Every German car enthusiast has spent at least one afternoon dreaming about what it would be like to cruise the countryside in a 380hp RS4. But, as any German car enthusiast knows, not only is the RS4 not coming to America, it's not even for sale in Europe anymore. The news of the cars' demise hit Europe like a ton of bricks, and in the process, shattered many a fantasy of someday owning the super wagon. In America, however, most enthusiasts understood the car was never going to make the trek across the Atlantic, so they began to build their own versions of the super wagon long ago-and Mark Arcenal's A4 Avant is a prime example.
Visually, what sets the RS4 apart from the rest of the Audi family are the fender flares and the side vents on the front bumper. Unfortunately, purchasing RS4 fenders is not only massively costly, but it's also near impossible-especially now that RS4 production has ceased. As a compromise, Mark installed a Reiger RS4 front bumper and finished off the rest of the body with an Avantguarde kit. The Reiger bumper also houses a Greedspeed intercooler that is connected to the 1.8T motor.
Granted, this is not an S4 Avant, but with the engine modifications, the power output is close. Through the addition of a Supersprint down pipe, an ABT Sportline intake, a Sebring exhaust, and an ABT chip, the boost is increased raising the power to an impressive 225 hp. The car will, however, hold its own on the track against an S4 Avant, or even a genuine RS4, thanks to the combination of H&R coilovers and Leon Hard 19-inch wheels with Nitto NT555 tires. Inside the wagon, the main modifications came as audio and video upgrades. Phoenix Gold amps, woofers, and wiring were used to tie the factory head unit, the two Clarion monitors, and the PlayStation 2 together. The result is a harmonious, multimedia experience even an RS4 owner would be jealous of.
Possibly in the future, the RS4 will live again, and maybe by that time the executives at Audi will understand that if they import it, we will buy it. Then again, for the asking price of a stock RS4, Mark managed to purchase his A4 Avant, modify it, slam it well over 2.5-inches below stock, win car shows, and still have enough money to cruise the mean streets of San Francisco.
The only downside to the car, as far as Mark will admit, is that when the Avant is slammed as much as it was during our photo shoot, the ragged streets of Northern California take their toll on the wheels and body kits. In fact, this set of Leon Hard Kloster wheels are his seventeenth set to date. Then again, we couldn't decide if that was because the streets are tough on wheels or if Mark is just never satisfied with what he builds. Since we photographed the car, he has installed a carbon fiber hood, a plethora of interior appointments, added more stereo components, and purchased-yes-another set of wheels. When will Mark stop? Possibly when he can get his hands on a real RS4, but then again, we doubt it.
2000 Audi A4 Avant[Driver Specs]Mark ArcenalSan Francisco, Ca
Occupation:Creative Director/Founder, Transitlab.comSo, how many cars have you owned?Err, 12, I thinkLiterally?No wait, it's 14. I forgot about the VW Bus and the BMW 2002
[Performance Specs]HP: 225 @ 6,000 rpmTQ: 217 @ 3,500 rpm0-60: 6.35 sec11/44-MILE: 14.9 secTop Speed: 150 mph
[Tech Specs]Engine:1.8L I-4 turbo, ABT Sportline intake, Sebring after-cat exhaust, Greedspeed intercooler, ABT chip, Supersprint down pipe, forged diverter valve
Transmission:Five-speed manual transmission, UUC short shifter
Suspension:H&R adjustable coilovers front and rear
Wheels & Tires:Leon Hard Kloster 19x8 front wheels and 19x8.5 rear wheels, Nitto NT555 235/35-19 front and rear tires
Brakes:StopTech 4 piston 332mm slotted front brakes, StopTech front stainless steel braided brake lines
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