Why is it when you go to a track or DE event there are so few Audis? (Not including ACNA events of course)

Usually, there are a number of Bimmers, Porsches (mostly older), Mazada, Hondas, Corvettes, etc, etc. However, it's fairly rare to see an Audi. As an example, there was one S5 and one TTS at the last DE here. Outside of an ACNA event, I have yet to see a fully track-prepped Audi.

Is it the weight in the Quattro cars?
Or some other factor?
Or am I just not going to the right tracks?

Interested in any thoughts.

 

1st: Audi`s market share in the U.S. is growing, but compared to other carmakers they are still pretty rare.
2nd: i think usually people on the track prefer RWD, on the road it is a different story due to all weather conditions.
it´s a shame as the S and RS models (the new ones even more) have always been very capable on the track as well.

 

My friend took his S5 to a track and broke his suspension (tie rod?). Luckily the dealer didn't find out and he got it covered under warranty.

 

Because Audi cars in general are set up for understeering. And that's not what you're looking for usually for track days.

I just drove a brand new 2011 S4 this Saturday at the dealer, had a nice salesman on the ride, so the traction control was off, and all settings were on dynamic and sharpest.
The engine and S-Tronic dual clutch transmission together are a masterpiece, and the interior is just beautiful. But the car didn't feel even close a 335i M-Sport package in terms of driving. The steering was not as involving (EXTREMELY light steering), the car didn't seem very "light" on it's feet, and I took a turn that I take with the BMW and the S4 understeered and then had it's tail out a little bit, not so balanced...

 

still, the S4 is easily faster, round the track as well

 

You need to take an S4 for a test drive that has the Audi Drive Select, or at least the Active rear diff. In my S4 on the dynamic setting the steering is very 'heavy'; perhaps not the most sensitive in the world, but no-one would call it 'light. Also, putting the power down in a corner with the Active rear diff makes the car almost seem as if it has 4 wheel steering; the car rotates beautifully.

Bish

 

Thanks for all the replies.
May have to re-think the TT-RS. On paper it seems awesome - just need to drive one and see.

 

TT-RS is a few seconds faster than a midengined Cayman-S round the Nürburgring and more than 1 second quicker to 60.
not to mention how easy it is to modify the 5cyl. Turbo engine into the 400-450HP regions.
This thing is a beast!

 

Why would we compare the S4 to the 335i instead of an M3?

 

because the 335i is its direct rival

S4 vs 335i
RS5 (& upcoming RS4) vs M3

 

Most of us Audi owners will drive our Audi's TO the track, but our Porsche's ON the track.

 

I know lots of b5 s4 stage 3 audi guys that track their cars...usually they do very well

The naturally aspirated Audi products of recent rears haven't been as balanced or light on their feet. The RS products are very good but we don't get much of the good stuff that is sold in Europe.

The ttrs is very good. 5cyl turbo motor will easily make 500hp and the chassis is very balanced.

 

I think alot of it really boils down to the owners and the use of the cars.

Most Porsche owners have another car so its not a daily driver and the BMW's you tend to see M3's at the track are more suited for track use than a A4 per say..

In addition I think alot of it is the focus of the respective car clubs and events.
BMW CCA , PCA and POC are very focused on driving on track and speed.
I have found that alot of the Audi events are more focused on safety and not outright track driving.

I attended a few events of the ACNA in my region over the years and the events were good just not very focused on lap times or racing..

In addition both BMW CCA and POC/PCA have a stepping ladder to go racing and the ACNA does not.

I would love to see more Audi related hard core track events.. I guess thats why I decided to restore/ update the S4 Competition that was run in World Challenge events years ago.

It will be terrorizing POC events on the west coast soon enough.


If anyone is interested in setting up a Audi for some serious track work keep us in mind. In addition if the ACNA wants to start a club racing group and maybe hook up with the POC to have some runs groups I would be more than happy to help and sponsor something like that as well as help build a relationship.

 

i was a evo track guy before. after spending $$$ for tires/brakes/gas for the evo i don't feel like doing the same for an evo heavier car. I plan on picking up a lighter track car.