The September Gulf Coast Region’s annual meet at the Audi Technical Center in Clearwater was a great success. The technology presentation by Andreas followed by Scott’s discussion on current trends in Audi was all very informative. I believe that we had the largest turn out yet for this annual event, with our local AoA team playing an important part in that success. An example of Kundenbegeisterung in action by the boys from Audi, not just “making owning an Audi as fulfilling as driving one”, and “weaving delight into the details” but “helping each other create fans”. Great job and thank you gentlemen.
Unfortunately, there will be no organized parking for the Lake Mirror Classic, on Saturday October 19. If you plan to attend please drop Jim a line at [email protected], and he will set up a possible time for all to gather for some quick refreshments. As mentioned previously, this is a three-day event of classic cars, boats, and motorcycles in a Florida town also known for numerous examples of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture. As mentioned last month, even if it is still a bit warm outside, this is a very cool event.
Table of Contents
Down the Road
Event Listing
ACNA & Chapter News
Other Items in the News
Classifieds and Audi Tradition
As Seen/Members’ Photos
…but then there’s more
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October 2-6, 29th Frank Beddor National Event in Nashville This year’s event has numerous and varied activities planned, which should appeal to many more additional folks and families than the more track-oriented nationals in years past.
October 18-20, Lake Mirror Classic, Lakeland
November 2, Cars and Coffee at Reeves Motorsports, Tampa
November 10, Drive and Luncheon, this is our first Sunday event since 2009 to allow those who work on Saturdays (Especially some of you Brand Specialists) to participate. Trip-Tiks and details to be announced shortly.
November 16-17 The Audi Club of Georgia is hosting a 2-Day Driving School at Atlanta Motorsports Park
December 7th Toys for Tots, Reeves Motorsports
November 2, 2013
Cars and Coffee Reeves Motorsport Tampa
December 7, 2013
Toys for Tots/Cars and Coffee Reeves Motorsport Tampa
Palm Beach Region
[email protected]
Citrus Region (Orlando)
[email protected]
ACFL Events in Florida
October 19, 2013
Lake Mirror Classic Lakeland FL
for additional information contact [email protected],
November 10, 2013
Mt. Dora Drive and luncheon event
contact Walter at [email protected] for additional information, start times and starting locations.
Driving Events with Performance Driving Group
Contact David at [email protected] for additional information and dates.
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ACNA S5 Raffle
We need to reach the 75 mark if we are to receive some financial assistance from the ACNA. For clubs our size if we reach that mark, we will receive $1000, which is used to pay for web sites, domains and in support of our events. In view of the fact that as a chapter, we do not require any membership dues this is one of the few ways we can receive funds. So support the chapter and give yourself a chance at an S5. Andreas at [email protected], has tickets available and will give you all the details. A thank you, goes out to all who have already purchased raffle tickets, your support is appreciated. It would be great if one of our members won the car.
Spend $50 to save $3,000 on a $50,000 MSRP Audi
If you have been an ACNA member in good standing for six months, you will be eligible for a 6% discount from MSRP on the purchase of certain Audi models. Yes, a few of the usual suspects have been excluded, the R8, RS5, TTRS, and a few others, but check out the details at ACNA Membership Benefits. If you plan to be in the market for a new Audi, it literally pays and saves to be an active member of the ACNA. Just do the math on the Audi of your dreams.
Welcome Aboard
Welcome to our new ACNA members. Our membership numbers are once again growing which means additional critical mass in different regions of the state and hopefully more events and participation. Those of you who are new to the ACNA will receive an on boarding note from David Loppert, if you have; any questions feel free to drop either David [email protected] or me [email protected] a line. I also suggest that if you have not had a chance yet check out both the ACNA website, and the Audi Club of Florida website. There is a great deal of good information plus some excellent photos of member’s cars.
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And now for the numbers
So when is a 21.5% increase in sales a dismal performance, when the competition had a 45.7% increase in sales and to begin with, they sell more cars? In reviewing the numbers, perhaps there is a potential market share issue developing. The year to date figures for 2013 is 1.86 BMW’s per Audi sold and it was the same in 2012 at 1.86. There is certainly no improvement there. For the monthly comparison, it has gone from 1.46 BMW’s in 2012 sold per Audi to 1.75 in 2013. Clearly, some numbers heading in the wrong direction. The demand for Audis is not keeping pace with the demand for BMW’s. Unfortunately, this does not bode well for present Audi owners, as the demand for a brand has a significant influence on the residual value at trade in time.
Now for some good news
Audi TDI’s completed a west to east coast run with some amazing MPG figures. Those of you who have recently purchased iterations of these models know how truly amazing they are to drive. So as some harp at Ford for overstating their MPG figures on certain vehicles, it looks like the Audi MPG figures are understated. In reality, the government is involved in the testing and gives out the numbers. It just might be nice if they could get it right.
SQ5 Review
This is quite the vehicle and in addition, what is more intriguing is that the European iteration is a diesel. Even if you are not in the market for a crossover SUV, test-drive one anyway. It will be difficult to wipe the smirk off ones face.
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If you have a special Audi such as one of the S or RS models or a pre 2000 that you would like to sell, we will list it once in the newsletter. I will need the year, model, color over interior color, and your email address. Longer and non-member postings can be placed in the website. We will also list DKW, NSU, and Wanderer motorcycles. If you are looking for a particular car, once again S, RS or pre 2000 model plus a bike, we will also try to accommodate you here.
For Example: Wanted: Wanderer or DKW motorcycle of motorbike pre 1950 [email protected]
You can also use the Classifieds Forum on the Audi Club of Florida web site.
Interesting link to a discussion regarding the Ur-quattros:
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Trish Keller sent us a picture of clouds reflected in her blau Avant, commenting that it was taken as they loaded up for the 2013 Twelve Hours of Sebring…
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Have a picture of your car or some news you’d like to share? Send your photo to Walter Moore [email protected]
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Charles De Gaulle riding in his Horch 830 state car
Upon becoming ruler of France, he later switched to a Citroen DS 21 with a plastic bubble top. That Citroen of the late 50’s early 60’s, was as innovative style wise as the new streamlined Audi of the early 1980’s.
During WW1, De Gaulle became a “guest” of the German Army (Deutsches Heer). He was briefly incarcerated in a building that presently houses the Bavarian Army Museum, which of all places is located in Ingolstadt. Not sure if this is, a case of what goes around comes around.
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Returning recently from three days relaxation and fun in Austin at the WEC, I find it interesting to note how Audi racing and the associated Audi motorsports events, always brings a group of familiar faces together. It used to be the chapters, at least in Florida, that ran these gatherings in the dust, mud, and galvanized watering troughs filled with iced beer and torn open bags of chips on folding tables sans tablecloths. Now a third party runs these events with great food, nary a potato chip in sight, and the plastic outhouses having been replaced by air-conditioned loos.
I certainly would not consider myself anything close to a racing spectator aficionado. Nevertheless, having attended Sebring since 2000, a number of ALMs series races in St Pete and Georgia and now an event at the COTA, it is amazing how this underlying interest in Audi cars and their ownership brings folks from many walks of life together not just to share their experiences but also their love for the brand. Be it CFO’s, wives of deployed Colonels, real estate agents, community college instructors, airline pilots and their wives’, folks that work for AoA who travel on their own dime to participate, an international shipping line executive, financial investment folks, oil patch and refinery executives, architects, doctors, engineers, IT folks, plus a manufacturer from Belgium and the list goes on. I am sure I have left more than just a few of you out. The common denominator for the diverse participant listing above is clearly the car, the brand and the ensuing socializing that goes along with attending races where the Four Rings do battle.
I would imagine that most of the senior level suits were at the Emmy Awards, which were on the same day of the race and they spent time hob-nobbing with the glitterati, as Audi was one of the TV sponsors of that event. Is it the millennial folks watching TV that are into these popularity contests that Audi deems important to support? After discussing that thought with the President and COO of a firm, which amongst Audi has over 30 other dealerships in its stable, he succinctly stated that the millennials all aspire to Audis but unfortunately, many cannot afford them. Possibly, they will again be driven to the new A3 sedan and perhaps some day the A1, as has been the case in Europe. Of course, I could be wrong, but I doubt if there were many recipients at the Emmys who have ever driven an A3, let alone owned one. That is too bad; the A3 is a fantastic car, especially in the TDI iteration. Regarding the Emmys, and other similar awards and associated ceremonies, I believe it was Paul Newman when asked and who tartly replied to the question, what was the more meaningful award, an Oscar, or an SCCA championship. His remarks were to the effect that one is a popularity contest, the other was attained the hard way, and it was earned. Some food for thought.
The Audi motorsport hospitality event was as usual first class. It has almost become a science to seamlessly put this altogether, but in reality, it is anything but. There is nothing like having tickets for an American event in the hill country of Texas, being printed in France and then shipping them to Austin, three days prior to the race. Andy and his team continue to make it happen and improve upon it each time. We now have the effervescent Eve Scheer who along with Emaneule Pirro, her exceedingly successful and gregarious Rennfahrer, and sparing partner, MC the festivities. Eve’s knowledge of racing and rapport with the Audi team drivers is on occasion only exceeded by her ability and facility with the English language to pepper her remarks with a few double entendres. Sort of the way Charo used to do it, often turning Johnny Carson’s face bright red.
It was all a lot of fun and Audi came in first and third to boot. Andy thanks for putting it all together, now some of us are looking forward to Daytona in January. I have already fielded a question or two regarding that upcoming Audi motorsport event.
Cheers and Safe Motoring,
Bob Greving
President
Audi Club of Florida, Chapter ACNA