I took a new 09 out for a test drive this afternoon.

The most striking thing I noticed was it looks and feels like a much bigger car then the 08. The extra couple inches that were added makes a big difference...in a good way. After my 20 minute drive I spent some time in the back seat while my wife took it out. I was perfectly comfortable (I'm 6' tall). From the back seat you feel like you're in a true mid-sized car.

The only two negatives I could find was 1) have to wait for manual transmission 2) all the upgrades are grouped into expensive packages.

All the recent magazine reviews are very accurate as far as handling, power, etc. Very smooth, more power and torque, very tight steering.

Obviously the dealer wouldn't budge on the MSRP price. You're looking at almost $37k (premium) $41 (premium plus) when you factor tax, fees, etc. I wonder how long it will take before the dealers will start selling these car for under the retail price?

Nice, thanks for the review.

I was under the impression that car dealers across the country were suffering given our terrible economy. Therefore, I'd imagine we'll begin to see some realistic prices around February.

I'm in the market for the 2.0T, but if they don't price with the market, I'll just pick up a G35x and suck up the gas mileage over the term of a lease, or maybe even buy it since they appear to be rather reliable.

Thx for the info.

You mentioned that options are wrapped into expensive packages. Do you or anyone else know if you have to step up to the Prestige trim to get the S Line package? I love the wheels they're showing here when you build a 2.0T s line:
http://www.audiusa.com/audi/us/en2/new_cars/Audi_A4.html

But in the regular tool (http://ak4-fr.audi.de/controller.do?next=carlinea4&page=&slot-value=&slot-explicit=&slot=&kind=&v_r=&v_z=&v_d=&v_x=&v_cb=&v_mod_sort=&v_serie=&v_basics_images=&v_basics_details=&v_extras=&v_extras_images=&v_extras_details=&v_accessories=&v_accessories_images=&v_accessories_details=&v_allitems=&v_tech=&v_rate=&v_show_rate_toogle=&v_show_finance_link=&v_show_extras=&v_show_mandatory=&v_show_advice=&v_show_accessories=&v_open_extras=&v_compare_filter=&mandant=ak4_us_en&filter-value=&filter-name=&reset-filter=&transfer_q=&command=&last_on_page=&v_ay=0&v_carstoreupdate=) with pricing, they don't list the s line package as being available.

I read somewhere else that you have to go up to the Prestige for S Line which would be a big bummer, since you could get it on even a FWD A4 on the B7.

Yes, unfortunately Prestige package is required for S Line.