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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

NEW CARS

New Audi A6 allroad Arrives With Smarter quattro Ultra All-Wheel Drive and Plug-In Hybrid Power

The new Audi A6 allroad has arrived at Audi dealerships, combining the familiar strengths of the allroad formula with more sophisticated all-wheel-drive technology and an expanded electrified powertrain lineup. Prices start at €77,250 for the six-cylinder diesel, while the new plug-in hybrid version starts at €80,250.

Designed to bridge the gap between a premium estate and a more capable all-weather vehicle, the Audi A6 allroad continues to focus on long-distance comfort, confident handling and traction across changing road conditions. At the heart of the latest model is Audi’s quattro ultra all-wheel-drive system, which is designed to deliver the traction benefits of quattro while reducing drivetrain losses when four-wheel drive is not required.

Audi A6 allroad gets a new plug-in hybrid option

The latest Audi A6 allroad is available with a 3.0-liter V6 TDI featuring MHEV plus technology and an electrically powered compressor. For the first time, however, customers can also choose a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

That addition broadens the A6 allroad’s appeal by combining electrification with the model’s established focus on long-distance versatility. Both the V6 TDI and plug-in hybrid versions use quattro ultra technology, giving the A6 allroad the ability to optimize power distribution according to the conditions.

The result is a drivetrain designed to balance efficiency with the instant availability of all-wheel-drive traction.

How Audi quattro ultra works

Unlike a conventional permanent all-wheel-drive system that continuously drives both axles, quattro ultra can temporarily disconnect the rear drivetrain when additional traction is not required.

The system uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch at the transmission output together with a second decoupling clutch integrated into the rear axle differential. When the vehicle is cruising under low load and there is little risk of wheel slip, both clutches can open.

This disconnects the driveshaft and rear drivetrain components, reducing mechanical friction and helping improve efficiency.

But the important point is that the Audi A6 allroad does not simply wait for the wheels to lose traction before engaging the rear axle. quattro ultra works predictively, constantly analyzing the vehicle’s behavior and the road ahead to determine when all-wheel drive will be advantageous.

Predictive all-wheel drive can react before wheel slip occurs

Audi’s quattro ultra system continuously evaluates a wide range of parameters, including steering angle, accelerator demand, transmission setting, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, body movements and the estimated coefficient of friction between the tires and road.

It also learns from the driver’s behavior and takes the selected Audi drive select mode into account.

The system can predict approximately 0.5 seconds in advance when all-wheel drive is likely to be required. Once a decision is made to engage the rear axle, the complete process takes around 200 milliseconds.

That means quattro can be ready before the driver actually needs the additional traction.

This approach is particularly useful when pulling away, accelerating hard, entering a corner at speed or encountering a low-grip surface such as wet asphalt, snow or loose gravel.

“The transition between different operating modes of the all-wheel-drive system is imperceptible to the driver. What the driver feels in any situation is the traction and driving dynamics associated with quattro,” said Rouven Mohr, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development at AUDI AG.

Front-wheel drive when efficiency matters, quattro when traction is needed

During efficient driving conditions, the quattro ultra system can send 100 percent of available drive torque to the front axle. If conditions change, the electronically controlled multi-plate clutch progressively brings the rear axle into operation.

Torque distribution is continuously adjusted according to traction, driving dynamics and comfort.

Under heavy acceleration, Audi says more than 70 percent of available torque can be transferred to the rear wheels on dry roads. This allows the A6 allroad to retain the characteristic traction and dynamic behavior associated with quattro while still benefiting from reduced mechanical losses during less demanding driving.

The result is a system that attempts to provide the best of both worlds: front-wheel-drive efficiency when additional traction is unnecessary and all-wheel-drive capability when it matters.

Four decades of Audi quattro technology

The latest A6 allroad is also the newest chapter in a technology story that began with the original Audi quattro in 1980.

Over more than four decades, Audi has progressively developed its all-wheel-drive systems. The technology has evolved from the manually locking center differential of the original Ur-quattro to various generations of Torsen differentials and, ultimately, today’s electronically controlled systems.

Audi has now produced more than 15.6 million vehicles equipped with quattro. According to the company, that represents approximately one-third of all Audi vehicles produced since the introduction of the technology.

Few technologies are as closely associated with a premium automotive brand as quattro is with Audi, and the A6 allroad remains one of the clearest expressions of that philosophy.

A6 allroad combines comfort with all-weather capability

The Audi A6 allroad has traditionally occupied a distinctive position in the market. Rather than being a conventional luxury estate or a full-size SUV, it combines estate-car driving characteristics with increased versatility and all-weather capability.

The latest version continues that formula while adding a more sophisticated approach to all-wheel-drive efficiency.

The ability to disconnect the rear drivetrain during low-load driving can help reduce friction and consumption, while predictive engagement ensures that the driver does not have to manually select four-wheel drive when conditions deteriorate.

That makes quattro ultra particularly well suited to a vehicle intended for long-distance travel, where highway efficiency and predictable traction can be equally important.

Source: Audi

News

Audi A2 e-tron Production Begins in Ingolstadt as Audi Targets a More Efficient Electric Future

Audi has started production of the new A2 e-tron at its Ingolstadt headquarters, introducing a new electric model while transforming the way its vehicles are developed and manufactured. The compact EV is being built alongside the Audi A3, using existing facilities and a production strategy designed to reduce complexity, increase automation and improve efficiency.

Audi has officially begun production of the A2 e-tron in Ingolstadt, marking an important milestone for the German automaker’s electric-vehicle strategy. The first examples of the new model rolled off the assembly line in the presence of Markus Söder, Minister-President of Bavaria, as Audi highlighted not only the vehicle itself but also the industrial transformation behind it.

According to Audi, the A2 e-tron is the company’s most efficient vehicle to date, reflecting a broader effort to develop cars faster, simplify production and strengthen the competitiveness of its German manufacturing operations.

Audi A2 e-tron development shortened by 21 months

One of the most significant changes behind the new electric model is the reduction in development time. Audi says the period from the beginning of development to production readiness was 21 months shorter than in previous vehicle projects.

The company attributes this improvement to experience gained from earlier launches, streamlined processes and more efficient coordination between development and manufacturing teams. These changes allow the vehicle to reach a higher level of maturity earlier in the pre-series production phase.

For Audi, the significance extends beyond a single model. Shorter development cycles could help the company respond more quickly to changing customer preferences and market conditions while reducing the time and resources required to bring new vehicles to market.

A2 e-tron production focuses on reducing complexity

Audi has also taken a different approach to production complexity. The A2 e-tron combines what the company describes as a high level of customer benefit with significantly fewer production-relevant part numbers.

That reduction has a direct effect on the factory floor. Fewer parts mean fewer logistics supermarkets, less space required for material storage and simpler supply processes within the plant. In theory, the result is a production system that is easier to manage and less expensive to operate.

The strategy is particularly relevant as automakers attempt to make electric vehicles more profitable. While EV technology continues to evolve rapidly, manufacturing efficiency remains a critical factor in determining whether a model can compete successfully in a global market.

Audi introduces “string-of-pearls” production in Ingolstadt

For the first time at the Ingolstadt plant, Audi is applying its “string-of-pearls” production principle, a system already used successfully at the company’s Neckarsulm facility.

Under this approach, the sequence of customer orders is determined six days before assembly begins and then maintained across the various production areas. This allows suppliers to produce and package components in the correct order, reducing the need for additional sequencing work inside the factory.

Audi says the system also eliminates certain storage and sequencing areas, improving the cost-effectiveness of production. The fixed sequence is intended to reduce process complexity while ensuring that the right parts arrive at the right station at the right time.

It is a relatively simple concept, but one with potentially significant consequences for a modern vehicle factory, where thousands of components must move through multiple stages without disrupting the assembly process.

A2 e-tron and Audi A3 share body production facilities

The new electric model is being manufactured using Ingolstadt’s flexible production infrastructure. Audi says the A2 e-tron body is produced together with the bodies of the Audi A3, demonstrating how existing facilities can be adapted to support different vehicle types.

This approach allows Audi to introduce the new EV without building an entirely separate production system. More than 1,200 production components, including robot welding guns, are being reused or put to further use. Around 250 robots that have already been used to manufacture other Audi models are also being redeployed.

The strategy reflects a broader industry trend: rather than relying exclusively on new factories and dedicated equipment, automakers are increasingly looking for ways to extract more value from existing production assets.

Fully automated wheel installation arrives at Ingolstadt

Audi is also introducing new automation technology to the A2 e-tron production process. In the chassis preassembly area, fully automated robot stations are replacing the previous semi-automated bolting stations used for front and rear axle wheel installation.

The move is intended to improve consistency and reduce the physical demands of repetitive assembly work. It also demonstrates how Audi is gradually increasing automation in areas that were previously dependent on a combination of machinery and manual intervention.

However, the company’s production strategy is not based on automation alone. Audi emphasizes that technology is being introduced to support employees, rather than eliminate the importance of their expertise.

AI-powered “bin picking” improves body shop efficiency

In the A2 e-tron body shop, Audi is introducing “bin picking”, a system that uses image processing and camera-guided robot control to identify and pick up components.

The technology allows robots to recognize parts in disordered containers and select the correct component for the next stage of production. For the first time at the Ingolstadt site, robots can also remove small sheet-metal components directly from mixed containers and feed them into the production process.

This could reduce the need for employees to perform ergonomically demanding tasks while improving the flexibility of automated production. It is another example of how Audi is combining robotics with intelligent software to make manufacturing more efficient.

Industrial cloud eliminates more than 450 PCs

Digital networking is another central element of the A2 e-tron production launch. Audi is using its Edge Cloud 4 Production industrial cloud to support assembly operations at the Ingolstadt plant.

The system centrally controls the Universal Test System, which is used to commission the A2 e-tron’s control units, as well as “operator guidance,” which provides employees with information about vehicle customizations.

Audi says this approach eliminates the need for more than 450 industrial PCs in assembly. Instead of relying on separate computing systems at individual workstations, the factory can use a centrally managed digital infrastructure.

The result is a more connected production environment, with information and processes managed through a common platform.

Audi expands AI assistants across its factories

The company is also introducing AI-supported knowledge assistants across its production sites. One example is the Supply Chain Chatbot, which helps employees search for expert knowledge, processes and documentation.

A separate Maintenance Chat assists maintenance teams with fault analysis and finding solutions to technical problems. These tools are designed to make information easier to access, potentially reducing the time required to diagnose issues and resolve production-related challenges.

Audi’s approach illustrates how artificial intelligence is beginning to move beyond vehicle features and into the industrial systems that manufacture those vehicles.

Employee training remains central to the A2 e-tron launch

Despite the emphasis on automation and digitalization, Audi says the successful production launch of the A2 e-tron depends heavily on its workforce.

The company introduced a multistage qualification program combining hands-on training with virtual learning. Employees were prepared for the requirements of manufacturing the fully electric model through practical assembly-line modules and digital training, including virtual assembly exercises on a screen.

Audi says the program strengthens electromobility expertise at Ingolstadt and helps preserve knowledge that will be important for future production projects.

That focus is increasingly important as automakers transition from combustion engines to electric vehicles. New powertrains require different technical knowledge, while modern factories demand greater familiarity with software, high-voltage systems, robotics and digitally connected production processes.

A2 e-tron strengthens Audi’s Ingolstadt headquarters

The start of production is also significant for Ingolstadt as Audi’s central manufacturing location. The company says the A2 e-tron strengthens core capabilities at its headquarters and supports the long-term transformation of the plant.

Audi General Works Council Chairman Jörg Schlagbauer said the workforce had fought since 2019 for an entry-level electric model to be developed and built in Ingolstadt. He described the production launch as a result of the commitment and expertise of Audi employees.

Plant Manager Siegfried Schmidtner similarly emphasized the experience gained from previous product launches, saying the team had used that knowledge to optimize processes and prepare for a successful ramp-up.

The message from Audi is clear: the A2 e-tron is not simply another new EV. It is also a test of whether the company can make its existing industrial network more flexible, efficient and competitive.

Markus Söder: “Bavaria knows cars”

The production launch also drew strong political support from Markus Söder, who described the start of A2 e-tron production as an important signal for Ingolstadt and Bavaria’s automotive industry.

“Bavaria knows cars: Production of Audi’s new A2 e-tron has begun at Audi’s beating heart in Ingolstadt. With the most efficient Audi ever, the motto ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ rings true once again!”

Söder also stressed the importance of innovation, high technology and German engineering, arguing that the automotive industry must remain competitive globally and that market forces should play a greater role in determining automotive technology.

His comments underline the broader economic significance of the project. Audi’s Ingolstadt plant is not only a manufacturing facility but also a major center of employment, engineering and industrial expertise.

Audi A2 e-tron represents a broader production transformation

Audi CEO Gernot Döllner described the A2 e-tron as the next step in the company’s renewal, emphasizing that the model was developed for Europe and is manufactured in Ingolstadt.

“The A2 e-tron was developed for Europe and is manufactured in Ingolstadt. It is the most efficient Audi we have ever built, and it makes electric mobility suitable for everyday use.”

Döllner also highlighted the importance of thinking from the market backward, recognizing that different regions require different solutions. For Audi, the A2 e-tron is intended to demonstrate how faster development and more efficient production can strengthen industrial value creation in Germany.

Production and Logistics Board Member Gerd Walker added that the model shows how Audi is transforming its factories through reduced complexity, greater digitalization and increased automation.

What the Audi A2 e-tron production launch means

The start of production in Ingolstadt marks an important step in Audi’s electric-vehicle strategy, but its broader significance lies in the manufacturing methods behind the car.

The A2 e-tron brings together:

  • 21 months less development time compared with previous vehicle projects.
  • Reduced production complexity and fewer production-relevant part numbers.
  • String-of-pearls production sequencing for improved logistics.
  • Shared body production with the Audi A3.
  • More than 1,200 reused production components and approximately 250 redeployed robots.
  • Fully automated wheel installation in chassis preassembly.
  • AI-supported bin picking in the body shop.
  • Industrial cloud networking that eliminates more than 450 assembly PCs.
  • AI knowledge assistants for supply chain and maintenance teams.
  • Hands-on and virtual training to strengthen workforce expertise in electromobility.

Together, these changes represent Audi’s attempt to make electric-vehicle production more efficient without abandoning the capabilities of its existing plants.

Source: Audi