What: 2014 Audi A4 quattro Color: Audi exclusive Imola Yellow(imolagelb; non-metallic Uni; Y1C; Audi) VIN: WAUDFAFL6DA156015 Mileage: 81,795 miles Price: $14,995 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Addison, TX Link: Apex Autosports
A part of the tailored car segment we find to be most interesting are older examples, leaving us interested in how they’ve held up and how they price in against comparable cars of their age. Maybe even more interesting is the specification, because back in 2014 most car brands like Audi weren’t offering Audi exclusive tailoring quite as broadly. Colors or options chosen can be a real head scratcher at times, and we think this car qualifies.
For starters, it’s an A4 2.0T in Premium specification. On Audi’s version of the “Good, Better, Best” scale, Premium is entry-level, and you can see that here with the basic non-LED headlights or lower-grade infotainment configuration with controls up on the center console versus behind the shifter. Whomever ordered this car, ordered it about as basically as one could. That said, they did opt for quattro all-wheel drive and chose to stick with the “base” manual transmission – optimal configuration in our book.
At the same time, the original buyer chose to elevate the price by several thousand dollars by choosing Audi exclusive paint. In this case, the ad doesn’t list the color but we have confirmed it is Imola Yellow. This particular yellow was introduced as a standard offering on the B5 S4. It’s graced any number of Audi performance models, including most recently the Euro market Audi RS 4 Avant edition 25 years. It remains a well-loved Audi color as a result.
This particular A4 looks well-preserved. 81,000 miles is low for a ten-plus-year old car. We do see some wear in the photos, including some possible scratching on the infotainment screen and a smudge of some sort appears on the passenger top side of the dashboard. Even still, we suspect this car would be a great get for someone seeking a unique yet affordable car.
What: 2016 Audi S6 sedan Color: Audi exclusive Imola Yellow(imolagelb; non-metallic UNI; LY1C / 1T; Audi) VIN: Unknown Mileage: 96,758 miles Price: $29,000 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Davidson, NC Listing: Link
Imola Yellow isn’t exactly a hue for the introverted, and by choosing a big, bright, non-metallic Yellow, we are certain the original Tailor of this S6 didn’t mind standing out. The C7-generation S6 is an absolute ground pounder out of the box, and when not yellow, it blends into highway traffic quite well- so well that one was used to set a Cannonball record. It’s fitting then, that this Tailored S6 has been modified ever so slightly with APR’s stage 1 software and CTS’s turbo inlets to help it’s performance match its flash.
Near as we can tell, Imola Yellow first hit the market on the B5 S4, continuing as a regular standard color on S4 and RS 4 variants into the early B8 era of that Audi platform. Audi’s Vegas Yellow has taken the position as the leading standard sport color palette yellow and even go-to Audi exclusive yellow since then, leaving the once popular Imola a seldom seen hue in the modern era. Then Audi dropped its throwback tribute RS 4 Avant edition 25 years and Imola Yellow was back… at least on a very few RS 4 Avants.
If you’re one of our North American readers, you can chalk this one up to “forbidden fruit” status. The RS 4 Avant isn’t sold in the U.S. or Canada, and Audi’s North American importers didn’t do an in-kind RS 5 Sportback before either recently ceased production as the factory shifts to B10 production. Even still, it’s great to see Imola on a modern car.
Another thing we like about these sorts of shoots is that the subsequent detailed photography we see here from Audi UK is also great for those keeping close track of partsbin components. Yes, the bulk of our focus are the factory tailors, however drilling down on those who love to comb through other market offerings for key component upgrades in the OEM+ genre of car modification are also close to our hearts. We’ve been known to partake in this practice when car companies don’t make such components available in their own right.
We’ve covered the RS 4 Avant edition 25 years before (check the tag cloud below this story), but we’re still running these. Besides the aforementioned OEM+ part considerations, real world photos are always a great way to gauge a color, and detailed shoots like this are also inspirational when you consider more open book tailored orders.
A tribute to the RS4* Sport: Anniversary edition with exclusive design
Greater power output: V6 biturbo with 346 kW (470 PS) for the Audi RS 4 Avant edition 25 years1 and the Audi RS 5Sportback performance edition2
Limited edition: Only 250 units per model available in Europe
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the RS 4, Audi is launching a special model, the Audi RS 4 Avant edition 25 years1. As the performance flagship of the A4 series, the model boasts impressive driving dynamics. With exclusive interior and exterior details and the iconic Imola Yellow color, it is reminiscent of the Audi RS4* Sport. The Audi RS 5 Sportback performance edition2 is also receiving a 15 kW (20 PS) power upgrade. Both models are limited to 250 units each.
In the 1990s, Audi established the idea of the sporty wagon with the Audi Avant RS2 and Audi S6 plus. However, the first RS model from quattro GmbH (now Audi Sport GmbH) was the 1999 B5-generation RS4* Avant. Compared to the Audi S4, it broke onto the scene with a widened body and a 2.7-liter biturbo six-cylinder engine developed in collaboration with Cosworth, which at the time had an impressive output of 280 kW (380 PS). The sportiest version of the first RS 4‑generation hit the market in 2001 with the RS4* Sport. Its features included an even lower suspension, bucket seats, sport exhaust, and a suede steering wheel. The RS 4 Avant edition 25 years1 echoes the memorable design of this vehicle and is itself the sportiest version of the current B9 series.
Engine: 15 kW (20 PS) output increase
Advances in the engine, suspension, and wheels deliver impressive performance. The V6 biturbo in the new RS 4 Avant edition 25 years1 has an output of 346 kW (470 PS) and a maximum torque of 600 Nm. That is an increase of 15 kW (20 PS) compared to the RS 4 Avant3.
The pinnacle of the series accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds, 0.4 seconds faster than the Audi RS 4 Avant3. The vehicle has a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph) and the standard RS ceramic brake system handles negative acceleration. The RS sport exhaust system plus with tailpipes in matte black generates an intense sound pattern.
Suspension: Sharpened for optimal dynamics
The Audi RS 4 Avant edition 25 years1 comes standard with the RS sport suspension pro, a manually adjustable coilover suspension that ensures a perfect combination of dynamics and comfort. This gives the anniversary model a 10-millimeter lower ride height than the RS 4 Avant3. Furthermore, customers can manually lower the ride height by an additional 10 millimeters for an overall ride height that is 20 millimeters lower than the series model. The vehicle also comes with the quattro sport differential, which ensures greater agility and more rearward bias for increased driving fun, especially in “dynamic” driving mode. The updated software in the transmission control unit makes for faster shifting times and a noticeably increased spread between the various driving modes.
Exclusively for the Audi RS 4 Avant edition 25 years1, the negative camber on the front axle was increased to two degrees and stiffer control arms were installed. This results in improved grip and better handling for faster cornering speeds. A firmly fixed subframe on the rear axle provides more precise suspension feedback and better overall performance. This is further enhanced by the improved Torsen differential.
Rims and tires: Top performance for all kinds of use
To put all that power on the road, the RS 4 Avant edition 25 years1 comes standard with the Pirelli P Zero Corsa high-performance tires designed for the road and the racetrack. The tires are mounted on machined 20” alloy wheels in Palladium matte. The forged wheels known from the RS 4 Avant3 outfitted with the competition package, are weight-optimized and have been visually enhanced by intensive milling. In addition, they have a modified offset from ET 22 to ET 18 to underline the sportiness.
Customers also receive a kit composed of a second set of wheels, the Pirelli sensorized P Zero Trofeo RS semi-slick tires and Pirelli Track Adrenaline system from their Audi partner. The tires are specifically designed for the racetrack and come on exclusive 20” alloy wheels in black matt.
Due to their specific rubber compound and asymmetrical tread, the Pirelli sensorized P Zero Trofeo RS performance tires offer exceptional grip in dry conditions, thus increasing stability and lateral grip. The exclusive Track Adrenaline system features sophisticated sensors in the tires providing the driver with real-time information about tire pressure and temperature, a high-performance control unit and a dedicated phone app, supporting Apple Car Play and Android Auto. Through Pirelli Track Adrenaline, the customer will experience real-time information and recommended actions for optimal tire management on the racetrack.
One more highlight: In addition to the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS semi-slick tires and the Pirelli Track Adrenaline System, customers also receive a pair of gloves for use on the racetrack. Made by Alpinestars, they were specially designed for the special edition and, like it, feature yellow accents.
Design: A tribute to the RS 4* Sport (B5)
To commemorate the color of the RS4* Sport, today’s edition model also comes in Imola Yellow. Nardo Grey and Mythos Black are also available as exterior colors.
A wide range of exclusive design features make the edition model truly special. For example, the trims on the side windows come in glossy black. For the first time, the edition features a black inlay in the rear lights. The Audi rings and lettering also come in gloss black, and the Matrix LED headlights feature darkened bezels specific to the RS family. The roof rails have been removed to give the vehicle a flatter, sportier silhouette.
Standard equipment includes tinted sun protection glazing for the rear door and side windows. A unique highlight: “RS 4 edition 25 years” lettering is engraved in the windows between the C- and D-pillars. The appearance package Carbon matte was designed exclusively for this edition. It features front blades, side flaps, and sill extensions, as well as the diffuser clip and the wing mirror housings in Carbon matte.
The interior, with its yellow decorative stitching, is reminiscent of the black/yellow leather Alcantara combination from the 2001 RS4* Sport. For the first time, the floor mats have an RS 4 logo, and the traditionally red Audi Sport rhombus and black RS lettering are now also yellow in the edition model. The steering wheel rim, the leather armrests on the doors, the center console in dark black Alcantara, and the gear gaiter all feature stitching in the same color. The RS bucket seats with honeycomb stitching and the carbon backrest come with an impressive deep black leather/Dinamica combination with contrasting yellow stitching. Directly below the headrest is RS 4 lettering in the same color. The logos on the entry sills and the RS projection from the entrance LEDs are white.
Matte lettering on the center console indicates each individual car’s sequential number, from 1 to 250. Customers who purchase an RS 4 Avant edition 25 years1 can select a white background for the tachometer and speedometer via the MMI – a tribute to the 1994 Audi Avant RS2, where the analog dials initially came in white. Launch Control, which fully exploits the acceleration potential of the RS 4 Avant edition 25 years1, signals the ideal moment to accelerate off the line with its traffic light icons.
Exclusive chronograph: Edition to edition
Concurrently with the launch of the Audi RS 4 Avant edition 25 years1, Audi collection is introducing the Chronograph RS 4 Avant edition 25 years. The watch mirrors numerous details from the vehicle. For example, it has a carbon dial and yellow details, such as the RS 4 logo, the central stopwatch second hand, and the contrast stitching in the leather strap. Like the special model, the chronograph is also limited to 250 units.
Most powerful Audi RS 5: performance edition2 with 346 kW (470 PS)
The RS 5 is also receiving a power upgrade: The V6 biturbo in the new Audi RS 5 Sportback performance edition2 has an output of 346 kW (470 PS) and a maximum torque of 600 Nm. That is an increase of 15 kW (20 PS) compared with the RS 5Sportback4. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds, which is an improvement of 0.2 seconds compared to the RS 5 Sportback4. Its top speed is 300 km/h (186 mph). The Audi RS 5 Sportback performance edition2 also comes standard with the RS sport suspension pro with dynamic steering and an improved Torsen differential.
Production, market launch, and pricing
Produced in cooperation with Audi exclusive, the RS 4 Avant edition 25 years1 rolls off the line in Ingolstadt alongside the A4, S4, and RS 4. This integration of the limited special edition into regular production emphasizes the flexibility of the production site.
The Audi RS 4 Avant edition 25 years1 and the Audi RS 5 Sportback performance edition2 are available to order starting June 2024. The Audi RS 4 Avant edition 25 years1 starts at 142,905 euros; the Audi RS 5 Sportback performance edition2 starts at 128,420 euros.
* For the first RS 4 model in the B5 series (1999 to 2001), “RS4” was written without a space. This changed with the RS 6 in the C5 series in 2002.
