The Ur-Quattro is the car that made Audi, well, Audi. It single-handedly brought all-wheel drive into the performance mainstream, terrorized Group B, and gave the world a beautiful five-cylinder soundtrack that enthusiasts literally treat as untouchable. So naturally, the latest outfit to resurrect it decided the engine had to go (a decision that’s sure to ruffle plenty of feathers). Meet the Audacious IV, a hand-built Quattro reinterpretation from Scotland with genuine V8 lunacy on the menu.
Why the Five-Cylinder Got the Boot
Now, before anyone grabs those pitchforks, it’s worth mentioning that founder Mac Zaglewski has some receipts here. Today’s five-cylinder RS3 can’t accept a manual gearbox, and its Haldex all-wheel drive shuffles power toward the front axle, which is the opposite of what a proper Quattro successor should do.
His answer was the B7 RS4, which is the 2006-2008 sedan many consider peak analog Audi. Every IV commission begins with the RS4’s complete architecture, from the floorpan and suspension geometry to the brakes, electronics, 4.2-liter V8, Torsen AWD, and 6-speed manual.
In other words, this is less of a restored classic than it is a fully engineered modern Audi. It just happens to be restyled into its boxy ancestor.
About That 10,000-RPM Redline
There are four engine configurations, and frankly, the first two are plenty. Stage One straps a supercharger to the 4.2 for 600HP, while Stage Two adds upgraded internals, cooling, and fueling for a stout 750HP.
Then things get unhinged from there. The remaining two specs raise the V8’s redline from the stock 8,250 rpm to an absurd 10,000 rpm (offered naturally aspirated or supercharged). Although outputs are still under wraps.
Whatever the configuration, Audacious claims 0-60 in under 3.4 seconds and a 200-mph top speed.
Tartan Beats Touchscreens
Buyers can pick between two different body constructions. Hand-formed steel and aluminum commissions preserve a genuine Ur-Quattro’s roof, upper structure, and glass. Meanwhile the carbon fiber route requires no donor car at all and targets a feathery 2,645 pounds (nearly 1,000 less than the stock RS4).
Inside the cabine, there isn’t a single screen in sight (and we love it). It’s just traditional dials set in a bespoke binnacle, retrimmed RS4 wingback seats, and a debut show car dressed in tan leather and tartan. It’s a cheeky nod to the company’s Edinburgh workshop.
Spec Sheet
Model: Audacious IV
Donor Architecture: Audi RS4 (B7, 2006-2008)
Engine: 4.2-Liter FSI V8 (4 Configurations)
Power: 600HP or 750HP (Supercharged); 10,000-RPM NA & Supercharged TBD
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
Drivetrain: Torsen AWD
0-60 MPH: Under 3.4 Seconds
Top Speed: 200 MPH
Weight: ~2,645LBs (Carbon Body)
Body Construction: Hand-Formed Steel/Aluminum or Carbon Fiber
Limited Edition: 50 Units (40 Carbon, 10 Metal)
Pricing & Availability
Commissioning is open now for the Audacious IV, which is capped at 50 examples worldwide and starts at £350,000 (~$470,000) before taxes, options, and the donor car. Each build takes roughly three years from commission to keys, with the first delivery slated for late 2027. Head over to Audacious Automotive’s website to stake your claim.
Recap
Audacious Automotive IV Audi Quattro Restomod
Built on complete B7 RS4 bones, the Audacious IV revives the Audi Quattro with up to 750HP and an optional 10,000-rpm V8.
