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Old 01-26-2016, 12:27 AM   #64 (permalink)
vector7
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Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: USA
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Drives: 2014 Q50s
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Saw this posted elsewhere...

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sinecure View Post
We have training today on the new 2016 Q50. The trainer should be bringing an AWD Red Sport (twin turbo 400hp). What do you want to know? What should I take pictures of?

You've got three hours to post your questions here. I'll check the forum before the training starts.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sinecure View Post
I took a video of the exhaust, but the audio doesn't sound much like the real life sound.

Some interesting notes about exhaust sound. First, I was told it would sound like the coupe. It doesn't. It is less throaty and a bit more high pitched. But I really enjoyed the sound in-cabin. Also, I believe most of the 6 cylinder cars will have Active Noise Control. This one did. It was clear that they turn down the ANC when you put it in Sport/Sport+ mode. So you get more engine noise in the cabin vs. standard mode. This is a good thing. Also, it is NOT artificial engine noise a la BMW. This is real engine noise, it is just that the noise cancellation isn't turned up as high and doesn't cancel out the noise like it does in standard mode.

Some random notes:

Steering wheel hasn't changed, although the material (leather) is slightly different).

10K service interval with synthetic oil.

The torque curve is nearly flat from 1500-6500rpms.

It has the same tranny, but the shift logic has been updated. Faster shifts and a bit more aggressive in sport mode. My current hybrid is not sport, so I don't have paddles. I tried paddle shifting, but I need to practice that to be able to tell you if it is different from the 14-15 models.

Sport vs. Sport+: The main difference is that in Sport+, the DAS steering is tuned to give you more feedback in the steering wheel. This is one of the big differences in the 2.0 version of DAS. It is definitely more natural feeling and better. I liked DAS before for what it enabled (ALC). But the new car definitely feels better in terms of steering. Non-DAS cars will now have Electronic Power Steering (2.0t will have hydraulic steering). Even the EPS apparently can change ratios/assist in sport mode.

The suspension, even in Sport+ mode, feels better and less harsh than the old sport/hybrid suspension. Also, putting it in the softer suspension smooths out the bumps on a crappy road. Even in standard mode, the suspension can adjust a little by itself.

A couple other little things I learned:

The reason the car always starts up on "Standard" mode and won't remember your preferred, or last settings - thank the EPA. By rule, any car with electronic drive mode has to start up in the mode that it was tested in by the EPA.

The general consensus seems to be that the Red Sport version will probably be the most tune-able.



I loved the acceleration. And we had 3 adults plus a trunk full of stuff. Boss drove it solo and really, really loved it. You will smile when you press the accelerator.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sinecure View Post
Acceleration felt much smoother and "linear" if that's the right word. Same with braking.

Can't tell you on tires. First, my stock tires are the 17" RFT's and second, the tires I'm running right now are 18" Blizzak non-RFT's. Plus, hard to tell when you change up all the suspension stuff.


I suspect earlier versions could get the DAS changes, but I heard nothing about plans to make that happen.
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