OT Any idea why my car blew up with these symptoms

Absolutely incorrect. Even the NTSB admits that there was no problem with Audis. BTW, this problem was also prevelant in the MB 190 and other smaller MB models, too.

The problem (whcih could be called a design error) was that the pedals were too far left (usually due to clearance with the tunnel) for some drivers.

Once transmission locks ("Press the brake to get out of parK") became standard equipment, the problem ceased to be.

As to your "mid-west DMV inspector" cite a reference. Otherwise it is just FOAF, and not credible.

BTW, this does not imply the drivers were idiots, incompentent, or anything. After transmission locks became standard equipment there was one case that I know of where a police car which had been incorrectly wired (the emergency lights caused the transmission lock to not engage). An officer at a crime scene got into the car, and did exactly what this problem does, he hit the gas instead of the brakes, and tossed it into gear. Two officers died. (sad story).

I've personal experience with suddent acceleration, I"m one of the few who didn't have an accident, but it was damned close. While in a rest stop in my MB 190E, I went to back out of a parking space. I put my foot on the brake, as I should. I had my hand on the shifter just starting to move it when I realized the engine was revving out of control. Yes, my foot was on the accelerator. Had I not realized at that exact time, it would have been bane for the woman who was walking past my car at the time. I know she didn't realize how lucky she was. Scared the living %#$^*& out of me, and from then on I am *very* careful when I start out.

Yes, I had two Audis, and the MB, with many miles on each.