Okay, so you can’t get the Euro-spec C4 Audi S6 here in the U.S. yet. That means the awesome 6-speed, interiors, V8 engine options, better bumpers and wheel packages remain across the pond, just out of reach of enthusiasts. Bummer, right? Well, don’t forget that nearly the same version of the Euro-spec car came here for 3 short years in the form of the S4/S6, long a popular favorite in the Audi tuning crowd. Capable of monstrous levels of power, the snap of torque in chipped versions of the 3B/AAN motor is downright addictive. You’ll quickly find your self repeatedly slowing down, a gear up from where high-revving BMWs would be calling, and planting your foot deep into the carpet to ride a giant wave of torque to illegal speeds. But the C4 is also a comfortable cruiser capable of tackling long trips with luggage for the family in any weather. It is, simply put, one of the best packages Audi has ever produced – and they don’t get much better than this one:
Category: Tuner Tuesday
If you missed Paul’s MerCamino earlier today, I’ve got another strange conversion for you. The 1980s were a heady time for “tuners”, some of which made some downright odd creations and others of which took existing really good cars and just…well, made them worse. One of the best ways to wreck a good car is to chop the roof off, and making cabriolet or roadster versions of coupes seemed to be a sure tuning bet in the 1980s. We got convertible versions of the Quattro, Porsche 928, BMW 6 series – heck, even the Ferrari Testarossa wasn’t immune. But if you wanted luxury and sun for 4, of course you needed a Mercedes-Benz 500SEC convertible. And while you’re there, why not throw in some AMG bits. “What?”, you say, “But I’ve never seen one!” Search no more:
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500SEC Convertible on eBay
2 CommentsAbout a month ago, I wrote up a 2002 M20 Turbo built by a company called Manofied. Well, the Manofied folks have been at it again, this time with a 535i. They’ve fully built the car in the style of the Alpina B9, replete with plenty of Alpina parts, some Euro bits, and what appears to be a fantastic individual throttle body engine. The downside? As with the 2002, the price for this build is quite high for a non-original car. But before you jump to conclusions, take a look:
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1988 BMW 535i Alpina Tribute on eBay
Comments closedThe Audi B5 was really the first Audi chassis that gained mass appeal for modifications. Sure, the Quattro, 5000, 200, S4 and S6 all had crowds that followed them and modified them, but it was really the B5 that took the Audi tuning theme to the masses. Most of those masses focused on two models; if you were new to the brand you bought and modified the plentiful and relatively cheap 1.8T, and if you could swing the hefty payments you bought the twin-turbocharged S4. Both accepted increased levels of boost easily, making them a no brainer for the tuning crowd. But quickly forgotten in the mix was the silky-smooth 2.8 V6. Initially available in 12 valve form, in 1998 Audi upgraded to the 30V heads. For the first time, the Audi V6 produced power levels near its competition, and the smooth and responsive V6 was a nice match for the slick look of the A4. But easy to tune it wasn’t; you weren’t left with many options outside of exhaust and intake if you wanted to turn the wick up on your 2.8. Unless, of course, you turned to unnatural forms of aspiration – happily supplied by PES in the form of a supercharger:
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2001 Audi A4 quattro on eBay
1 CommentEarlier this year, I struck a few chords with my AMG 500SEC post. The questions of AMG authenticity were once again brought up, reminding us that pre-merger there is still some fuzzy areas regarding these AMGS. As with that SEC, the full documentation of production and maintenance records were key to the value of these boutique cars, and enthusiasts are willing to pay for the right one. Also like that SEC, this later run 1990 560 SEL is fully documented from Japan – but unlike that earlier car, this SEL has the full-fat 6.0 V8 fitted: