Summary of "SPEAK UP FOR AUDI - A film by Audis desperate community - Audi, it's now or never!"

The video “SPEAK UP FOR Audi - A film by Audi’s desperate community - Audi, it’s now or never!” is a heartfelt, deeply personal documentary by a lifelong Audi enthusiast, photographer, and collector who has been closely connected to the brand for over 30 years. The creator uses his unique insider perspective to deliver a passionate critique of Audi’s recent decisions that, in his view, have alienated longtime fans, diluted the brand’s heritage, and damaged its identity.

Main Plot and Highlights

A Lifelong Passion Turned Concern: The filmmaker shares his personal journey—from a young fan with Audi posters on his walls to a professional photographer and collector of rare Audi models. His deep love for the brand fuels his frustration over recent changes that feel like a betrayal to Audi’s legacy.
The Badge Debacle: One of the most emotional and widely discussed topics is Audi’s controversial removal and redesign of iconic badges, especially on S and RS models. The removal of front badges, the confusing use of the RS “Rumbus” logo on base S-line models, and the loss of the classic Quattro badges sparked outrage. The filmmaker even bought badges to restore the cars he photographed, highlighting how much these symbols mean to owners. Audi has partially reversed some decisions, but the damage and confusion remain.
Interior Quality Decline: Audi’s once-celebrated interiors, known for premium materials, attention to detail, and driver-centric ergonomics, are now criticized for cheap plastics, overwhelming screens, and poor design choices. The new steering wheel is described as “comical but tragic,” likened to something from a low-budget truck, with a cheap-looking 2D logo sticker that feels out of place on a premium car. The forced removal of physical buttons in favor of confusing touchscreens and the bizarre “dummy” passenger screen are also highlighted as major missteps.
Virtual Cockpit and Instrument Cluster Confusion: The once-loved Audi virtual cockpit has become cluttered with distracting animations, tiny fonts, and non-configurable layouts. The filmmaker recounts conversations with Audi engineers who acknowledge these issues and are starting to make improvements, but there is still a long way to go.
Exterior Design Missteps: The “split headlights” design is described as the “worst design ever created,” killing Audi’s distinctive lighting identity. The overuse of generic light bars on every model further dilutes Audi’s unique design language. While some newer models like the A5 and A6 are praised, the overall exterior direction is seen as following trends rather than leading them.
Loss of Iconic Models: The filmmaker mourns the discontinuation of legendary cars like the Audi R8, TT, RS5 coupe, and many beloved variants, blaming corporate politics and poor strategic decisions for killing the soul of the brand.
Naming Confusion and EV Strategy: Audi’s confusing naming strategy for electric vehicles threatens to erase historic model names like the RS4 Avant. The filmmaker urges Audi to create electric cars that honor their sporty heritage, including manual gearboxes and selectable classic engine sounds, to keep enthusiasts engaged.
Performance and Power Limitations: Audi’s RS models have lagged behind competitors in horsepower and performance for years, largely due to management-imposed restrictions rather than engineering limitations. Stories from engineers reveal their frustration at being handcuffed by marketing and corporate decisions, stifling innovation and passion.
Soft Limiters and Sound Issues: The use of soft limiters on engine revving, especially on high-performance models like the R8 and RS6, is a sore point. The filmmaker shares touching anecdotes about how these limiters disappoint fans and even children who want to hear the true roar of an Audi engine.
Community and Enthusiast Voice: A major theme is the neglect of Audi’s core enthusiasts—those who love the brand, promote it, attend meets, and influence future customers. The filmmaker stresses that enthusiasts are the heart and soul of Audi and warns that continued disregard will push them away permanently.
Hope and Call to Action: Despite the harsh critique, the film ends on a hopeful note. The filmmaker sees signs of change under Audi’s new CEO, who appears to listen to feedback. He calls on the Audi community worldwide to speak up loudly and clearly to help steer the brand back to its “Vorsprung durch Technik” roots. He urges Audi to respect its heritage, listen to customers, and restore the passion and quality that once made it great.

Notable Jokes and Emotional Moments

The absurdity of the “RS” badge appearing on basic S-line models is called “badge tuning at its worst” and compared to “looking like a clown at every car meet.”
The steering wheel is humorously described as “designed by a 5-year-old and put on a sticker.”
The plastic dummy passenger screen is called out as a baffling