Thanks to its Group B rally racing pedigree and revolutionary all-wheel drive, the Audi Quattro became one of the most important models in the brand’s history. And with founder Mac Zaglewski leading the way, the folks at Audacious Automotive are looking to channel the old Quattro’s essence into their mind-blowing custom tribute, called the Audacious IV.
But instead of simply building a replica, the British firm created a modern reinterpretation with an authentic twist. The result is utterly spectacular from both a cosmetic and mechanical standpoint, and this isn’t the first time we’re covering Audacious Automotive’s masterpiece here at CarBuzz. More details have recently emerged as part of a fully-fledged reveal, though, so it’s now time for us to revisit the IV and learn more about it.
RS4 Genetics Packaged In A Very Different Way
Audacious IVAudacious Automotive
Only 50 units will be hand-built by Audacious Automotive, and each of them will offer extensive customization options for each client to choose from. Every build starts with the architecture of a B7-gen Audi RS4, while the bodywork can either be crafted using original Quattro shells or carbon fiber.
Carbon-bodied IVs will reportedly weigh in at around 1,200 kilograms (2,645 pounds), whereas their steel counterparts could tip the scales at 1,400–1,450 kg (3,086–3,197 lbs). The interior is elegantly subdued as opposed to bold and in-your-face, featuring a distinctly analog vibe and the original RS4 seats reupholstered to match the new look.
Why Is The Powertrain Still The Best Thing At Play Here?
Audacious IVAudacious Automotive
The engine bay houses the RS4’s 4.2-liter V8, offered in a variety of different flavors and coupled with a six-speed manual gearbox. Its base configuration carries a supercharger and 600 horsepower on tap, but there’s also a 750-hp version for extra thrills. Things get much crazier from there, with two more high-revving setups able to reach 10,000 rpm – one naturally aspirated and the other supercharged.
There’s sadly no word on how much power these are capable of generating, but it’s safe to assume the figures are pretty insane. Audacious Automotive says it aims for a top speed of 200 mph and a zero-to-60 time below 3.4 seconds, comfortably bringing the IV onto supercar territory. Each commission will take approximately three years from the moment the order is placed until completion, and pricing starts at £350,000 (about $470,000) without VAT or the base vehicle included.
CarBuzz Insight – Why This Matters:
Audacious Automotive’s rad Quattro tribute is nothing short of spectacular, honoring the past but filled with all the right ingredients to be an exhilarating AWD machine today. And it is honestly so much better than a mere replica, because it brings a nice modern twist to the Quattro formula as opposed to simply copying what’s been done before.
That V8 engine with its 10,000-rpm redline is yet another one of the things that make the Audacious IV so special, and we would be delighted to hear it scream at some point in the future. But with a sticker price approaching $500k before you even add VAT, anyone who wants to get behind the wheel will need some serious cash to unlock that privilege.
Source: Audacious Automotive
