Lightest 19inch wheels available?

B6/7 S4/RS4
#29

The problem with track racing and comparing cars is that there are so many variables that it ends up meaning nothing unless you’re actually properly truly racing in a series with different track configurations.

By that I mean in that scenario, you can make a few assumptions to try and remove some variables such as:

  1. The drivers are decently qualified to race
  2. The drivers are trying to push their cars to the limit
  3. The cars are usually in good operating conditions (i.e. mechanically prepped). Yes, catastrophic failures will always occur in racing but you can assume a team of mechanics check the car over and the driver has provided decent feedback in testing and warm-ups.

Then, in a circuit with different tracks, you can see how it behaves with smaller tighter tracks as well as larger tracks with most likely longer straight-aways, and all sorts of other configurations.

You take an underpowered Miata with a stiff suspension to a small twisty track and it’ll most likely fare better than the RS4. You take those two same cars to a larger F1 style track and the RS4 will trounce the underpowered Miata.

I remember watching a series that only had E36 M3s and Acura Integra Type-Rs. Obviously one platform was RWD and the other FWD and you might assume the M3s were kicking the Integras’ asses but it wasn’t the case at all. They were all neck and neck.

By going to a lapping event at a local track, you might come across a GT3 RS or a GT-R being driven by some older dude who’s simply having fun and doesn’t want to push the car too hard giving you an impression that your car rules cause somehow you’re keeping up or maybe even passing him. Or maybe it’s his first time on a track whereas you might have been tracking your car for years in addition to knowing your local track so well you could drive it with your eyes closed. Again, way too many variables to simply state “My RS4 beats most cars on the track”. Such a statement shows a lack of understanding of these variables. I got my Formula 2000 open-wheel racing license on an ex-F1 track (http://www.trackpedia.com/wiki/Circuit_Mont-Tremblant) and then went weekend tracking a lot (lapping and solo-1 racing) and I’ve seen many things. Enough things so as not to make any assumptions of the other drivers and their cars.

I especially loved the 725hp Lingenfelter Twin Turbo LS1 ZO6 Corvettes getting their asses kicked by small shifter karts on this track http://www.trackpedia.com/wiki/Shannonville_Motorsport_Park as well as this track http://www.trackpedia.com/wiki/Toronto_Motorsports_Park
The Corvette drivers were pissed (obviously they weren’t racing on the track at the same time).

#30

All excellent points Axel! I agree 100%. That’s why I say, people can’t just make statements that because a RS4 is “nose heavy” doesn’t make it a track car. Every car has its vulnerabilities. Every car has its advantages. Yes I too have seen an older, well modded B5 Audi S4 pass a GT3. It’s not all about “who passes who” either. There are so many variables at stake. All in All, the RS4 is tons of fun and very forgiving on a track. It also holds up well “stock”. Some cars can’t even handle the high intensive braking on a track “stock”. Our car can! I’ve seen B8 S4’s with upgraded stainless steel lines, motul fluid, stop tech pads, completely lose their brakes after a few laps on a track. Our car is more track ready than most. Is it the lightest? no, is it the fastest? no. Can it get fast lap times Yes.

#31

I think my comments focused on the term “dominate” which is what the rs4 doesn’t do. Does it handle well? Yes? Good power?

#32

^^^would be interesting to see what a stage III B5 would run the nurburgring in with a professional driver. The RS4 did it around 8 minutes flat. Stock. We haven’t even discussed modifications yet. There are no B5 S4s on earth that have ever gone as fast in a straight line on pump gas as the TTS supercharged RS4 did. ET. MPH. RS4 faster. Nevermind corners, when modified. and that’s how it should be…the B5 was launched in 1999 and the RS4 in 2005. If Audi couldn’t make it faster in 6 years, they should be shot.

#33

Not sure who your reply is directed at Jupiter. But, “dominate” is a relative term. You said you drove an RS4 on a track and got passed…Awesome…it has been said already, there are plenty of variables (track, driver, conditions) as well as I mentioned a much slower, B5 S4 passing a GT3. Passing doesn’t not mean slower/faster. Ego’s have to be left in the pit on a track. Don’t know what your condition was, your driving status, your track, and what car/driver was passing you. It doesn’t really matter. My RS4 dominated many other underpowered cars such as e46 M3’s, S6’s, S5’s, 330’s, 325’s B5 S4’s, Supras, a few older Porsche’s etc. What I mean by Dominate is “walking down” perticularly in a straight, or taking a much faster turn than they are able to take.

#34

My post wasn’t completed: sorry

I think my comments focused on the term “dominate” which is what the rs4 doesn’t do. Does it handle well? Yes? Good power? Yes!

I essentially was comparing the overall cornering characteristics of both my B5 and B7 S4. Same driver, same track, I was never driving an RS4 and was not judging performance by getting passed.
Reading comprehension young man.

If I’m driving and pushing the car to its limit and getting walked then it’s a pretty fair assumption the car passing is an overall better performer (as the driver I know how hard I’m pushing it) Likewise, I can’t assume my car is a better performer b/c I passed the 65yr old man in his new ZR-1 just wanting to live the dream. No shit and obvious point!

Seeing that you refer to the term dominate as a relative term makes more sense. In your initial post you used dominate and it didn’t seem so relative. If I misunderstood your meaning of dominate then I apologize.

I never said the RS wasn’t capable and was simply comparing the two cars I own which also have very similar setups suspension wise. I have an S not an RS so I realize this is a variable but the distribution is very close.

I have run with other RS4’s drivers that I know personally and are not out for a Sunday cruise. They handle great, look amazing and have adequate power. I’m not being critical of this car so please don’t think I am. Down here, they run in the middle of the pack at most events, based on the cars in attendance it’s pretty damn good. So yes, it’s all relative!

I’m also very much aware of all of the other variables in play. I’ll never forget when I was passed on Nascar turn four at Daytona by a Miata, yes it was supercharged but still… Yes it’s a momentum car but after the session I walked down to the garage to find out Shane Lewis was driving as an instructor for the owner.

At the end of the day, there is always someone faster and this will never change. Here is a shot from an event from last year, pretty sick lineup!
http://img.tapatalk.com/a6937b18-1095-0faa.jpg

#35

Awesome shot! And agreed on your points! Yes now I understand your comments. I just want to make sure people understand how great our car is. Most people make comments either never having actual track experience or from their view of what the car’s potential is. I’m glad you brought up the Miata and the fact that it is used as a “momentum” car. Until, I got out to a track, I totally misjudged those cars. I had to do WORK to pass a few of the miatas. Like I said, there are advantages and disadvantages to every car. So, in the end, one has to choose the car that fits them best. My instructor took me out in his modded B5 S4, and really showed me what our cars can do and the lines we can take from a handling perspective. Whenever we rode in my car, he always commented at how much more power my RS4 had and gawked at me being able to over power so many cars out there. It’s really a great sport and tons of fun to perfect learning your lines and pushing the car to its limits. Cheers to you for tracking your car! Hopefully I get to meet you out there some day! Not sure where you are located. But many of us are planning on hitting up VIR for Audi 2 day in November.

#36

Jupiter… Bad ASSSSS picture. we dont quite get lineups like that at VIR. They are impressive…but not that.

i think you referenced the south, but Watkins 20/21 of august!! and then like badblue mentioned VIR in november.

#37

While not an RS4 (the car being discussed specifically in this thread tangent) I have a tuned, light bolt on B6 S4 with coils and have tracked it just twice – the only two times I’ve been to a track. Each time there were lots of Boss 302s, SVTs, Vettes etc and I can tell you that being behind those cars in the turns mainly meant me going a lot slower than when they were behind me. And at least a couple of the stang drivers were trying pretty hard too (as evidenced by one of them over cooking and spinning off into the cabbage). Bastards wouldn’t let be by on the passing zones on the straights either. Bottom line is that a) it isn’t terribly slow overall b) the AWD means a lot of the time you can get on the gas early and hard out of a turn.

So as a pure, soul-man track car? I’m not sure as I’m not a pure, soul-man track guy. As a fast capable car in the hands of a wide variety of drivers of varying degrees of skill? Indeed and I had a blast wringing mine. Run what you brung.

#38

I personally feel that many (luckily not all) of those high powered American cars you mentioned (and others like them) are fueled by pride, ego and high expectations of themselves :slight_smile:

#39

LOL Agreed Axel and JPO! Those guys typically embarrass themselves out there.

To our earlier discussion about nose heavy cars, For comparison sake, we all know how well the GTR performs on a track, and it has nearly the same weight as the RS4 and a 53:47 weight distribution. So clearly that formula seems to work well. Also the M3 is pretty heavy as well. Weight as tested – 3,850 lbs (E92), 3,765 lbs (E90) according to R&T.

#40

Glad we’re on the same page bad blue, I’m down in Jupiter, Fl or a tad north of West Palm Beach. I’ve made it up to Roebling Road in Ga but nothing further North. I’m trying to hit Road Atlanta this year so we’ll see.

My main tracks consist of Homestead (where the pic is taken) PBIR, Sebring and Daytona. There aren’t very many Audi guys that track their car in this manner so I give everyone credit doing so. Lots to learn and also very humbling at times based on those in attendance!

What are the dates of the VIR event? I’m not afraid to take a road trip, an Audi track event is a very good reason to attend.

#41

Wasn’t thread about wheels? lol, I run a set of Neuspeed RS-10’s that are 19x8.5 et 35 and weigh in just under 20lbs. The tires I went with are Conti Extreme Contact DW 245/35/19 and those weight about 20.5lbs. In total it should be about 41lbs per corner. The RS-10’s can be hard to find though because I believe they’re discountinuted. I got mine from Supreme Power and they were about $1500 for the set.

Here’s a crappy cell pic of them on my car. Stock suspension.


http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/medium/2011-05-27_14-33-27_490_crop.jpg

#42

Jupiter: Nov 10, 11 @ VIR http://www.pcc-acna.org/index.php?option=com_registrationpro&view=event&Itemid=0&did=43

Also, anytime you want to hit Road Atlanta, hit me up! I wanna hit one this fall if I can squeeze it in. Also, I’ll be driving up to VIR…if you wanna caravan…Let me know! Love the wheels!

#43

You guys are lucky. For us up north, at those dates, our tracks are closed and covered with snow. :frowning:

#44

^^^ very true but this time of year the heat is torture on the car.

Badblue, where are you located?

Thanks for the pic and addt’l option, I’ll look into those puppies as well. The weight on the conti’s seems low for 19’s.

#45

ATL…yeah track right now is brutal with the heat and humidity! No thanks!!! My oil temp would get up to 280 when I hit summit point 2 weeks ago…LOL

#46

Yeah Jupiter…I may drive down to West Palm in the next few months…My in-laws live down there…I’ll hit u up if I do.

#47

Let me know, could always catch a day at PBIR!

#48

Yeah I heard about that place! Plus I wanna see this guy to do my headlights down there.