AutoCar Writer Calls Audi Front LED's VULGAR? WHAT?

The more I'm involved with people in the automotive press the more I wonder how on earth these people EVER got a job in this business.

Can you imagine people who review cars for a living not owning a car themselves?

You would be SHOCKED how many of these reviewers you read and trust in the mags and on other websites and blogs aren't even owners of ANY type of vehicle.

And they BRAG about their expertise on top of that!

Plus, of the remainder who review cars that cost over $35k, less than 1% own a car that costs over $35k themselves.

As you all know, I subscribe to the theory that if you don't own them or spend SIGNIFICANT time driving them, you CAN'T really know them and offer valid reviews.

So it's no wonder when I read idiotic comments like this one from this writer (or so he calls himself) from AutoCar, it reinforces my beliefs that these people have ZERO pulse on what people are looking for when they buy a new vehicle.

Here is what Rory Lumsdon from AutoCar had to say and we quote about the Audi front LED's:

"these things are vulgar, plain and simple

They are the expensive equivalent of the inappropriately-used foglights beloved of Saxo VTS drivers in baseball caps.

And yes, I know that makes me sound snobbish, but seriously, what is the point of these lights?"

The point of these lights, Rory?

How about to make their car's faces SEXIER than the competitors?

To give them a unique signature an identity that lets you know its an Audi in less than one second when you see them coming?

And maybe it excites you like nothing else and raises your pulse because you could be lucky enough to see that the car is an R8, coming at you or from behind?

Rory, there is a new concept in autos that you may not have heard of... LOOKS MATTER! ;)

It seems to me, a small company in Munich has captured the world with their pretty/nasty/sexy/exciting 'Corona Rings' or 'Angel Eyes'...should I go on?

How about one last thing...Could it be the ONE thing that makes a customer buy a car over the competitor because it is sooooo cool looking?

Dude, take a suggestion from the AutoSpies...Get out of the car business.

This one comment from you has totally destroyed any credibility you could have or should we say had.

You have a wonderful future in the hospitality business!

Arrrghh!!!!

So who is right?

Rory or 001?

Chime in with your opinions...

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njsidekick3 - 11/10/2008 1:12:29 PM

+14 Boost

I LOVE the Audi Lightm they stand out, give the Car POP. The BM-Angel Eyes were hot, but Audi went up a notch. the S5 looks MEAN with them... Love it.

Lecsucks - 11/11/2008 2:14:58 AM

+2 Boost

Where I agree with 001 is that those are the same guys that complain about MPG on a Ferrari or the lack of trunk space.

lexusrox123 - 11/11/2008 8:50:33 AM

-1 Boost

that rory is a total retard. audi led lights are awesome! especially in that pic above. ugly? no way

Chicago_Buckeye - 11/18/2008 10:20:40 AM

+1 Boost

I wouldn't call them "Vulgar", but would consider calling them "Gimmicky".

While they definitely call attention to the front and give Audi a unique fascia (they certainly don't look bad at all), when something is that different from the norm it usually fails to qualify as a "timeless design", being associated instead with a particular trend (EVERYONE will copy them).

With that said, time will tell...

Whelan - 11/10/2008 1:20:11 PM

+15 Boost

I would have to agree with you the LEDs in the headlights are HOT! They are no different than when BMW had the angel eye effect on the 5 series then brought it across the sedan/coupe lineup pretty much for the time.

And fog lights look great and are functional too. It actually irks me when people who have them never use them. But for me fog or not they are always on.

Maybe this writer is also the person who drives with his European fog light on all the time or forgets to turn a signal off.

BimmerGuyFL78 - 11/10/2008 1:22:26 PM

+14 Boost

Honestly the new Audi's with there LED lights incorporated in the headlamp cluster looks amazing, especially when driving down the road and on the opposite side of the road you can see these new Audi’s from a far distance. IMO Audi has a hit with their new front end corporate look.

Hantra - 11/10/2008 1:31:02 PM

+14 Boost

Not only are they for looks, but statistically, they make you safer. It's been proven that DRL's save lives. So why not make them cool? That guy is an idiot.

HSCenterconsole - 11/10/2008 1:48:07 PM

+8 Boost

Flashy? Yes. Vulgar? No. I have no problem with the LED's -- it gives Audi an easily recognizable front end.

001, I would chill out when criticizing automotive journalists who work for respected and well circulated magazines. It isn't the end of the world when you don't agree with their opinions. I'm sure as print journalists, they probably have a condescending view torwards web only blogs and sites Autospies, and this is where your frustration is coming through.

Agent001 - 11/10/2008 1:56:00 PM

-11 Boost

Only upset that most are not qualified to do the job they do because to write about cars, you should have EXPERIENCE and a RECORD to have credibility.

OOPS!

Forgot. That doesn't matter anymore too ;)

001

Agent001 - 11/10/2008 1:58:34 PM

-7 Boost

All kidding aside...That doesn't bother you that the majority who write about cars over $35k don't own one or have EVER owned one?

Do you think they can really know enough to be taken as experts?

Would love to hear yours and others opinion.

001

HSCenterconsole - 11/10/2008 2:08:51 PM

+11 Boost

001, I see where you are coming from, but you can't completely disqualify their opinion based on the fact automotive journalists aren't the biggest earners.

I trust the reviews in Car & Driver, Automobile, and Autoweek (I let my subscriptions to Motortrend and Road & Track run out) because it is their job to test and report on cars. These journalists will end up driving thousands of cars during their career -- this adds up to experience. Will they get the same experience from testing a car for two weeks that an owner would have for four years? Probably not, but you have to realize that in the first place. That's why they have "long-term" test fleets.

Also 001, using your logic we could conclude the following:
1) A food critic from a newspaper wouldn't be able to review 5-star restaurants properly since their salary would prevent them from dining regularly in expensive establishments.

A tech journalist wouldn't have any credibility reviewing high-end home theatres for their magazine/newspaper since they aren't able to afford the systems (and thus experience them) in the first place.

Your logic doesn't add up in my opinion.

Agent001 - 11/10/2008 2:58:33 PM

-3 Boost

Didn't imply everyone should be disqualified.

But in today's world of completely biased media (just look at the election...(independent reports showed over 65% of the major media stories like NYTimes, etc. were favorable for Obama vs. 34% for McCain).

Just saying be careful who's opinion you value...just because they've been around for years doesn't mean they have the same credibility and caliber of employee they used to when they EARNED their standing and reputation.

READER BEWARE is my advice...

001

HSCenterconsole - 11/10/2008 3:34:39 PM

+5 Boost

001, I think you are changing your tune now that you got called out. You said, in response to me: "That doesn't bother you that the majority who write about cars over $35k don't own one or have EVER owned one?
Do you think they can really know enough to be taken as experts?"

Your logic was: if you can't afford/own the subject, you can't have any opinion on that subject. Even if the journalist was an expert (through experience and education) in the field.

Further examples of where your logic fails:
1) Art critics (no matter how many years of experience or educational background they have) can't be taken seriously since they can't afford high priced items they are reviewing.
2) Home architecture or design journalists shouldn't have an opinion if they can't afford to own and live in the million dollar house they are reviewing/critiquing.
3) Captains who write for Power & Motoryacht Magazine, Sailing magazine or Showboats magazine can't be taken as experts since they are unable to afford the yachts and boats they test.

Agent001 - 11/10/2008 3:59:24 PM

-2 Boost

I can see your logic but I choose not to trust anyone who just talks the talk.

001

Rsport - 11/10/2008 5:27:36 PM

+1 Boost

I think I understand Agent001's point. The difference between many auto journalists and other opinion writers like HSCenter mentioned (Art writers, Food critics etc) is that the auto writers aren't always enthusiasts. Csaba Csere of Car& Driver and Brock Yates are exceptions; the average everyday journalist who just happens to have the auto beat this week is looking at a car as little more than an applicance; they don't seem to excude the passion and reverence many of us have for cars; which unlike the passionate art and food critics sometimes disqualifies them from identifying with someone who would pay a relatively high price for an automobile.

adoptgreyhounds - 11/10/2008 6:21:46 PM

+3 Boost

001-

1st- Thats his opinon.

2nd- I'm more qulified than most auto journilist (including you). I drive just about every "Luxury brand" everyday all day, my company supplies drivers for service pick up/delivery, New/Used delivery, diagnostics and testing. We put literaly millions of miles on cars in all conditions every year. But as you can tell by reading this pen and paper is not my friend. I know more about the cars than most the techs and sales staff, but I can't write.

Most of my people drive vehicles over $35k, which really isn't that much money anymore. I drive a M3 and a 335i coupe both over $35K one of my employee's drives a Civic Si well under $35k is he any less of a enthusist than I? considering he does alot more track work than me.

Being able to put words on paper and make them exciting is a art and gift, the same as Schuy could drive a F1 car. Journilist may not always be the best drivers or biggest enthusist but they still make magic happen.

My ex-wife is a journilist and works for a model aviation magazine she does not know alot about model planes nor builds or fly's them but is highly praised for her writing and editing.

Being an enthusist isn't just what or what you can drive, it's a passion, it's opinon, it's a lifestyle. I can't drive a F1 car or afford one but I'm still passionate for the cars and the sport.

Hyundai - 11/11/2008 1:30:25 AM

+1 Boost

001, sorry, but you come off sounding like a 2 year-old.

Audi's corporate "face" looks great, btw, but you don't need to act like a bratty child.

Just saying.

Agent001 - 11/11/2008 1:48:58 AM

-1 Boost

Me childish?

Isn't that the prerequisite to owning a website? ;)

001

Agent001 - 11/10/2008 3:10:01 PM

-1 Boost

Have you ever read even ONE opinion besides his leaning this way?

The point is that it is an opinion that is shared by only one person on the planet and supports the fact of how wrong he is and how little he knows about what's going on in today's marketplace.

001

Hyundai - 11/11/2008 1:31:41 AM

+2 Boost

WAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

Here's a tissue.

And a hamburger.

WITH EXTRA MAYO!

Feel better?

AgentOrange - 11/10/2008 3:31:04 PM

-4 Boost

While I like the Audi front end LEDs, I much prefer the BMW angel eyes.

open_mind - 11/10/2008 9:38:23 PM

+2 Boost

I like them both. I have an 08 550i, and they made the rings even whiter for this year which I like. When I see either at night, I know it is a BMW or an Audi even if I don't initially see the body.

bmwdrvr - 11/10/2008 3:38:55 PM

+1 Boost

this whole post is rediculous, you mean to tell me anyone that drives a car over 35,000 qualifies them to review cars your kidding right?you sound like some pretentious jerk, not to mention last time I checked there was nothing wrong with having an opinion, god forbid someone not like an Audi, my god that must be the ultimate disrespect. everyone doesnt like BMW's angel eyes,where is the rediculous long, amatuer like article on that, as a tip for the next article alot of people dont like that huge grill either, and think its vulgar theres your next story.......

S4cabriofoxone - 11/10/2008 10:07:37 PM

+2 Boost

The grill wouldn't really be considered vulgar, because it's not flashy. Barely any chrome. It could be considered ugly.

I barely even notice it, to be honest. I never knew what the big deal was.

open_mind - 11/10/2008 3:44:43 PM

+4 Boost

I personally like the lights. Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't Aston Martin also doing or going to do LEDs along their headlamps on the Vantage. Of course, that is a very prestigious make. I predict several automakers will follow suit in the coming years.

In response to another post, I think Audi sells more so on engineering (like their highest best pick IIHS crash test ratings) than reputation and fluff, compared with their other luxury competition.

The LEDs also give them a similar instant brand recognition to BMW's ringed headlights, unless or until more come to market.

bmwdrvr - 11/10/2008 4:03:54 PM

-1 Boost

engineering and reputation dont go hand and hand? or do you mean prestige??

S4cabriofoxone - 11/10/2008 10:08:51 PM

-1 Boost

"engineering and reputation dont go hand and hand? or do you mean prestige??"

Not when a company rests on its laurels. Reputation is built through prestige but once a company attains that reputation, they are more vulnerable to becoming lazy and losing what made them special in the first place.

I think BMW and Porsche are the exceptions to this. GM and more recently Toyota are prime examples.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/10/2008 10:09:22 PM

0 Boost

Excuse me, reputation is built through engineering.

Bored - 11/10/2008 3:50:39 PM

+1 Boost

Agent001,

I pretty much agree with every one of your responses here on this post, but there is one thing that bugs me:
Would you consider that some opinions expressed on AutoSpies have gone way too far?
Sure, everyone is entitled to their opinion and the best part about subscribing to blog like this is that the opinions can be expressed and debated. Unfortunately, some members (and not just on AutoSpies, but other blogs as well) abuse that privilege and make it damn near impossible to have educated discussions. Trolls are just so desperate for attention.
Now I understand that it's just a way of life and it's difficult to babysit and patrol a web blog for every idiot. I also know that many don't subscribe to my view which is to attack back and put these morons in their place. But if the webmaster and others who run this site don't do something, doesn't give the appearance that they approve of such behavior? No need to use trolls as cheap ways to drive traffic to this site -- the site speaks for itself, right? Don't you think if the owners of this site pushed to encourage these trolls to play by the rules of etiquette at the very least, we wouldn't be having a debate about disrespecting other people's opinion? This is AutoSpies not AutoSNOBS, right?
"READER BEWARE is my advice..." is your quote. Well what am I to make of what you and the other Agents write if none of you aren't even in control of your own asylum?

Agent001 - 11/10/2008 4:03:49 PM

0 Boost

Asylum?

LOL!

It's not just the internet...the comments reflect today's world.

Trust us, everyone knows when someone posts BS.

Plus, you all have the ability to boost and de-boost comments.

Rather the US censoring, we choose to let the audience decide.

001

Bored - 11/10/2008 9:12:15 PM

0 Boost

@ 001,

Very true, sir. But de-boosting just isn't enough when some of these idiots cross the line with ethnic and racial attacks. By allowing them a medium to express their ignorance and hatred renders de-boosting meaningless. It also makes you an enabler. I'm sure that was never you intention, right?
Obviously I'm not trying to tell you how to run your website, just merely suggesting how to make it better.
Let me put it to you this way: If you leave most people's daily driver "as is", what does it do to the value and quality of the vehicle?

Proper maintenance is important, is it not?

Hyundai - 11/11/2008 1:43:52 AM

+3 Boost

Let the audience decide?

C'mon Donny (001)..

... You chose to boot me from this website when I called "EL34" a douche.

You said back in 2006 "I got tired of reading douche", yet you just recently labeled one of your readers (maybe it was a writer of an article; I wouldn't say a 'fellow' writer because I definitely wouldn't consider you a writer) a "douche".

AHEM!

Agent001 - 11/11/2008 1:54:09 AM

+1 Boost

Don't try my patience...My finger is on the 'ban' button

001

Hyundai - 11/11/2008 3:17:01 AM

+1 Boost

001 says:

"Plus, you all have the ability to boost and de-boost comments.

Rather the US censoring, we choose to let the audience decide."


...


"I fit fine in a 911.

What a douche.

001"

Oh wait, you called ME a douche! :)

The irony!

no1listensanyway - 11/10/2008 4:52:13 PM

+2 Boost

The LED's are very cool, but they are very distracting. Especially during the day. I saw a white S5 and my eyes were drawn to the light rather then what was in front of me.

open_mind - 11/10/2008 9:33:48 PM

+1 Boost

I agree that they are definitely noticeable. Attractive is in the eye of the beholder, but I like them more than straight daytime running lights. I think they are very distracting probably partly because they are new. When bright yellow fog lights first came out (think '92 ES 300), they were distracting as anything--especially with people always turning them on with no fog or rain to be found. As they mellowed down but still kept them on cars like the last generation IS and GS, they became more commonplace and less attention-grabbing and I thought more attractive. If I recall, Preludes of a few generations ago also had them (original yellow fog lights).

tattedtwice - 11/10/2008 5:45:16 PM

-11 Boost

He's right, they're tacky as hell. Looks like something a 16 year old would glue onto their civic. They could have done better.

lexusrox123 - 11/11/2008 8:55:43 AM

+1 Boost

something YOU would do?

Htay7500 - 11/12/2008 9:46:22 PM

+2 Boost

"He's right, they're tacky as hell. Looks like something a 16 year old would glue onto their civic. They could have done better."

Do you want a cookie?

DaHarder - 11/10/2008 8:08:01 PM

+1 Boost

Hey, it's just person's opinion, and we all know what opinions are like... ;-)

klipprand - 11/10/2008 9:03:10 PM

0 Boost

001 right on . . .

S4cabriofoxone - 11/10/2008 10:11:00 PM

0 Boost

I think the best example of this is the R8. You'd really have to see one at night to understand why Audi chose LEDs as their DRLs of choice.

Now that other brands are beginning to copy, I know they were onto something.

CA_Somebody - 11/10/2008 10:49:16 PM

0 Boost

the LEDs are park/markers lights, yes. And whether or not theyre vulger, theyre required by law

ghostrider - 11/10/2008 11:29:49 PM

+2 Boost

I'm a Jag sales man and wrote numerous letters to cooperate asking them if there was some way to engineer a cats eye effect into the headlights of a Jag. The world is about branding now and every little bit helps, you have to cut through the clutter somehow.

Matthew1 - 11/10/2008 11:58:20 PM

+2 Boost

FAR OUT. Mountain - molehill anyone?

This whole 'debacle' is the difference between British auto enthusiasts and American auto enthusiasts.

As a reader of Autospies, and a subscriber to British car magazines, the differences in opinion relating to styling especially is huge.

Autospies and its agents are into reverse cameras, flashy wheels and LED lights, where as British journalists are a lot more down-to-earth, preferring to focus on more important aspects of a car, like ride and comfort, handling and service costs.

Nerd-speak is reserved for stability control systems and engine management rather than info-tainment systems.

So when a British journalist thinks LED DRL's are tacky, don't cut his throat because he doesn't have a firm grasp on the superfluous ala Autospies.

Bored - 11/11/2008 12:29:38 AM

0 Boost

@ Matthew1,
and that's why I would rather watch PBS, Discovery and BBCAmerica over CBS, CNN, ABC, etc., etc., etc.

So which do you think is better: Top Gear, Fifth Gear, or both?

inspirion7 - 11/11/2008 11:56:12 AM

-2 Boost

At the same time, Brits are so opinionated and arrogant. All from a tiny piece of land that at some point in time, became a insignificant neutered world power and still think they are.

Lexus - 11/11/2008 12:36:08 AM

+3 Boost

The Audi fron LED's is definitely one of the coolest, Sportiest, meaniest, and Sexiest thing you can see in a car.

I hate to admitted, but I hope Lexus will add some front LED's to next gen IS, GS, RX, LX and LS models.

outdoorsman - 11/11/2008 1:31:23 AM

-1 Boost

I will have to agree with 001. Not only do a lot of these so called journalists not know what they are talking about but what Rony has written is typical these types of people. These people think that everybody should own a Prius type hybrid and that design is really not that important. These people do not have a very good imagination and have a hard time dealing with change. I also agree that if you do not own a car you have no business talking about them. If you do not own a car I do not think you truly love cars and therefore you have no right to talk about them. I do not care if you test drive one a day. I have also noticed that too many of these “Auto Journalists” do not even know much about the mechanics of a car which I believe is just one more thing wrong on a long list of issues with these people.

Agent001 - 11/11/2008 1:51:13 AM

+1 Boost

Right on Bro!!!!!

They HATE change.

001

outdoorsman - 11/11/2008 1:36:34 AM

-1 Boost

FIX-Please replace Rony with Rory from my comment. :)

Hyundai - 11/11/2008 3:22:04 AM

0 Boost

Thought provoking and, might I add, too much sense for this website?

lexusrox123 - 11/11/2008 8:56:38 AM

+1 Boost

lexus Ls600h has LED headlights too. LED lights in any car are pretty cool

M53R - 11/11/2008 9:29:30 AM

-1 Boost

"How about to make their car's faces SEXIER than the competitors?

To give them a unique signature an identity that lets you know its an Audi in less than one second when you see them coming?"

I dont really agree with this part 001, because now, everyone is installing cheap LED headlights on their ricers and cheap cars!!!

I think the Corona rings are more unique, might not be better looking, but definetly more unique.

mercuryguy - 11/11/2008 11:33:24 AM

0 Boost

any feature to make a car more visable on dark roads is the right move.

inspirion7 - 11/11/2008 11:49:10 AM

0 Boost

Audi owns this look. I've seen a number of A5 coupe on the road, and WOW! Audi, love or hate the brand, insist on being unique and not just unique but innovative as well. Now, that being said, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but to say the lights look vulgar is just another obvious example of Euro arrogance in spades.

MeanVulcan - 11/11/2008 12:03:39 PM

-1 Boost

I could not agree with you more. This chum's opinion is worthless. There is nothing else to add. This guy is not worth our time.

JUGNU - 11/11/2008 1:09:53 PM

+2 Boost

here in UAE the LED lights are becoming very popular and undoubtly Audi has a big hand in this. I would say these LED headlights also contributed in the popularity of Audi atleast here in UAE.
So ther's nothing vulgar if anything it's positive and a good design theme.

JUGNU

ubercool - 11/12/2008 9:14:23 AM

+1 Boost

Hate the way they are on in full daylight, makes the driver look like he has accidentally left his lights on! LED's make for good side lights though!

ubercool - 11/12/2008 9:14:32 AM

+1 Boost

Hate the way they are on in full daylight, makes the driver look like he has accidentally left his lights on! LED's make for good side lights though!

ubercool - 11/12/2008 9:14:37 AM

+1 Boost

Hate the way they are on in full daylight, makes the driver look like he has accidentally left his lights on! LED's make for good side lights though!

open_mind - 11/13/2008 1:21:38 AM

+1 Boost

I was just reading the latest Robb Report. Anybody realize the new Rolls-Royce Phantom coupe also now has horizontally rectangular LED lights above the main headlights? I definitely see a trend, and I'd like to see the journalist review the $400,000+ Rolls-Royce and call the lights "vulgar" or "tacky". Not too many 16 year olds driving RR around! This car even has hundreds of LEDs adorning the headliners at a flick of a switch. That must be pretty cool to see.