile.
Kurt W.
From the Web
The Hummer H2 Can't Hit the Rubicon?
Full Test: 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara
Dear Editors:
Of course, a narrow vehicle, like the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, would make it easier, but is still possible in an H2 and H3. There were a group of us, 5 H2s and 2 H3s...and 1 Stock Xterra that ran it the first weekend of October. The Hummers virtually came out unscathed. It was a great trail, and a great run!
Aaron
From the Web
Thoughts on the Coming Porsche Panamera
EXCLUSIVE: Porsche Spills Pricing Details on Four-Door "Panamera"
Dear Editors:
Your article about the upcoming Porsche Panamera states that the pricing will be from $125K -$175K. However, I've also read from many "spy sources" that the base engines could be a 3.5-liter V6 from VW and the entry 340-hp V8.
Also, consider the coming competition. By 2009 BMW will have a new-generation M5, Maserati would probably launch an improved Quattroporte and Rapide will have cornered a major share of the market.
Porsche needs to get it right in the styling department, because styling needs to be as good as the performance. Hopefully it will contradict those spy pics.
Still dreaming of the Panamera,
(Hopefully by 2011, I would be able to afford one),
B.L.
From the Web
Challenger Earns Letter From Near Brampton, Ontario
Dodge Challenger Concept
Dear Editors:
Regarding the Dodge Challenger, it is going to be built within an hour drive of here. I don't think I've ever been this excited about wanting to spend about $50 large!
Alex
Ontario, Canada
Add A Comment »