What: 2001 Audi RS 4 Avant Color: Bordeaux Violet (unknown) Chassis #: undisclosed Mileage: 42,000 km, 26,097 miles Price: €115,0000 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Garage 11, Oxie, Sweden Auction Link:Link
While we find any tailored car to be special, cars in the rarest of colors built in eras where rare specifications weren’t that prevalent grab us a little extra hard. Now, make it a car like and enthusiast legend like the B5 RS 4 with its Cosworth-tuned-from-the-factory 2.7-liter biturbo and wagon configuration and we’re even more enthused.
Specifically, this is a B5 RS 4 painted in Bordeaux Violet from the factory according to the dealership Garage 11 in Oxie, Sweden. We researched and couldn’t find any further reference of the color, so have not included a color code.
According to the listing, the car was sold new in Sweden and was held by its original owner until 2016. The listing states three owners, but also that Garage 11 has been in possession of the car since 2016 so the second owner wouldn’t have kept it long. In that time, it’s been driven just 42,000 km, which translates to about 26,097 miles.
The listing does mention a very few modifications. Namely, it’s got AP Racing brakes and a slightly lowered suspension.
Pricing is robust for a B5 RS 4, but we’d argue fair for rarity and low mileage condition. It’s doubtful you’ll find much of any direct comps for this car, but B5 RS 4s can run the sub-$100K spectrum depending on modifications and miles. As mentioned, Audi exclusive examples are more rare than you’ll find today because tailoring was a less popular business at the time.
One last thing, the car’s first registration is 06/2021 meaning you’ve got about a year until it’s importable into the U.S.A., though is eligible for Canada today. We’re guessing this car will appeal to a serious collector who probably doesn’t have a problem dealing with waiting for a year for importation, but wanted to make a note of it just the same.
Say you’re driving down the road in Audi’s hometown of Ingolstadt, Germany and you see a Nogaro Blue Audi RS 4 Avant. Do you pull a U-turn and go back, shooting plenty of photos of the car? If so, you might be a tailored car geek. We know we are.
Just a block away from the Audi Forum Ingolstadt back when this B8-era RS 4 was a new car, we ran across this particular Avant in the parking lot of a supplier. Parked just yards from a main thoroughfare, it sat rather unassumingly behind several other parked new Audi models of much less interesting specification.
Longtime Audi fans will immediately recognize the color – Nogaro Blue. The hue is a nearly primary blue with pearlescent effect introduced on the RS2 Avant in the 1990s and more widely utilized on cars like the B5 and B6 S4 sedans. It was retired at the beginning of the B7 era, then returned with the B8s.
Seeing a car like the RS 4 Avant in Nogaro Blue brings back a lot of memories. Apparently that wasn’t lost on whomever spec’ed the car as it also featured matching blue Alcantara seating segmentation and color-matched blue dash trim as well.
Unfortunately, you won’t see any shots of the interior in our photo gallery. This may well have been a privately owned car by a local Audi executive and as such I avoided going full paparazzi by taking shots of the interior. That said, I shot plenty of photos of the car’s exterior as it was parked in a public space. More images can be found in our associated photo gallery below.
German Audi dealer Scherer Sport is known for a number of things, and one of our favorites is their willingness to order factory tailored cars and then share them on their social media. In this case, they’ve got a couple of Audi RS 4 edition 25 Years examples with real world photos that reveal some of the excellent details of this limited edition specification of a Europe-only Audi.
For those who don’t know of Scherer Sport and their activities, it’s worth noting that they’re by no means lightweights. They’ve fielded DTM teams. They’re a dealer for ABT Sportsline, concocting some of their own special edition takes on ABT formulas. They were even the key partner build the maing of the ABT X-GT, a street-going equivalent of the Audi R8 GT2.
Audi themselves dropped full PR materials on the RS 4 edition 25 years when it first came out. We ran that HERE. In addition to Imola Yellow seen in the press materials, Audi also confirmed Nardo Grey and Mythos Black versions would be made available. It seems that’s what Scherer’s got here.
Of course, if you’re in Germany then it’s worth noting the cars are available. If you’re stuck stateside like us, these cars are not yet eligible for import and won’t be until they’re 25 years old. Nevertheless, they’re still fun to look at while considering the capabilities of Audi exclusive.
What: 2001 Audi RS 4 Avant Color: Audi exclusive Nogaro Blue(nogaroblau; pearl effect UNI; Z5M; Audi) VIN: Unknown Mileage: 204,500 km Price: € 45,944 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Paulmann Das Auto Zentrum, Dachwig, Germany Dealer Listing:Link
With the B5 Audi RS 4 production beginning 25 years ago, we’re just now seeing cars that are qualified as importable. And while those early cars are basic cars in basic colors, it’s only a matter of time until the options begin rolling in. Getting ahead of the game and purchasing a car before it turns 25 is a great way to nail down a good price without the inflation of American buyers.
Got a friend in Europe who can store it? You’ll likely need one.
All that said, an RS2 in similar spec and mileage would be much more expensive than this B5 RS 4. Getting in on the RS 4 action early seems like a solid move for netting a much-loved enthusiast model.
One last thing, Nogaro Blue isn’t Audi exclusive. It was added as a stock color, but it’s icon status in the Audi fold is somewhat unique, so we included it anyway.
What: 2001 Audi RS 4 Avant Color: Audi exclusive Santorin Blue Metallic(santorinblau; metallic UNI; LZ5K; Audi) VIN: N/A Mileage: 207,000km (128,623mi) Price: €39,000 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Suhl, Germany Listing:Mobile.de
It’s not hyperbole when we say the staff of Tailored Driver has been waiting 25 long years for the B5 generation RS 4 Avant to be importable, and while we’d need to hold off for another year for this MY2001 example, it just may be worth the wait. Now admittedly Santorin Blue is not at the top of our list, the simple fact that this was painted at the factory by a still incredibly under-the-radar Audi exclusive team should not go un-noticed. While we can speculate for what VIP thought Santorin usurped Nogaro, we’ll just be thankful that Audi’s Tailored division breathed on one of our all-time favorites. Expect more European-based Audi exclusive finds to grace the pages of Tailored Driver in the coming years.
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.
For fans of tailored cars, a visit to the Audi Forum Neckarsulm is well worth making your way to Audi’s Heilbronn headquarters. It’s on the second floor of that customer delivery center that Audi exclusive maintains its own showroom where cars built to show off the four rings’ in-house tailoring capabilities are displayed. One of those cars during our visit in October of 2022 was this RS 4 Avant (vin: WUAZZZF44NA901565) in Berry Pearl (beerepearleffekt; pearl effect UNI; Z4W; Audi exclusive).
The RS 4 Avant isn’t available in all markets. So, for our mainly North American audience, this car would be forbidden fruit even in its most common form. For us though, the truly noteworthy element of this car is the paint color. Berry Pearl is a striking dark pink bordering on purple. Consider it Audi’s Rubystar, though its pearlescent base gives it much more depth than that 90s era pink from the Porsche Cup of that 964 era.
We typically photograph spec sheets for cars such as this, so we’ve included that also (in German of course) in our photo gallery of the car below.
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.
Audi RS 4 Avant Nogaro selection to celebrate world premiere in Geneva
[source: Audi UK, photos by Audi UK and Audi France]
Editor’s Note: This special edition model was produced for the European market and was never sold in North America.
It is almost exactly twenty years since the once clearly defined boundary between versatile estate car and extreme sports car was blurred by the Audi Avant RS2, so the trailblazer for a high-performance breed which continues to flourish is being commemorated by the new RS 4 Avant Nogaro selection. The new special edition will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show with Nogaro blue paint finish and exclusive equipment.
The customised Nogaro blue, pearl effect paint finish is the most immediately apparent tribute to the esteemed RS2 in the anniversary model. In addition, the frame of the Singleframe grille and the window surrounds are painted high-gloss black, and the roof rails matt black. The RS sports exhaust system terminates in two oval, high-gloss black tailpipe trims.
450PS: the high-revving V8
Under the bonnet of theAudi RS 4 Avant Nogaro selection sits a high-revving V8 naturally aspirated engine with a displacement of 4,163 cc. The 4.2 FSI delivers 450PS of power at 8,250 rpm, with peak torque of 430 Nm (317.15 lb-ft) available between 4,000 and 6,000 rpm. The resonant eight-cylinder engine powers the anniversary model from 0 to 62mph in 4.7 seconds and takes it to a governed top speed of 174mph. Its combined fuel economy is 26.4mpg – for a CO2 equivalent of 249 grams per kilometre.
With its high efficiency and tall top gear, the standard seven-speed S tronic also contributes to fuel efficiency. The driver can let the lightning-fast dual-clutch transmission shift operate automatically or change gears themselves using the selector lever or the steering wheel paddles.
The core of the quattro permanent all-wheel drive is the self-locking crown gear centre differential. The compact and lightweight component distributes torque at a default ratio of 40:60 between the front and rear axles. This ratio can be broadly varied as required – with up to 70 per cent of the power going to the front and a maximum of 85 per cent to the rear. The crown gear centre differential cooperates with the wheel-selective torque control, which makes handling at cornering limits even more dynamic through selective, small brake impulses. At the rear, the standard sport differential also actively distributes the power between the rear wheels.
The Audi RS 4 Avant Nogaro selection rides on 265/30 series tyres. Behind the gloss turned finish 20-inch wheels in 5-V-spoke design gleam red-painted brake calipers bearing RS emblems. The brake discs featuring a wave design are internally ventilated, perforated and joined to the aluminium brake disc chambers by pins. Carbon-fibre-ceramic front discs are available at extra cost. The Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC) offers a sport mode and can also be entirely deactivated as required.
Black and blue: the interior
In the purposefully styled interior, Audi offers two different upholstery versions for the electrically adjustable S sport seats with their integrated head restraints. In both cases, the side sections are covered with black Valcona leather; the Alcantara trim for the centre sections and door trim inserts are coloured either black as well or Nogaro blue – in homage again to the Audi Avant RS2. The armrests are covered with black leather, with blue contrasting stitching providing accents. Black or Nogaro blue piping frames the black floor mats.
Black leather with blue stitching also refines the steering wheel rim and the selector lever boot. Blue threads run through the carbon inlays. A badge on the RS selector lever knob of the S tronic and the logos on the door sill trims refer to the special status of the anniversary model.
The Audi RS 4 Avant Nogaro selection will be available in mainland Europe later in 2014 as a limited edition. The possibility of UK specification production is still under discussion.
A modern classic: the Audi Avant RS2 from 1994
The Audi RS2 of 1994 was the first RS model from Audi and also the first high-performance model from the brand to combine full everyday suitability with a dynamic character, becoming the founder of a whole family of peformance-focused models. Audi developed the RS2 in conjunction with Porsche, with assembly taking place at Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen.
Its appearance alone was indicative of the power of the first RS model. The front bumper featured powerful air inlets, and the grille was painted black. The exterior mirrors came from Porsche, the rear was embellished by a full-width band of light, and the emblems were large-sized. The RS2 optionally left the assembly line with an exclusive Nogaro blue paint finish, recalling the two victories achieved by Frank Biela on the Nogaro circuit in the French Touring Car Championship of 1993.
The engine drew on Audi’s extensive experience in touring car racing. The 2.2-litre five-cylinder engine delivered 315PS by way of a large turbocharger, high boost pressure, expanded air ducting and adapted engine management. At 3,000 rpm 410 Nm (302.40 lb-ft) of torque was available, with the limiter only taking effect at 7,200 rpm. The RS2 accelerated from 0 to 62mphin 5.4 seconds and reached a top speed of 162mph. A six-speed manual transmission delivered the power to the quattro drivetrain, which had a manually activated locking differential at the rear axle.
The suspension with its all-round transverse links was derived from the set-up of the performance car which laid the foundations, the Audi S2. The shock absorbers were even firmer and the springs were shortened. Porsche supplied the 17-inch wheels, the large, internally ventilated brake discs and the red-painted four-piston calipers.
The interior was dominated by Silk Nappa leather and Alcantara in the colour anthracite, blue or silver grey, and the Recaro seats were electrically adjustable. The instruments bore white dials, while small indicators on the centre console kept the driver informed about the oil pressure, oil temperature and vehicle system voltage. CFRP inlays were optionally available.
Audi offered the RS2 at a base price of £39,500 in the UK. Within a construction period of barely two years 2,908 units were produced – more than the quantity originally planned.
