New S3 - road trip

[jaguar1187]

Hello, for some time I have been planning a road trip visiting various parts of Germany and Austria, ultimately finishing it off with a visit to the Nurburgring. Since booking the trip, hotel and euro tunnel I went and ordered a new S3 8V to replace my old S3 8P. I should take delivery of this car on the 1st September with the trip planned for the 14th September, so only a few days to get it run in!

Below is a rough plan of the route I'm planning on taking through Germany. All in its about 2000 miles. I'm now not however taking my car on the Nurburgring and I'm instead hiring a Suzuki Swift! As you can imagine I cannot wait for my new car or for my trip in it!

 

[cilurnum]

Ahhhh, now that is a road trip made for a S3!

 

[Battlekrapz]

Passing next to where i live The E40 (if you take it) in Belgium is notorious for radars ... And hidden mobile cameras... Beware. The road surface is also quite bad, concrete motorways.

 

[The Challinor]

Not a bad plan, how much of it is unrestricted Autobahn? Don't you fancy taking the S3 on the track then?

 

[h5djr]

It certainly sounds like a great idea. I take my A3 to Germany most years for a holiday. Driving in Germany both on the Autobahns and ordinary roads is so much better than driving in the UK. The roads are much better maintained and the derestricted sections of the Autobahn can be great fun. I often visit the Mosel Valley area and the A60 Autobahn from the Belgium/Germany border south of Liege to the A1 near Wittlich is a great drive and mostly derestricted as are parts the A1 towards Koblenz.

As you seem to be going on the A7 between Munich and Nuremburg are you going to visit the Audi plant at Ingolstadt. The Audi Forum next to the factory is well worth a visit and you can book a factory tour in English as well.

 

[Fiddie]

You'll take a Swit having a S3?

 

[veeeight]

Much more fun and involving driving a Swift at its limits, around the Ring than an S3

 

[Battlekrapz]

Less expensive if smashed especially...

 

[Fiddie]

Im about going with mine. I think a Swift is for the city.

 

[veeeight]

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Do not lift off. Do not lift off. Do not lift off.


Take new underwear. Take new underwear. Take new underwear.

 

[jaguar1187]

Well I think that video pretty much sums up why! I'd much rather smash up their Suzuki Swift and pay the €2900 excess then smash up my new S3. Plus there's also the fact it will only be 2 weeks old when I get there and won't have really had much of a run in.

I was thinking of doing the factory tour but all of the reviews I read online said it wasn't that good.

 

[h5djr]

I was thinking of doing the factory tour but all of the reviews I read online said it wasn't that good.

I've done three over the years and always enjoyed them, especially the last two where I had an English speaking guide. An tour in English can be pre-booked.

 

[s33nyboy12]

I did nearly that exact route last year apart from stopping in Paris aswell. Brilliant trip loved every minute.

Enjoy!

Sean

 

[The Challinor]

Much more fun and involving driving a Swift at its limits, around the Ring than an S3

Hmmmm

 

[The Challinor]

.
Do not lift off. Do not lift off. Do not lift off.


Take new underwear. Take new underwear. Take new underwear.

To be fair looks like he didn't cause any damage

 

[The Challinor]

I've done three over the years and always enjoyed them, especially the last two where I had an English speaking guide. An tour in English can be pre-booked.

Must be good then if you've done it 3 times, this is something I do fancy doing.

 

[The Challinor]

Well I think that video pretty much sums up why! I'd much rather smash up their Suzuki Swift and pay the €2900 excess then smash up my new S3. Plus there's also the fact it will only be 2 weeks old when I get there and won't have really had much of a run in.

I was thinking of doing the factory tour but all of the reviews I read online said it wasn't that good.

Just get track day insurance
http://www.nurburgring.org.uk/insurance.php

Damage to the track and closure if you crash is a very expensive proposition indeed
http://www.nurburgring.org.uk/prices.php

 

[jaguar1187]

Well since watching various videos of the Nurburgring and one where someone hit a dear in a Porsche (not sure where) pretty sure I won't be taking my car round the track!

 

[GeoffdeBruges]

Looks like a phenomenal trip!

As you're going by Chunnel, you may want to note this thread about a risk to your new paintwork if you decide to open your boot (and leave it open) while on a moving train:

http://www.audi-sport.net/vb/new-a3-s3-8v-chassis/219089-channel-tunnel-train-warning.html

Note also the ramp up to the top deck is steep, quite a tight angle to get on to, gets narrower at the top and has a metal curb - a perfect recipe for scratched alloys on a brand new car. However, you can ask to go on the bottom deck instead (still has the metal curb, but no ramp shenanigans) and the loading marshalls usually say yes.

 

[jaguar1187]

Looks like a phenomenal trip!

As you're going by Chunnel, you may want to note this thread about a risk to your new paintwork if you decide to open your boot (and leave it open) while on a moving train:

http://www.audi-sport.net/vb/new-a3-s3-8v-chassis/219089-channel-tunnel-train-warning.html

Note also the ramp up to the top deck is steep, quite a tight angle to get on to, gets narrower at the top and has a metal curb - a perfect recipe for scratched alloys on a brand new car. However, you can ask to go on the bottom deck instead (still has the metal curb, but no ramp shenanigans) and the loading marshalls usually say yes.

I am going by Chunnel, however I've managed to get booked on as freight so will be going on with the lorries; wider bays and much higher roof. Also doesn't matter when you turn up just get put on the first available slot. This is partly done to avoid damaging wheels and paint work but also for convenience.