Audi Driving Experience

Went to the Audi Driving Experience last Friday, which is billed as a chance to try the new Audi on a race track. We did the free, 2 hour introductory course.

During this program, we drove just about every Audi model they sell. They paired us off (my girlfriend was my partner), and put us in cars. The first thing we did was a simulation of an emergency high speed lane change, where we had to rush up to a set of cones and then make a quick, emergency turn into the lane to the left (preferably without hitting any cones). We did this with A6s, and each of us got to do it twice (though I could have used a 3rd run, as I clipped a cone on both of my runs).


Next was an emergency stop, such as what you might have to do if someone steps out on to the road in front of you. This was a test of the anti-lock brakes. We did this with A4s (video below shows the instructor showing us how it is done - we then went out and did it after that).


Then we went on a short Autocross course, where we swapped between an A8, an SUV, and the sporty little A3. This is me driving in the A3 - I accidentally hit the wipers as I was doing the sharp turn.


After this, we put on helmets and went out on the Infineon (Sears Point) track in A5s for a couple of laps. This wasn't a race - instead we followed the instructor in a line while he explained how best to take the course.


We were supposed to stay within 1 to 3 car lengths from the car in front of us, but I just couldn't do that. I guess it has been too many years of driving on the street where you need to keep more distance between you and the car in front of you.

There were a few cars we didn't get to drive, including the 450HP R8, the TT, and the car shown below...


Definitely was a great experience.