[Note: This piece first ran in May 2007. It seems particularly relevant again in light of the current Toyota unintended acceleration (UA) situation. But please note that the circumstance that caused the Audi UA may, or may not be very different, depending on the circumstances. In the early eighties, electronic gas pedals and complex engine controls and other interfaces such as with ABS/brakes were still on the horizon. Nevertheless, the rules of physics have not been repealed. And an unknown percentage of Toyota UA events undoubtedly are the result of pedal misapplication. Audi's near collapse in the American market after this incident remains a painful lesson in the power of the media, the slowness of the NHTSA, and the critical PR choices manufacturers make in the wake of a crisis like this. PN]
When I first heard about the Audi “sudden unintended acceleration” segment on CBS’s 60 Minutes in 1986, I knew instantly that they were blowing smoke. Literally. (Read More…)
Recent Comments
danio3834 - “The real problem with very fast cars is that your gas mileage sucks..” It doesn’t have to. With modern engine...
danio3834 - Mid 8′s? That’s cute, but it still won’t run with the big boys.
olddavid - Absolutely on target comment, Ron B. The extreme positions on both sides are the wrong place to begin negotiations. The best interests of the business as a whole...
geozinger - I’d like to be back in one of those 70′s Polos again… I’d just like to be back in...
John Rosevear - It was warranted, or at least passable. Never mind him. Well done.
geozinger - As I recall, the car had some production variations compared to Japanese-sourced models, but otherwise satisfactory. However, that is not my point...
sideshowtom98 - Worst car review I have ever read, here or anywhere else.
gnekker - This car reminds me of the latest James Bond movie – expensive, ugly, boring, pointless… Even if I would be an oil magnate or...
AFX - ” I would have been more interested in reading about an entire article about it’s doors and the dilemma of opening them in various...
AFX - I always thought electric cars like the Tesla Model S would be a great car for drive-by shootings for gansta rappers. Load up your posse into the...