I had two fantastic days at Summit Point (WVA) Shenandoah Course running with the local Audi Club. I highly, highly recommend that people try this if they have not done so. (See below about Audi Club.) It makes me want to hug my car with appreciation. The stuff that these cars are capable of, safely and without breaking, is amazing. And then you get to drive home in comfort and dignity!

It's not valid to compare cars head-to-head given the huge variables (driver talent and tire compounds being the greatest variables), but on the whole, a C32 appears to be a quicker car on track than a B6/B7 S4. The Shenandoah Circuit is very tight with lots of speed changes. We have a 350 lb weight differential in our favor, and that helps with initial acceleration.

I have "de-staggered" my wheels/tires, so I have 245/40/17s all around, and it seemed to reduce the understeer significantly. More importantly it allowed me to us the throttle to shift the rear end of the car. In a tight turn, I could lift off the gas, and the back would rotate, assisting with the turn. Lots of fun. Next step is better, stickier tires (not necessarily "R" compounds, but definitely something better than what I've got).

The cool air made the supercharger happy, and I actually had to be careful coming through turns or I could do a Dukes of Hazzard fishtail. My instructor (who drives a fully race-prepped E30 M3) was shocked at the power output and torque. I was hitting 110 down the only "straight" which was comparable to some race-prepped cars, and I was started at a slower speed out of a turn.

Brakes were fantastic. You do not need a big brake kit, other than for cosmetics. I was using EBC Redstuff Ceramic pads, and while they are not advertised as a track pad, then worked well, with no fade, and very good wear qualities. My instructor was very impressed with my brakes, and I was generally braking later than others.

About the Audi Club. I'm a member of the MBCA, and will remain so. But, I have to recommend the Audi Club JUST for the track days. The demographic is just right for people who are into their cars, but not obsessed; and serious about being safe. They don't care what kind of car you drive (we had as many non-Audis as Audis on track), and the events are very well organized.

 

Very Cool.

And thanks for sharing.

 

Hey Fifth,

When are you going to post a link to some pics of your de-staggered wheel set-up? I'm contemplating doing the same but have concerns about the appearence.

It sounds like it is working well for you though. Nice write-up.

 

I don't know if you can really see the de-staggered wheels here.

 

I see nothing.

I hope you weren't the one to say you didn't know how to post pics because how can you load up your avatar. If it's not you then forget the question.

 

It loaded and showed up fine yesterday. Toast today. I cannot explain it. Maybe they block things from other car sites.

 

Nice shot through the turn, but I can't see the de-stagger either. Can you get some shots of the side, front and 3/4 angle?