SteveD

For those of you interested in a little more information I have posted a link to the DR feature; DR008 and the videos of Chris' 997 PDK drive plus a review of the technical changes are posted below; http://www.drivers-republic.com/videos/index.cfm?VideoID=b81b7711222a45d0b7ff94c70969641a#videos http://www.drivers-republic.com/videos/index.cfm?VideoID=ca54a1f345754e4295f3e0ef2549af56#videos

We were testing the RS6 this afternoon at Silverstone and comparing it with the C63 Estate. The reason for the comparison was to question to the cost of the RS6 and see how close the much cheaper C63 could come to the RS6's capabilities. They were both fitted with a Vbox, and Chris Harris set the lap times, then we ran them side-by-side along the Hangar Straight to compare their acceleration times. One thing we discovered, which appears similar to the RS4 Avant which I recently sold, was that it seems the RS6 limits torque in the first few gears below certain revs. It's not a good car for a standing start, and despite switching off all the traction and stability controls it was just not playing ball with us. I am aware of this restriction within the RS4's standard mapping, so it looks like Audi have built the same profile into the RS6's. The results of the comparison were not what we had expected, but I'll let you see for yourselves when we publish the videos and magazine feature. I will be spending a few days in the RS6 later this week, before we hand it back to Audi.

We will be driving and filming the new 911 and we would like to know what you think 'before' we test it. Tell us what you would like to see and hear, and we will then aim to capture as many of your points as we can. This process worked well with our recent feature on Morgan's Aeromax, which will be published next week, so we would like to repeat it and get real buyers involved prior to our feature on the 911. The full technical specs are available below, and our first impressions will be published on DR in the next hour. http://www.drivers-republic.com/pdf/DR_911_Carrera_Coupe_Cabrio_GB.pdf

I've been averaging 25mpg during the first few hundred miles, worst was around 23mpg whilst best was 27mpg. I expect it will improve from there once the miles bed the engine in.

John, nothing better than I sent you last week. I should see him again in the next week or so. As far as lowering is concerned, Hartge do a kit for the X5 that would most likely fit the X6, however I don't know if the spring rates are compatible. The X5 with sports suspension seems to ride firmer than an X6 with dynamic ride, so I'd be concerned for an aftermarket suspension to spoil the X6s ride. It's worth finding out though because it only needs around 20mm taken out. The HARTGE program for the X5 (E70)

I ended up choosing the 35d, which was delivered to me last week (see pics)

To make this as fair as possible, I will open the TTS competition on our Drivers Republic Dialogue pages at 7pm tomorrow evening (Monday 2nd June @ 20:00 CET). It will be first come first served, so whoever answers the question correctly will be sent the goods. It's an easy enough question especially for those of you that have already obsessed over your TTS purchase.

John, in addition to my own X6 which is delivered this week (in Vermilion Red), my brother also receives his which is in Deep Sea Blue. If you'd like, I can post some pictures. P.s. I don't know whether you've seen this nicely lowered Hartge X6 yet..

I have the press gifts from the new Audi TTS launch in my office (lanyard, model car, keyring) that I have been meaning to run a competition for, so will put something up on our Dialogue pages in the next week or so. I'd prefer to give it to someone who has ordered a TTS, otherwise whoever answers the competition question will win the prize.. I'll post a reminder on Tyresmoke and the TT Forum before we open for entries, but therafter you'll need to answer via our specific competition page. We've had positive feedback on Chris Harris' review of the TTS (which he really liked), so if you haven't already seen it then check it out.

Hi jow_noi, I've had my CSL for nearly 2 weeks and so far there are no real problems apart from keeping under 5500rpm when running in. I had some paint flaws which have now been remedied and my CSL badge on the side fell off, which has now been fixed today. Otherwise after owning 3 E46 M3s this is far and away the best M3 I've ever driven. Definitley feels worth the extra cash over the M3 and is very special. Mine's not an everyday car as it would be too compromised and too much hassle to worry about, but it makes an excellent weekend fun car.