Restomod

Audacious Automotive IV: 10,000rpm V8-Powered Audi Quattro Restomod Targets 200mph

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The Audacious Automotive IV is an extraordinary modern tribute to the legendary Audi Quattro, combining classic Group B rally-inspired styling with the mechanical foundations of the B7-generation RS4. Featuring up to 750bhp, an optional naturally aspirated 10,000rpm V8 and a six-speed manual gearbox, this exclusive restomod aims to deliver a top speed of 200mph.

The legendary Audi Quattro remains one of the most recognisable performance cars ever produced, thanks largely to its dominant presence in the Group B rally era. Now, British specialist Audacious Automotive is bringing its own interpretation of the iconic machine to life with the IV, an ambitious restomod that combines the unmistakable proportions of the original short-wheelbase Quattro with modern engineering and serious performance.

Rather than simply restoring an old rally legend, Audacious has taken a more unconventional approach. The IV uses the mechanical underpinnings of the B7-generation Audi RS4, produced between 2006 and 2008, creating a combination of classic styling, analogue driving characteristics and contemporary performance.

Founded by Mac Zaglewski, Audacious intends to give older vehicles a new lease of life rather than sacrifice perfectly preserved examples. Customers can commission the IV using an original Audi Quattro body shell, although the company expects approximately 80 percent of production to feature entirely new carbon-fibre bodywork that does not require a donor vehicle.

Audi RS4 V8 Power Meets Classic Quattro Character

Perhaps the most controversial aspect of the Audacious IV is its engine. While the original Audi Quattro established its reputation with a turbocharged five-cylinder engine, the new restomod takes a different direction by adopting the naturally aspirated 4.2-litre V8 from the B7 Audi RS4.

According to Zaglewski, the decision was driven by the desire to create a car that is genuinely enjoyable to drive, combining modern refinement with an unmistakably analogue experience.

The company considered the five-cylinder engine from the contemporary Audi RS3 but ultimately rejected it. One important reason was the requirement for a manual transmission. The B7 RS4 also offers a stiffer platform and a more sophisticated suspension arrangement, making it a more suitable foundation for the project.

Its Torsen-based all-wheel-drive system was another decisive advantage. Unlike the front-biased Haldex arrangement used in the RS3, the RS4’s Torsen system delivers a rear-biased driving character, better suited to the experience Audacious wants to create.

The original RS4 six-speed manual gearbox is retained, ensuring that the IV remains focused on driver involvement rather than relying on increasingly sophisticated electronic systems.

Four V8 Engine Configurations, Up to 10,000rpm

Audacious Automotive has confirmed four engine specifications for the IV, giving customers considerable freedom when configuring their cars.

The entry-level version receives a supercharger added to the original 4.2-litre V8, increasing output to an impressive 600bhp. Buyers looking for even greater performance can choose the Stage Two package, which introduces strengthened internal engine components alongside upgraded cooling and fuel-delivery systems to produce 750bhp.

However, the most ambitious specification is arguably the most exciting. Audacious is developing a high-revving version of the V8 capable of reaching an extraordinary 10,000rpm. Customers will also have the option of removing the supercharger entirely, depending on their preferred engine configuration.

Regardless of the chosen specification, power is delivered through the RS4’s original six-speed manual transmission.

The combination of a high-revving V8, manual gearbox and rear-biased all-wheel drive promises a driving experience that is becoming increasingly rare in the modern performance-car world.

With a targeted top speed of 200mph, the IV is intended to be much more than a nostalgic styling exercise.

Group B Rally Inspiration Meets Carbon-Fibre Construction

Visually, the Audacious IV draws heavily on the short-wheelbase Audi Quattro, with its bodywork inspired by the legendary Group B rally machines.

However, the design also incorporates subtle references to the IMSA GTO racing version of the Audi 90, the competition car that followed the Quattro’s original rally success.

The result is a more aggressive interpretation of the original silhouette, blending rally heritage with motorsport-inspired details. Interestingly, the car does not carry traditional Audi badges. Instead, it features specially designed Audacious branding, establishing its identity as an independent creation rather than an official Audi product.

Weight reduction has also played an important role in the development process.

Cars built using original Quattro body shells are expected to weigh between 1,400kg and 1,450kg, while carbon-fibre versions are targeting a considerably lower figure of approximately 1,200kg.

That difference could have a significant impact on acceleration, handling and overall driving dynamics, particularly in the more powerful 750bhp configuration.

Completely Redesigned Interior With Classic Audi Influences

The interior receives an equally comprehensive transformation. Audacious has abandoned much of the B7 RS4’s original digital equipment in favour of a completely redesigned cabin that reflects the brutalist character of the original Quattro.

The dashboard, instrument cluster and switchgear are all new, creating a more purposeful environment that prioritises mechanical interaction and driving engagement.

One notable element carried over from the donor vehicle is the RS4’s distinctive wingback seats. These retain their electronic adjustment functions, providing a combination of modern convenience and classic motorsport-inspired design.

The extensive personalisation programme will allow customers to specify virtually every aspect of the cabin, including upholstery materials, colours and individual trim details.

Every Audacious IV Will Be Individually Configured

Personalisation is expected to be one of the defining characteristics of the project. Audacious intends to ensure that no two examples of the IV are identical, offering customers extensive control over both appearance and mechanical specification.

Beyond exterior paint finishes and interior materials, buyers will be able to tailor the suspension and mechanical configuration according to how they intend to use the car.

This means an owner looking for a comfortable road-focused grand tourer can specify a different setup from someone who wants a more aggressive machine for track driving.

The example presented by Audacious features the 750bhp Stage Two engine configuration and a road-focused suspension setup. Finished in Zermatt Silver, it demonstrates the company’s approach to combining understated aesthetics with extreme performance.

Only 50 Examples, With Prices Starting at £350,000

Production of the Audacious Automotive IV will be strictly limited to just 50 examples, all assembled at the company’s base in Edinburgh, Scotland.

The first customer deliveries are scheduled for late 2027, while the complete commissioning and construction process is expected to take approximately three years from the initial order to the finished vehicle reaching the road.

Prices start at £350,000, excluding VAT, donor vehicle acquisition, transportation, registration and additional specification costs. Consequently, the final price could increase considerably depending on the customer’s chosen configuration.

With its combination of classic Audi Quattro proportions, B7 RS4 mechanical foundations, up to 750bhp and a potentially 10,000rpm V8 engine, the Audacious IV represents a particularly ambitious interpretation of the restomod philosophy.

It may not follow the traditional recipe for recreating the original five-cylinder Quattro, but that is precisely what makes it interesting. Rather than attempting to reproduce the past, Audacious is creating a modern performance machine that celebrates one of rallying’s greatest icons while embracing a very different engineering philosophy.

If the company delivers on its ambitious performance targets, the IV could become one of the most distinctive and desirable Audi Quattro-inspired restomods on the market.

Source: Audacious Automotive

News

Bugatti Could Build a Lightweight Manual Supercar, Mate Rimac Hints

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Bugatti could be preparing a radical new chapter in its history, with company president Mate Rimac suggesting that a future supercar could combine a lighter construction with a traditional manual transmission. While the upcoming Bugatti Tourbillon is set to redefine the brand’s performance credentials with a naturally aspirated V16 engine and hybrid technology, Rimac appears keen to explore a different direction for future models.

In an interview with TopGear, Rimac revealed that Bugatti is considering possibilities that extend well beyond the Tourbillon, including the prospect of a genuine manual gearbox in a future high-performance model. For a brand synonymous with extreme power, cutting-edge engineering, and record-breaking speed, the idea of a manual Bugatti would represent a significant departure from its modern approach.

Mate Rimac Wants to Explore New Possibilities for Bugatti

Rimac believes Bugatti’s evolving corporate structure gives the brand greater freedom to pursue ambitious projects. With Volkswagen and Porsche no longer involved in the company’s ownership, Bugatti has an opportunity to develop its own long-term strategy without being constrained by the priorities of larger automotive groups.

That independence could allow the French marque to explore niche supercars designed specifically for driving enthusiasts rather than focusing exclusively on maximum performance figures.

“We are going to do a lot of great things,” Rimac told TopGear, highlighting the opportunities created by the company’s new position.

For Rimac, who has built his reputation around electric performance and advanced automotive engineering, the appeal of a manual Bugatti is particularly intriguing. It suggests that future models could place greater emphasis on driver engagement, offering a more direct connection between the driver and the engine.

Bugatti Tourbillon Could Provide the Foundation

The starting point for these possibilities is the Bugatti Tourbillon, the brand’s next-generation hybrid hypercar. Rather than treating the Tourbillon as an isolated product, Rimac described its underlying engineering as a platform that could potentially support different types of vehicles.

That distinction is important. If the platform can accommodate alternative powertrains, drivetrains, and vehicle configurations, Bugatti could potentially develop a smaller, lighter, and more agile model without starting the engineering process entirely from scratch.

The Tourbillon itself combines an 8.3-liter naturally aspirated V16 engine with electric motors to produce a combined output of 1,800 horsepower. Its sophisticated hybrid powertrain and dual-clutch transmission are designed to deliver extraordinary performance, but they also add complexity and weight.

A future manual Bugatti would likely require a substantially different approach.

When asked whether a manual transmission could feature in a future Bugatti, Rimac gave an emphatic answer: “Absolutely. You can count on it.”

Although that statement does not confirm a production model or a launch date, it makes the possibility considerably more interesting.

A Lighter Bugatti With a Manual Gearbox?

One potential direction would be to create a more focused Bugatti that prioritizes driving involvement over outright technological complexity.

Such a car could retain the Tourbillon’s V16 engine while abandoning some of its hybrid components and replacing the dual-clutch transmission with a conventional manual gearbox. Removing the electric assistance system and simplifying the drivetrain could significantly reduce weight.

The result could be a supercar with an output approaching 1,000 horsepower, depending on the final engine configuration and tuning.

That would still place the hypothetical model among the most powerful road cars ever equipped with a manual transmission. More importantly, a lighter chassis and a traditional gear lever could give it a distinct character compared with the Tourbillon.

Instead of concentrating solely on acceleration figures and top speed, Bugatti could create a car that rewards driver skill and offers a more involving experience on challenging roads or race circuits.

However, there are considerable engineering challenges. A manual gearbox would need to handle the V16 engine’s substantial torque, while the clutch, cooling system, and drivetrain would have to meet Bugatti’s demanding durability and performance standards.

The exact extent to which the Tourbillon’s existing platform could accommodate such changes remains unknown.

Could Bugatti Build a 1,800-HP Manual Supercar?

Reducing power would not necessarily be the only option. Bugatti could instead explore forced induction or a simplified hybrid configuration to retain a much higher output while developing a manual transmission capable of handling the additional stress.

There is already a notable example of how far this concept can be taken. The Hennessey Venom F5-M pairs a twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 1,842 horsepower with a manual transmission, demonstrating that an exceptionally powerful hypercar does not have to rely on an automatic or dual-clutch gearbox.

A comparable approach at Bugatti would be an extraordinary engineering undertaking, particularly if the company wanted to retain the Tourbillon’s naturally aspirated V16 character.

Turbocharging could increase power substantially, but it would also change the engine’s response and personality. A simplified hybrid system might preserve some electrification benefits, although integrating it with a conventional manual transmission would introduce additional complications.

For now, these remain possibilities rather than confirmed engineering plans. Rimac has expressed interest in the concept, but Bugatti has not announced a specific manual-powered model.

A Different Future for Bugatti

The prospect of a manual Bugatti reflects a broader question about the future of high-performance cars: does every new model need to be faster and more technologically sophisticated than the one before it?

The Tourbillon represents one answer, combining a V16 engine, electric motors, and advanced engineering to deliver 1,800 horsepower. A lighter manual model could represent the opposite philosophy, emphasizing mechanical interaction and a more intimate driving experience.

Such a car would also give Bugatti an opportunity to appeal to collectors seeking something fundamentally different from today’s increasingly automated hypercars.

Whether the company ultimately chooses a naturally aspirated V16, a turbocharged configuration, or a more limited hybrid system, the central idea is compelling. A manual Bugatti would not need to outperform the Tourbillon to justify its existence. It would need to offer a different kind of experience.

For now, the next-generation Tourbillon remains the immediate focus, but Rimac’s comments suggest that Bugatti’s future could be more diverse than its flagship hypercar alone would indicate. If the company follows through on his promise, enthusiasts may eventually have an opportunity to experience one of the world’s most exclusive automotive brands in a refreshingly old-school way.

Source: Bugatti

Auctions

Acura NSX Roadster From The Avengers Heads to Auction

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The one-of-a-kind Acura NSX Roadster built for Marvel’s The Avengers is heading to auction, giving collectors a rare opportunity to own a piece of automotive and cinematic history. The spectacular red supercar, created specifically for the 2012 blockbuster, is being offered through Cars & Bids, with the auction scheduled to conclude on October 31 at the Las Vegas Concours.

Unlike an ordinary modified NSX, this open-top machine was developed as a bespoke movie prop by Acura’s Advanced Design Studio in Los Angeles. Inspired by the second-generation Acura NSX Concept, the roadster combines the proportions of a futuristic concept car with the mechanical foundations of a first-generation 1991 Acura NSX.

Its most recognizable detail remains intact: the screen-used “STARK 33” license plate, a direct reference to Tony Stark, the billionaire inventor and superhero better known as Iron Man.

A One-Off Acura NSX Created for Hollywood

The custom Acura NSX Roadster was commissioned for The Avengers, the Marvel film that brought together Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, and other iconic superheroes. The car was designed to reflect Tony Stark’s extravagant lifestyle and his fascination with cutting-edge technology.

Acura’s Advanced Design Studio handled the vehicle’s transformation, while specialist builder Trans FX constructed the distinctive bodywork. The result was a radically restyled roadster that looked more like a futuristic concept car than the original Japanese sports car beneath it.

Finished in Hot Rod Red with a black interior, the NSX features custom resin and fiberglass body panels and a paint finish inspired by Iron Man’s armor. Its dramatic appearance makes it one of the more unusual automotive creations associated with the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The underlying donor vehicle, however, is a 1991 Acura NSX. That detail connects the Hollywood showpiece to the first-generation NSX, the groundbreaking mid-engined sports car that helped establish Acura as a serious competitor in the high-performance segment during the 1990s.

Custom Bodywork and Distinctive Wheels

The exterior redesign is the defining feature of this movie car. Rather than simply removing the original roof, the builders created an entirely different roadster body, giving the NSX a unique silhouette and a more theatrical presence.

The car rides on 18-inch front wheels and larger 20-inch rear wheels, while aftermarket sport seats distinguish the interior from a standard first-generation NSX cabin.

Importantly, the vehicle is being offered in its movie-prop configuration rather than as a conventional road-going restoration. Its original appearance, including the “STARK 33” plate, has been preserved, making it particularly appealing to Marvel fans and collectors of screen-used vehicles.

The seller also lists a number of cosmetic imperfections. These include minor scratches on the bumpers, A-pillars, and doors, cracks in the paint on the C-pillars, scuffs on several interior trim pieces, and a warped driver-side door armrest. The custom bodywork is described as fragile, an important consideration for anyone planning to display the vehicle.

An Acura NSX With a Unique Ownership History

Following its appearance in The Avengers, the one-off roadster was preserved by Acura. The company later brought the vehicle back into the public eye as part of the first-generation NSX’s 35th-anniversary celebrations.

That history adds another layer of significance to the car. It is not simply a replica inspired by a Hollywood film, but a manufacturer-created concept vehicle with a direct connection to a major Marvel production.

The auction package includes one key, two key fobs, a Certificate of Authenticity, and a signed photograph of Acura’s creative director with the NSX.

For a serious collector, these items help document the car’s provenance and reinforce its status as an original movie prop rather than an aftermarket recreation.

The Acura NSX Roadster Cannot Be Driven on Public Roads

There is one major caveat for prospective bidders: this Acura NSX Roadster is not eligible for conventional road registration.

Because it is an original movie prop and manufacturer concept prototype, the vehicle is being sold strictly on a bill of sale and cannot be titled, registered, or operated on public roads. The final transaction is also subject to a usage agreement.

The car is being sold on an “as is” basis, without warranties of any kind. Potential buyers must therefore carry out their own due diligence before placing a bid, particularly given the delicate custom bodywork and the vehicle’s unusual legal status.

In practical terms, this is a car intended for private collections, exhibitions, and display rather than regular driving. Its value lies in its rarity, provenance, and cultural significance, not in its suitability as a conventional sports car.

Auction Proceeds to Benefit Charity

The Cars & Bids auction also comes with an unusual charitable component. According to the seller, 100 percent of the winning bid proceeds will be donated to a charity mutually agreed upon by the buyer and seller.

The winning bidder will initially be responsible for the standard Cars & Bids buyer’s fee, but American Honda will reimburse that fee directly after the sale.

The auction is scheduled to conclude on October 31, when the NSX Roadster will make its next public appearance at the Las Vegas Concours. The event will provide an opportunity for enthusiasts to see the distinctive red roadster in person as the online auction reaches its conclusion.

A Rare Piece of Acura and Marvel History

The Acura NSX Roadster from The Avengers occupies an unusual place at the intersection of automotive design, Hollywood filmmaking, and superhero culture. Built around a 1991 NSX but transformed into a bespoke concept vehicle, it represents a creative interpretation of what a Tony Stark sports car might look like.

Its lack of road-registration eligibility will limit the pool of potential buyers, but that restriction is unlikely to diminish its appeal to collectors who value originality and movie provenance.

With its Iron Man-inspired paintwork, dramatic open-top design, and unmistakable “STARK 33” license plate, this one-off Acura is far more than an ordinary NSX. It is a surviving piece of The Avengers production history—and an opportunity to own one of the more distinctive automotive creations to emerge from the Marvel universe.

Source: Cars & Bids

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