Most cars don't inspire philosophical introspection or debate (except perhaps for the age-old question of need versus want). Our long-term Audi, however, causes me to contemplate the wisdom of Lao Tzu, albeit in a way the ancient philosopher never imagined. The second principle of Taoism is wu-wei--do nothing. Not literally, of course, but to discern and follow the natural forces or order of things. To understand, you must drive the multitronic-equipped A4 without using the Tiptronic function. Just let shift happen.
Audi's multitronic gearbox has a natural order to its shifting patterns. Gear changes occur when needed--not too soon or too late. The transmission lets power flow to the wheels seamlessly. Whether you need to pass a slower car, blast up a steep hill, power down to take a sharp curve or simply cruise the highway, the CVT will find the perfect one of six gear ratios for doing so. If wu-wei can be applied to mechanical things, then multitronic is that principle incarnate.
The natural force of our A4 is the 220-bhp V6, a torquey engine (221 lb-ft) that matches the multitronic transmission's smoothness, making all of the aforementioned driving actions that much easier. I've surprised many a tuned ride with the Audi's quickness off the line. While doing so isn't exactly adhering to the tenets of Taoism, it is nevertheless great fun. Then again, the A4 isn't straining or striving but doing what comes naturally, so....
The A4 also personifies dualism--the yin and yang, as it were, of automobiles. It's where sports sedans and luxury cars co-join. Its leather seats and in-dash six-CD player imply the latter; the aluminum trim and Tiptronic-equipped steering wheel, the former. It's new look--longer and more angular--denote both. I could drive across forever in this car--given an unlimited gas card, of course. The perfect driving position is easy to achieve with the electronically adjustable 12-way seat, which is also comfortable and supportive. The interior layout is typical Audi: Everything in its appropriate place and user friendly. In a word, balanced.
Speaking of balance, our-long termer's is well maintained with the updated version of Audi's four-link front suspension and self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear suspension. NVH is virtually non existent, making the ride smooth without it feeling over insulated. For a front-driver, the A4 is remarkably agile--finding the car's Chi is effortless. There is a wee bit of understeer during hard cornering, as expected, but it's easily corrected with the proper steering input. (Note: european car recently installed a set of Eibach Pro Kit springs and ContiSportContact2 tires to help improve the A4's handling characteristics; log on to www.europeancarweb.com for details.)
Taoism's first principle is spontaneity; it could also be Audi's. Driving the A4 can induce such spur-of-the-moment behavior. Whenever I am graced with the Audi's presence, I find myself taking the long way to my destinations--or creating more destinations to go to. If I have nowhere to go, I'll just drive wherever the road leads me, letting the A4 follow the path and taking me closer to achieving wu-wei.
SEMA Bound
As of this writing, our long-term Audi is off to one of the world's largest aftermarket trade events, the SEMA Show, held annually in Las Vegas. Since we couldn't display our A4 3.0 CVT in its nicely optioned yet stock condition, european car contacted the folks at the Audi Collection (www.collection.audi.com) for a bevy of authentic Audi aftermarket accessories. We also upgraded the suspension setup with Eibach Pro-Kit springs (Eibach is an O.E. supplier to Audi), Continental ContiSportContact2 performance tires, sized 235/45R17, and a Pioneer XM audio system. What follows is a list of everything Audi provided for the car.
Authentic Audi Accessories
·Cantona wheels, 7.5x17 in.
·Wheel wrench
·Locking wheel bolts
·Audi Ring valve stem cap
·Sport grille trim set
·Stainless-steel grille strips
·Front chin spoiler
·Side skirts
·Rear valance
·Trunk lip spoiler
·Highly polished burl walnut shift knob
·Rubber carpeted cargo mat with cargo blocks
·Premium rubber floor mats, gray
·Roof rack base
·Bike holder with upright attachment
·Surfboard holder
·Stainless coat hanger
·Front vanity plate
·Slim-line license-plate frame