Great Fall Drives: Chicago to Denver

Now that fall is in full swing we can take a step back and enjoy the foliage.

All of the gorgeous oranges, reds and yellows are showing in all of their glory. Although one would debate taking that trek up to Vermont or Maine, I have a different suggestion for you. Take four days out of your schedule and head out to Chicago. Then, drive to Denver. Not in a straight shot either, meander.

Explore Americana and immerse yourself within the Midwestern culture.

Want to know more, check out the my published work on TheStreet.com.

rp

Day 2: Journey to Memphis

Do you think cornfields are boring? Yeah, so do I. However, when you are behind the wheel of an A4 3.0 TDI, things change quickly; not to mention lanes.

Starting the morning right, by getting keys to my Audi, I headed out to the starting grid. Car number 8, my new love until October 13.

The A4 may be the best car out of the entire fleet. It has the best styling, nicest interior and great power. I adore the sport seats with alcantara inserts. Fantastic for gripping.

Source: rp

Upon start-up you would not think you are behind the wheel of a diesel. Chatter is kept to a minimal level and pick-up comes on briskly. The flag drops and we are rolling. After realizing the GPS navigation system has no idea what it is stammering on about, we find our way to Michigan Ave. and the satellite picks up the vehicle.

Finally, able to put the hammer down. Well, not exactly. Utilizing a very simple strategy, I pin the vehicle’s speedometer at 70 miles-per-hour and give the throttle the slightest touch. Every millimeter counts. Every hill’s incline and decline counts. If a feather lands on the A4 whilst flying overhead, you bet, it will count.

Source: rp

Chicago to Memphis is most likely one of the most interesting routes to travel. Being born and raised in the New York City region, culture shock sets in. Barns, cornfields, silos, and horses surround in all directions. The horizon falls straight to the ground.

Source: rp

After the first leg, my partner and I were guessing we received over 35 MPG. Considering we did not even try for the second half of driving, my partner and I were quite content with our estimates.

More to follow.

rp

Day 1: Audi Mileage Marathon

You know you are at an Audi event when you hear those lovely, German accents. Let me tell you, these guys know how to treat the media.

Throughout the next several days, I will be participating in the Audi Mileage Marathon. Essentially, the gist of this event is to help introduce Audi’s latest diesel technology to the United States. I am in Wave 2, which means, I will be traveling from Chicago to Memphis, Dallas, Amarillo and Denver.

As journalists, we are the best force to get out Audi’s message. The new diesels are here and they are not like the old diesels Americans are used to.

Arriving in downtown Chicago, I was greeted by a team of individuals affiliated with Audi AG. After going through the paperwork process and making sure to outfit us with plenty of Audi gear, we were turned loose like a bunch of kiddies at a carnival. Forget about the cotton candy and the clowns, however.

After settling in, I made sure to take in my surroundings – I have never been to Chicago before. It was during this time the participants from Wave 1 arrived at the hotel and W. Adams Ave. was filled with silver, stickered-up Q5s and Q7s.

There I was, at the corner of an intersection, when a Q5 TDI pulled up. Once the light changed to green it made, what must be, one of the finest sounds I have heard from an auto in a long time.

The only way I can describe it is a small diesel truck motor with a significant turbo “whooOOsh.” It sounds majestic. I must make note, it is a very subtle, diesel sound. Not loud, not the clatter diesel’s typically make.

I hope I can get sleep tonight; I am eagerly awaiting the keys to my own A4 3.0 TDI. I have a good idea of which strategy I will try to employ to achieve the highest miles-per-gallon. Wish me luck.

It’s Christmas eve all over again.

rp