Audis make a great showing in Jersey for Waterfest 17

Once again, Englishtown, New Jersey has been transformed into the VAG-mecca known as Waterfest. Started as (and predominantly still being) a Volkswagen-centric event, last weekend's show counts the 17th year of Waterfest. It has become the largest VW/Audi event of its kind in North America.  Despite playing second fiddle to VW though, the presence of Audi enthusiasts and show cars has been steadily growing with each new year. That said, this year's show saw perhaps more four-ringed grilles than ever before. In turn, that means more Audizine members in attendance than we've ever seen.

Thanks to the help of venerable veteran Brett (AKA: Daft), and the relative newcomer Kristian (AKA: kristokes), Audizine's presence was impossible to ignore. With well over 100 Audizine members in attendance within the exhibition area, AZ's annual "tent city" once again provided not only refuge from the glaring July sun, but also a chance to meet and relax with fellow members over burgers, dogs and plenty of cold beverages. In addition to repping some of the nicest Audis in attendance, AZ'ers also contributed some entertainment for passers by; be it in the form of one member's gorilla suit or simply reminding folks to watch out for the occasional "dry puddle," there was no shortage of laughs around the tent.  And finally, thanks to the recent Blogger Buzz collaboration, fellow AZ'ers at the show welcomed the team from quattroholic.com - and their shiny new Audi A7 press car - with open arms.

As for the show itself, many four-ringed rides made an indelible mark on us (not to mention the over 20,000 other fans in attendance). From vendor booths to the show car and exhibition lots, Ingolstadt's finest were on hand in force - rivaled perhaps only by those at a little show near Austria's Lake Worthersee.

As the Audi scene at Waterfest grows, so with it comes many new tuning styles and models of which the show cars are based upon. Although the A4 and S4 are still tried and true favorites, we couldn't help but notice how strong an appearance that other models are starting to make, specifically the S5. On top of which, vendors were especially keen to bring out more than a handful of R8s - most being tuned V10-powered variants of Audi's pinnacle supercar.

In addition to those originally bred on North American pavement, Waterfest 17 set the stage for a few unicorn, "Euro only" Audis. Cars such as a factory B7 RS 4 Avant at the APR booth, a first-gen S3 hatch at Forge's display and a second generation S3-bodied and bagged A3 Sportback at the Unitronic stand all were a very cool departure from vehicles we are used to seeing on this side of the pond.

On top of the acres of show cars present, Waterfest also boasts an autocross track, full drag strip and burnout competition. All of which provide more than enough opportunity for owners to pit their cars against one another in a professional, organized arena; helping quell that irresistible urge for some to "light 'em up" in a less appropriate forum.

Overall, we couldn't think of a better way to spend a hot summer weekend. From great cars to an even better camaraderie with those sharing our same addiction to Audi, Waterfest is definitely a can't-miss event of the year. Anyway, enough reading. Have a gander through our photo gallery and drool over some of the automotive eye candy. On top of what's here, there is an even larger array of photos over at quattroholic.com with nearly every single Audi in attendance on Sunday at Waterfest 17.