So I have a new 2010 A6 3.0T and have stumbled across something curious. The cigarette lighter in the center console next to the gear shift stays powered even if the car is off. I have a really cool cigarette lighter adapter which converts it to a USB outlet. It has a green light which signifies that it is receiving power. Even after I turn the car off the light stays on. I've come back in the morning to go to work and the light is still on. I dont think i'm worried about it draining the battery (or should i be?) but it's just curious that the outlet retains power.

On a side note, this usb thing is absolutely awesome. Having a powers usb outlet in you car is an unbelievably useful thing. I use it to charge both my ipod and my blackberry. The thing is unbelievable small and fits flush in the cigarette lighter slot. Here is a link and some pics:

http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProdu...duct_Id=489423

 

Both the dashboard and my rear console cigar outlets provide continuous power, even with the ignition off. I doubt the teeny weeny battery in your iPOD or cellphone is going to drain the big a$$ battery in your engine compartment. If it does, you have big problems. Of course, I would not leave even a small device plugged in and powered up for weeks. I deliberately turn off my radar detector when I garage my car, but I have forgotten it for days at a time and it does not cause any problems.