Authentic Audi Accessories

The factory makeover

From the April, 2009 issue of European Car

Traditionally, accessories offered directly from the auto maker have tended to be somewhat conservative and not necessarily representative of the sportier side of the aftermarket. However, as of late many auto manufacturers have taken a decidedly more aggressive approach, immensely improving and expanding their accessory and boutique product lines.

The new Audi Collection catalog is a good example, encompassing a wide range of quality accessories to better personalize your ride--with factory authorized parts, which means high quality and excellent fitment.

Our long-term A4 recently underwent the factory makeover, and we couldn't be more pleased. Easily the largest single alteration is to the body, which features a kit offering a decidedly more masculine look. While there are many aftermarket kits available, few complement the already good-looking A4 this well. This body kit elevates an already appealing design to downright irresistible.

Penned by Audi AG's prestigious design studios and the product of Audi Design and VOTEX GmbH (a wholly owned subsidiary of VWAG), the kit is comprised of a front air dam (with sport grille trim set), side skirts, trunk spoiler and rear valence. And it fits the body like a second layer of skin. Needless to say, this impressive element not only made the installation process smooth as butter, it also means the kit just looks right on the car. The package also was wind-tunnel-tested for optimum aerodynamic values.

The front spoiler, side skirts and rear valance are manufactured of High-Speed-RIM (PUR-RIM), while the trunk lip is made of light integral foam.

The Audi AG design team also gets credit for the complementary Cantona wheel package. The lightweight (11kg/ea.) 7.5x17-in. alloys feature a silver matte finish and use factory-fit wheel bolts. (For security, we added Audi's locking wheel bolts.) As a finishing touch to the wheels, we put on a set of Audi's cool valve-stem caps with the A4 logo (Audi rings also available).

If it weren't for the Audi wheel center cap, one would be hard pressed to tell the wheels apart from equally sporty aftermarket models. We've received numerous favorable remarks in the short time the wheels have been installed, usually something like, "Wow, great looking wheel. What kind are they?."

For additional traction, we matched the wheels with a set of Continental ContiSportContact 2 (235/45R17) high-performance radials--another perfect fit.

Geared for the spirited driver, traction and stability is further enhanced with a set of Eibach Pro Kit springs/shock. The new setup create a sportier profile, lowering the car's ride height about 1.5 in. (30mm) and ultimately providing a more confident driving experience. Eibach, not incidentally, is a major suspension component supplier to Audi and helps develop the sport package suspension.

While small in relative size, items such as the logo valve stem caps, a front Audi ring logo vanity plate, a slimline license plate frame and stainless grille strips are large in effect. The polished individual grille strips attach to the face of the grille using OEM grade adhesive and add a final, distinctive touch to exterior styling.

For outdoor lifestyles, the Collection also offers a handy roof rack with a number of optional accessory attachments.

Blazoned with the Audi logo, we installed a base rack, complete with bike and surfboard holders. The bike attachment, which is available in fork- or frame-mount varieties, is a quick-release locking system that holds one bike securely. This attachment works in conjunction with the Base Carrier Bars, which can hold up to three bicycle holders. The surfboard attachment adapts to any board regardless of shape or size. Durable holders and tie-down straps can secure up to two boards. The holders are made of a soft yet strong rubber compound that won't mar or ding. Equally important, the rack has been designed to optimize fuel consumption (aerodynamically shaped) and to reduce wind noise. Audi also offers other rack attachments for a number of sport applications.

The cabin received a mild makeover with the addition of various items, including a highly polished burl walnut shift knob. This attractive unit, designed specifically for the multitronic automatic transmission, is both sporty and classy. Other interior items include a set of Audi Sport Premium all-weather rubber floor mats

The mats feature a deeply ribbed channel design to protect the floor carpeting from water, sand, mud and snow. Each mat conforms to the vehicle's exact contours for a perfect fit and maximum protection of the interior. Additionally, the mats possess safety features like positive retention anchors and an exclusive chevron w/nib design for added security.

We also used Audi's carpet kit for the trunk. Made from moisture-resistant, heavy-duty rubber and covered with a plush nylon carpet, the molded mats are designed to help keep the trunk area protected from spills, scratches and dirt. This mat fits perfectly in the car and stays snug. To help organize and control movement of items placed in the trunk, Audi also offers a Cargo Logic system, which is comprised of strategically placed dividers.

For those who have the need to hang a coat, the Audi seat coat hanger, which easily attaches to the back of the headrests, allows you to keep garments wrinkle free. This is truly a novelty item and not for everyone, but it sure does the job.

Audi Authentic Accessories are items designed in harmony with the stock car, and one another, and provide numerous combinations for a better, more personalized ride.

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