Challenged by an Audi TT Turbo??

[TAF]

Just went out to the grocery and to fill-up at my favorite BP. Took the LONG way for a little drive. On I-285 a brand new Audi TT Roadster comes up and wants to "play". He had temporary tags not to expire till March 14th so he's had the car about a week or so. I'm heading north on I-85 to get on the Perimeter, I-285 West (I told you I went out of the way).

So...he hits it next to me while we are cruising at about 65 MPH...this is right in the area of the Doraville Police District...so....I figure..."I've got connections"....

Clear lanes ahead (believe it or not for those of you familiar with "spaghetti junction")....he's now about 40 yards ahead and pulling away....off goes the O/D and I kick her....needless to say it was like he was standing still when I passed him at 135+ which didn't take me long to acheive.

I back off, he comes up and wants me to pull over....I learn he just bought it, it's supposedly a Turbo 250 HP and only weighs about 3K lbs (convertable)....he was cool about it, said he just thought I was a CV with wheels, had never heard of a Marauder....

He has now!

I guess I shouldn't even call this a "kill"...but it WAS fun to spank/shock some "Euro-trash"....

And...I got a chance to "clean the carbon" off the plugs.:D

[01 Interceptor]

Nice Todd! I wonder if he's going to take that car back and get one! :lol:

[MarauderMark]

Great story Todd.makes me appreciate my car more and more Thanx...

[MapleLeafMerc]

Way to go, man! :banana2:
I've never drag raced, but I love to blow by people who are in my way ;) on freeways!

Is it fair to say that flooring it at 65 is near the Marauder's 'sweet spot' for acceleration? :burnout:

[jgc61sr2002]

Todd - Way to go. :up: :D

[TAF]

Is it fair to say that flooring it at 65 is near the Marauder's 'sweet spot' for acceleration? :burnout:
I personally don't think there is much (if any) on the road that can touch us that costs under $75K from 70 - 120 MPH in a Marauder with simple bolt-ons.

[Bigdogjim]

I know that made you feel good!!!

Nice to have some fun now and again.

Could you think what would have happened it a Doraville police car showed up????

[merc]

Todd that’s a great road kill. Usually we find Sushi or occasionally a misguided domestics, but dinning on an Audi roadster is yummy. :banana2:

[TAF]

Could you think what would have happened it a Doraville police car showed up????
I'd be callin the BigDog to come spring me...:D

[Glenn]

For people not familiar with Atlanta the Doraville police bought several Black Marauders last year for traffic control.

Glenn

[CRUZTAKER]

Nice kill Tod, Very nice!:D

[greyghost]

For people not familiar with Atlanta the Doraville police bought several Black Marauders last year for traffic control.

Glenn
Yes an sooner or later they are suppose to come to the monthly "Southern Marauders" breakfast.

Todd I am envious that you got the road kill. The 300ZX twin turbo I got Friday night after visiting with Paul and George Ann Casey was not as much fun. Next time I will let them get the jump and run them down hopefully. He jump and I was right with him and by the time I hit 6 grand and shifted he didn't want to play.

[jgc61sr2002]

I'd be callin the BigDog to come spring me...:D


How bout you buddy Marty. :D

[TAF]

How bout you buddy Marty. :D
I think I'd prefer to be sprung instead of screwed.

[jgc61sr2002]

I think I'd prefer to be sprung instead of screwed.



:lol: :lol:

[Haggis]

Nice Tod, real nice. Those TTs are all bark and no growl. So he had never heard of a Marauder, well he has now. He probably took it back to the dealer and said "No thanks, I just got smoked by a 4 door."

That's it am definitly taking the Black Bomber out tomorrow and looking for some Ricers or Kraut to smoke.

Thanks for the inspiration Tod. :rock:

[woaface]

Completely awesome man! My car picks up really well between 15-65 mph (I don't do much above that). But if I gun it from 90, it takes it about 30 seconds to pass 120 and 5 more to hit 125, which is the most I've done (on a road that sees 8 people a day, has a speed limit of 65, no cops and huge straight lanes)

So I don't bother to go all fast mostly because the car doesn't, and it shivers if you will from the dashboard up under that kind of load...after doing it once I don't trust it.

But man is that a coooool story!
I've seen those turbo TT's tested at 15 in the quarter and almost 8 seconds to 60...their nothin.

Oh yeah, and I completely know what you mean by taking the long way...there's just no other way to have it:up:

[Agent M79]

ooooh Todd. The thread title said "challenged". Sounds like it was a total mauling for the TT from the MM.

[Smokie]

And...I got a chance to "clean the carbon" off the plugs.:D
So that's what they call it in Georgia. Life is good !!!!!
Way to represent my friend.:bows: ...just a Crown Vic huh ? :lol:

[Donny Carlson]

Just for S&G's, I spec'd out a TT Roadster with the 250 HP engine, similar to
Marauder equipment (I left out the DVD navigation system)

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD></TD></TR><TR><TD>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=20>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD><TD width=300 colSpan=3>Model and Powertrain:</TD></TR><TR><TD>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD><!-- Concatenate the model & powertrain code and desc from ConfigUtils here --><TD>8N35BL</TD><TD>TT Coupe 250 hp Direct Gear-shift sports transmission and quattro® all-wheel drive</TD><!-- Format the base msrp before appending it to the stringbuffer --><TD>$39,900</TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD width=50>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD><TD width=220>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD><TD width=190>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD></TR><TR><TD height=10>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- Uncached include which displays package/option/specialOptions details --><!-- Append HTML for starting the package table --><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=20>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD><TD width=300 colSpan=3>Packages:</TD></TR><!-- Get the package details from hashtable and append it to stringbuffer --><TR><TD>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD><TD>PAS</TD><TD>Audio package</TD><!-- Format package price before displaying it--><TD>$1,200</TD></TR><!-- Append HTML for ending of package table --><TR><TD width=20>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD><TD width=50>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD><TD width=220>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD><TD width=190>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD></TR><TR><TD height=10>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- Append HTML for starting the options table --><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=20>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD><TD width=300 colSpan=3>Individual options:</TD></TR><!-- Get the option details from hashtable and append it to stringbuffer --><TR><TD>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD><TD>DEST</TD><TD>Destination Charge</TD><!-- Format option price before displaying it--><TD>$720</TD></TR><!-- Get the option details from hashtable and append it to stringbuffer --><TR><TD>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD><TD>WQR</TD><TD>18" 9-spoke cast alloy wheels w/ high performance tires**</TD><!-- Format option price before displaying it--><TD>$1,700</TD></TR><!-- Append HTML for ending of option table --><TR><TD width=20>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD><TD width=50>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD><TD width=220>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD><TD width=190>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD></TR><TR><TD height=10>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- Append HTML for starting the Special options table --><!--Cached component which includes disclaimer --><!-- Vignette V6 Sun Feb 22 11:11:18 PM 2004 --><!-- This retrieves base msrp, configured price and disclaimer --><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD></TD></TR><TR><TD>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- Remove the bgcolor in case of print-friendly version --><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD colSpan=4 height=7>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><!-- Put the base MSRP and total price here --><TD>Base MSRP: <!-- Format the base msrp before appending it to the stringbuffer -->$39,900</TD><TD></TD><TD>Price as configured: <!-- Format the configured price before appending it to the stringbuffer -->$43,520</TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=4>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>




<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=480 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top width=9>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/bullet1.gif</TD><TD vAlign=top>

<SCRIPT language=javascript> if (getBrowserName()=="Netscape") { document.write('<span id="span1001244" name="span1001244">'); } else { document.write('<span id="span1001244" name="span1001244" onmouseover="return spancolor_over(\'span1001244\' )" onmouseout="return spancolor_out(\'span1001244\')">'); } </SCRIPT>250 hp
DOHC V6 engine with spark ignition and 4 valves per
cylinder
Displacement: 3.2 liters (195 cu. in.)
Bore: 3.31 in.
Stroke: 3.78 in.
Compression ratio: 11.3:1
Horsepower (SAE net): 250 @ 6300 rpm


Torque: 236 lb/ft @ 2800-3200 rp (http://www.audiusa.com/features_specifications/0,,status-P_countrycode-1_contentType-26_modelId-200415_,00.html#1001244)250 hp
0-60 mph in seconds: 6.4
Top track speed: 130 mph¹
EPA fuel economy estimates (mpg) (city/highway): na³






</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[Haggis]

It looks like a VW bug with an attitude problem.

Good work with that attitude adjustment, Tod. :up:

[woaface]

It looks like a VW bug with an attitude problem.

Good work with that attitude adjustment, Tod. :up:VW owns Audi, as well as Lamborghini:) But I'm sure you knew that.

[Marauderman]

Just for S&G's, I spec'd out a TT Roadster with the 250 HP engine, similar to
Marauder equipment (I left out the DVD navigation system)

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD></TD></TR><TR><TD>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=20>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD><TD width=300 colSpan=3>Model and Powertrain:</TD></TR><TR><TD>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD><!-- Concatenate the model & powertrain code and desc from ConfigUtils here --><TD>8N35BL</TD><TD>TT Coupe 250 hp Direct Gear-shift sports transmission and quattro® all-wheel drive</TD><!-- Format the base msrp before appending it to the stringbuffer --><TD>$39,900</TD></TR><TR><TD width=20></TD><TD width=50>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD><TD width=220>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD><TD width=190>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD></TR><TR><TD height=10>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- Uncached include which displays package/option/specialOptions details --><!-- Append HTML for starting the package table --><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=20>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD><TD width=300 colSpan=3>Packages:</TD></TR><!-- Get the package details from hashtable and append it to stringbuffer --><TR><TD>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD><TD>PAS</TD><TD>Audio package</TD><!-- Format package price before displaying it--><TD>$1,200</TD></TR><!-- Append HTML for ending of package table --><TR><TD width=20>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD><TD width=50>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD><TD width=220>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD><TD width=190>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD></TR><TR><TD height=10>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- Append HTML for starting the options table --><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=20>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD><TD width=300 colSpan=3>Individual options:</TD></TR><!-- Get the option details from hashtable and append it to stringbuffer --><TR><TD>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD><TD>DEST</TD><TD>Destination Charge</TD><!-- Format option price before displaying it--><TD>$720</TD></TR><!-- Get the option details from hashtable and append it to stringbuffer --><TR><TD>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD><TD>WQR</TD><TD>18" 9-spoke cast alloy wheels w/ high performance tires**</TD><!-- Format option price before displaying it--><TD>$1,700</TD></TR><!-- Append HTML for ending of option table --><TR><TD width=20>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD><TD width=50>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD><TD width=220>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD><TD width=190>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD></TR><TR><TD height=10>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- Append HTML for starting the Special options table --><!--Cached component which includes disclaimer --><!-- Vignette V6 Sun Feb 22 11:11:18 PM 2004 --><!-- This retrieves base msrp, configured price and disclaimer --><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD></TD></TR><TR><TD>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- Remove the bgcolor in case of print-friendly version --><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD colSpan=4 height=7>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><!-- Put the base MSRP and total price here --><TD>Base MSRP: <!-- Format the base msrp before appending it to the stringbuffer -->$39,900</TD><TD></TD><TD>Price as configured: <!-- Format the configured price before appending it to the stringbuffer -->$43,520</TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=4>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/transparent_1X1.gif</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>




<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=480 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top width=9>http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/bullet1.gif</TD><TD vAlign=top>

<SCRIPT language=javascript> if (getBrowserName()=="Netscape") { document.write('<span id="span1001244" name="span1001244">'); } else { document.write('<span id="span1001244" name="span1001244" onmouseover="return spancolor_over(\'span1001244\' )" onmouseout="return spancolor_out(\'span1001244\')">'); } </SCRIPT>250 hp
DOHC V6 engine with spark ignition and 4 valves per
cylinder
Displacement: 3.2 liters (195 cu. in.)
Bore: 3.31 in.
Stroke: 3.78 in.
Compression ratio: 11.3:1
Horsepower (SAE net): 250 @ 6300 rpm


Torque: 236 lb/ft @ 2800-3200 rp (http://www.audiusa.com/features_specifications/0,,status-P_countrycode-1_contentType-26_modelId-200415_,00.html#1001244)250 hp
0-60 mph in seconds: 6.4
Top track speed: 130 mph¹
EPA fuel economy estimates (mpg) (city/highway): na³






</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Ahhhh...so that's what those nats are...was wondering why one up here on the "I" wouldn't play with me ...I tried ..but after just a little of Todd's stuff...he too gave up.......I thought he had something at first too....Great Thrill Todd--we lived it in your storyline... :coolman: :rock: ..

[David JP]

Just went out to the grocery and to fill-up at my favorite BP. Took the LONG way for a little drive. On I-285 a brand new Audi TT Roadster comes up and wants to "play". He had temporary tags not to expire till March 14th so he's had the car about a week or so. I'm heading north on I-85 to get on the Perimeter, I-285 West (I told you I went out of the way).

So...he hits it next to me while we are cruising at about 65 MPH...this is right in the area of the Doraville Police District...so....I figure..."I've got connections"....

Clear lanes ahead (believe it or not for those of you familiar with "spaghetti junction")....he's now about 40 yards ahead and pulling away....off goes the O/D and I kick her....needless to say it was like he was standing still when I passed him at 135+ which didn't take me long to acheive.

I back off, he comes up and wants me to pull over....I learn he just bought it, it's supposedly a Turbo 250 HP and only weighs about 3K lbs (convertable)....he was cool about it, said he just thought I was a CV with wheels, had never heard of a Marauder....

He has now!

I guess I shouldn't even call this a "kill"...but it WAS fun to spank/shock some "Euro-trash"....

And...I got a chance to "clean the carbon" off the plugs.:D
I've often wanted to shut down the O/D and take her up to 5500-6000
RPM, but was afraid I might blow something out.
Your thread tells me otherwise.
Is it O.K. to max out 3rd gear occassionally?

[TAF]

Honestly...I wasn't watching the RPMS...just glanced at the MPH as I passed him...then once I got passed him...I hit the brakes.

[martyo]

[O]nce I got passed him...I hit the brakes.
We share your concerns. Slowing down a mass such as yours can be a hair raising experience!!

[MARAUDERCHICK]

We share your concerns. Slowing down a mass such as yours can be a hair raising experience!!
Marty!!! STOOOOOP!:baaa: These people here at work already think I'm crazy....and when I bust out into uncontrollable laughter.....it almost confirms it for them!!!!

I'm in tears over here!!!:baaa:
:lol: :lol: :lol:

[Donny Carlson]

Ahhhh...so that's what those nats are...was wondering why one up here on the "I" wouldn't play with me ...I tried ..but after just a little of Todd's stuff...he too gave up.......I thought he had something at first too....Great Thrill Todd--we lived it in your storyline... :coolman: :rock: ..
I don't get the name "TT." I mean, when my dog whines to go out, I say "You wanna go TT?" And she jumps around all excited and stuff.:)

[Donny Carlson]

An interesting bit of fine print on the Audi TT (hee!) site has this disclaimer about the "performance" tires. Kinda sounds familiar....

** These tires are designed for optimum performance and handling in warm climates. They are not suitable for cold, snowy, or icy weather conditions. If you drive under those circumstances, you should equip your vehicle with all-season or winter tires, which offer better traction under those conditions. We suggest you use the recommended winter or all-season tires specified for your car or its equivalent. These high-performance tires also have a lower aspect ratio that aids performance and handling; however, in order to avoid tire, rim, or vehicle damage, it is important that the inflation pressure is regularly checked and maintained at recommended levels. Please also remember in making your selection that, while these tires deliver responsive handling, they may ride less comfortably and make more noise than other choices. Finally, these tires may wear more quickly than other choices. For further information on all these topics, please consult the owner's manual, your local dealer or call 1-800-FOR-AUDI.

[SergntMac]

Just went out to the grocery and to fill-up at my favorite BP. Took the LONG way for a little drive. On I-285 a brand new Audi TT Roadster comes up and wants to "play". He had temporary tags not to expire till March 14th so he's had the car about a week or so. I'm heading north on I-85 to get on the Perimeter, I-285 West (I told you I went out of the way).

So...he hits it next to me while we are cruising at about 65 MPH...this is right in the area of the Doraville Police District...so....I figure..."I've got connections"....

Clear lanes ahead (believe it or not for those of you familiar with "spaghetti junction")....he's now about 40 yards ahead and pulling away....off goes the O/D and I kick her....needless to say it was like he was standing still when I passed him at 135+ which didn't take me long to acheive.

I back off, he comes up and wants me to pull over....I learn he just bought it, it's supposedly a Turbo 250 HP and only weighs about 3K lbs (convertable)....he was cool about it, said he just thought I was a CV with wheels, had never heard of a Marauder....

He has now!

I guess I shouldn't even call this a "kill"...but it WAS fun to spank/shock some "Euro-trash"....

And...I got a chance to "clean the carbon" off the plugs.:D
You need to stop this behavior right now, Todd, or, I'm calling a hotline somewhere, just as soon as I can find the appropriate enforcement agency.

You should be ashamed of yourself, Todd, molesting innocent (albeit duped) Audi owners on the highway has got to be a crime somewhere. There's no telling what kind of emotional overload your actions have caused for the Audi suicide help desk. Afterall, they all trusted their salesmen, and all that whoop-tee-do they got fed. What a shame...

[TAF]

I'm sorry....:shake: :( :alone:

[stumpy]

TT stands for Tourist Trophy. It's also a well known off road race in Northern Europe and the inspiration for the car. I've heard that they're high 13 sec. cars in the right hands. I saw one at the track the other day and he was running 14.0's. They 're fairly light with descent power, but the tq is not very impressive.

Anyway, nice kill!

[HotrodMerc]

Todd, with all due respect to your knowledge & experience, what about an '03 Cobra with "simple bolt on's" (pulley, chip, TB, headers and x-pipe, mufflers & tailpipes). Where do you draw the line for "simple bolt on's"?

I bought my '04 knowing very well that everything else being equal, or close to equal (eg - flow of overhead cam heads vs. pushrod heads), it's hard to beat cubic inches. But - hopefully the Marauders are built with more quality than the SS's, and most importantly, the wife has never liked the SS's, though i tried to get her to let me buy a nice example for her instead of her '99 B'ville. Are you the same Todd that does the brakes? Joe

[martyo]

Are you the same Todd that does the brakes?
Todd turn a wrench?? You are kidding, right????

[TAF]

Todd, with all due respect to your knowledge & experience, what about an '03 Cobra with "simple bolt on's" (pulley, chip, TB, headers and x-pipe, mufflers & tailpipes). Where do you draw the line for "simple bolt on's"?

I bought my '04 knowing very well that everything else being equal, or close to equal (eg - flow of overhead cam heads vs. pushrod heads), it's hard to beat cubic inches. But - hopefully the Marauders are built with more quality than the SS's, and most importantly, the wife has never liked the SS's, though i tried to get her to let me buy a nice example for her instead of her '99 B'ville. Are you the same Todd that does the brakes? Joe
No...I'm not Todd from TCE. And, no...turning wrenches is not my forte...(turning phrases is, sometimes).

My definition of "simple bolt-ons" (and I KNOW I'll be flamed on this from someone)...is anything that does not involve internal engine work...i.e. camshafts, ported heads, etc.

A "simple bolt-on" in my eyes, is exactly that...something you can bolt on for more power, torque, etc. Pullies, exhaust, etc. would fit in my definition.

Let the flames begin.

[BillyGman]

What about a Supercharger? Isn't that considered a "bolt-on" also? Although in dragracing events you're going to the next level w/anything like S/Cer,or NO2 since they're considered to be "Power adders" on the track.

Anyway, I know I'm entering this kinda late, but cool story Todd. The big difference about those Audi's and our cars is the displacement. The puny V6 engine in them has an 80 ft/lbs Torque deficit as compared to the Marauder.

When will some people ever learn that you can't beat a V8? Sure you can throw some $$ at a V6 to make it faster, but why would you want to if you can take a vehicle of similar weight that has a V8 and put an equal amount of $$ into it to make it faster, and wind up w/a considerable amount of more power and a ton of more torque, resulting in a faster ET?

....and then there's always that great V8 sound!!!! A 6 cylinder doesn't sound like that, and never will.