RS 6 has completed Milestone 4

[dabull]

My RS 6 has completed Milestone 4 and is moving into Milestone 5 which with the backlog that seems to be built into the posting of the completion of levels it has probably already completed Milestone 5. After Milestone 5 they are finished and off to the railroad to the port city of Emden. Does it really take 6 weeks for the cars to go from Emben to the dealership?

[iconcls]

Good for you!

Now spot posting this info...you're killing us here...j/k ;-)

[Benman]

dang bull, good for you:cheers: your WAY ahead of me:D

ben:addict: (i'll be there soon, but not soon enough!)

[jconley]

Argh! Mine is still stuck in MS 1- Good to know it goes quick after that, though!

Jordan

[dabull]

Looks like to me that they get behind posting where the car actually is. I didn't have any posting yesterday of these last three milestones and then looked this morning and the car is in the last production milestone. :addict:

[jconley]

Are they sending you update e-mails or are you checking the website every day?

[Finnus]

It's from checking the website every day.

Finnus

:addict:

[dabull]

I don't believe that I have ever received an email notifying me that my car has moved to the next level. I have also received my cars VIN number . :addict: :addict:

[jimmy94507]

Dabull,
Does the calandar timeline show when your car achieved each Milestone? Or, does it just show the current stage of your car?
Jim

[dabull]

Jimmy, it shows each day that the car entered each stage. Having become an RS 6 fanatic I am documenting in a Journal that I have created for the car each stage and date . :addict: :addict:

[jimmy94507]

Dabull,

That sounds good. Can you share with us the dates for each milestone? It will help us gauge how long it takes to progress through each stage. In other words, from the time they start building the body to the time the finished car exits the factory in transit to the port? Right now its a mystery to all of us. This period of time is controllable by the factory, whereas, the time to get it to the dealer is up to the transportation guru's and shipping issues.

Thanks, Jim

[eph94]

I'm still in pre-production :( Well, at least it gives me more time to save up more money on the down payment. Is everyone here buying or does anyone plan to lease?

:addict: :addict: :addict: :addict:

[jconley]

Originally posted by JJV-MA
I'm still in pre-production :( Well, at least it gives me more time to save up more money on the down payment. Is everyone here buying or does anyone plan to lease?

:addict: :addict: :addict: :addict:


Leasing mine- After all it is a business expense :) Leasing gives me a better tax advantage.

J

[dabull]

Here are the dates given to me with the descriptions of what was going on that day. Hasn't moved since May 16th according to the website.


May 14, 2003 Production Began :If you could join us in Neckarsulm for a plant tour, we'd start by taking you to the beginning of the RS 6 body assembly process. Here, in the press shop, two-story high hydraulic presses shape sheet metal for RS 6 components, notably the roof (which includes a sunroof opening, an exclusive feature for the U.S. market), doors, side panels, and floor assembly.

We would then take you into the welding area, where hundreds of robots in concert with skilled technicians use a range of welding techniques—including laser welding—to join components together. The body of the RS 6 also benefits from Audi's own patented self-piercing, high-strength riveting process. Sparks, as they say, do indeed fly.

Stephan Reil, head of technical development at quattro GmbH, explains the process: “On the RS 6 we retained the steel body, doors and roof of the S6, and then we added additional structural support, secondary welding and completely modified the transmission tunnel to accept the V8 with its two turbos, two intercoolers, and twin branch exhaust system.“

After assembly inspection, the RS 6 shell emerges from the body shop. While unadorned with color, the shell already displays the RS 6's discreetly sleek lines and curves.

May 15, 2003 : During this stage of production, the body of your RS 6 is protected, primed, and painted.

At Audi, we have long been respected in the automotive world for our high-quality paints and exterior finishes. Attention is paid to every detail, from the chemical composition of our paints and lacquers to our innovative application technology to our comprehensive inspection techniques.

After your RS 6 moves out of the body assembly area and into the paintshop, we apply layers of protective material and paint to the shell, beginning with a virtually solvent-free cataphoretic dip-priming process. Additional layers of protection include: a zinc phosphate to help prevent corrosion, a sealant and underseal, an elastic filler to protect against stone damage, a base coat, and transparent lacquer.

Later, during the final stages of production, your RS 6 will be subjected to an intensive quality control paint check when we examine the body under a battery of harsh daylight neon tubes, which reveal the slightest imperfection. And Audi provides this additional assurance: We guarantee your RS 6 for 12 years against corrosion. We are confident that the exterior of your RS 6 will withstand the elements and look fresh for many years to come. With our extensive guarantee, you'll feel confident too.

On the horizon: A marriage made in automotive heaven: the body of your RS 6 is united with its drivetrain

May 16, 2003: After the body of your RS 6 assumed its shape and color in Milestone 3, virtually all interior features were meticulously installed, including the suede-like Alcantara® headliner, premium leather seats, dashboard components, three-spoke perforated-leather Sport steering wheel, 200-watt Bose® sound system, windshield and side windows. Meanwhile, on a separate production line, your RS 6's drivetrain components—the mighty engine and transmission, axle drive shafts, Brembo® brakes, suspension systems, and 18-inch wheels—were fitted together.

In automotive parlance, the moment the body is joined to the drivetrain is known as “the Wedding,” which is what happens during this stage of the RS 6 assembly process. By precisely coordinating the separate assembly lines, all RS 6 components arrive at the installation station at the same time. As with human relationships, timing is everything when it comes to creating a perfect union. An integrated hydraulic system then lifts the drivetrain assembly up and into the shell of your RS 6, and the marriage is official.

On the horizon: During Milestone 5, your RS 6 heads into our exclusive RS 6 production facility. Here, a dedicated team of high-performance specialists, part of the quattro GmbH group, will complete the assembly of your vehicle, attending to all aspects of performance tuning, customized interior and exterior design details, and final testing and inspection

[Speedracer]

[i] notably the roof (which includes a sunroof opening, an exclusive feature for the U.S. market)[/B]

There it is again. Why do they keep saying this when itis not true.