While we sadly are not able to verify, this Tailored Driver screams “Auto Show special.” It’s a relatively simple concept- a manufacturer needs to maximize eyeballs in a competitive environment, so they swing for the fences. This is generally even more apparent in large markets events that are manufacturer supported, with shows like Miami and LA being the best examples. If that is indeed the case with this BMW Individual Austin Yellow (austingelb; metallic; B67; BMW) 435i, we say it’s a job well done.
Painted in the aforementioned BMW Individual Austin Yellow paint, more commonly seen on the F80 generation M3, this 435i (VIN: WBA4B1C55GG241995) is a fairly divisive proposition. Apart from the color, BMW simply calling this a 4-series rather than a 3-series was something that rattled the enthusiast community. Thankfully, BMW quickly put that fire out by unveiling the new 4 series with it’s controversial grille.
Getting back on topic, we’re big fans of Austin Yellow and the similar Phoenix Yellow that precedes it, and while Ivory White leather isn’t at the top of our list, we think the build works incredibly well. This Tailored Driver has covered approximately 34,000 miles since new, and is currently on offer at Hollywood, Florida’s Godspeed Motors for an asking price of $25,995. See all the details about this BMW Individual Austin Yellow 435i, here.
When you think of Las Vegas, chances are that images of bright lights come to mind- whether those lights are on the strip, or perched atop one of the city’s many slot machines. Along with those thoughts also come strong feelings, as Vegas is a fairly divisive love-it-or-hate-it kind of town. Perhaps through that lens, Audi naming this hue “Vegas Yellow” is appropriate in more ways than one.
Currently for sale at friends of the site Audi Wilmington (Delaware), this Audi exclusive Vegas Yellow S5 Coupe (VIN: WAUP4AF54PA036139) was initially ordered by a dealer employee who is a card-carrying member of Team Fun. While most would not consider Vegas Yellow, we think this S5 pulls it off quite well, especially having been paired with the Black Optic package. On the inside things are much more tame, with black leather sport seats featuring deviated stitching and carbon fiber trim.
We were big fans of Vegas Yellow when it debuted on the Audi TT S and S3, and we’re also big fans of Audi Wilmington. So call us biased, but if you’re in the market for an S5 with Tailored Driver cred, we think it’d be pretty hard to do much better than this. See the full details of this Audi exclusive Vegas Yellow S5 on Audi Wilmington’s website, here.
Few manufacturers have grander factory showrooms than BMW Welt in Bimmer’s home town of Münich, Germany. Rolling through M Town and the BMW Museum, it’s always a pleasure to catch sight of the latest BMW Group models, not to mention special builds like this yellow M5 Touring.
Just in case you’re not passing through the space regularly, or not an M Town local, we find the BMW Welt | BMW Museum to be an excellent and constant reminder of why we need to get back to Münich as much as possible. Why? They post photos of display cars like this BMW Individual Speed Yellow M5 Touring.
Worth noting on that color, “Speed Yellow” is not an uncommon name for yellow paint codes. This one is attributed to BMW Individual, so their recipe for an eye-catching sporting yellow.
Stroll around the M Town and you’ll find display zones for BMW M, BMW i, Rolls-Royce, MINI, a huge BMW brand shop… and you’ll also find cars like this. In a post world auto show era, places like M Town are where you’ll find these special factory builds on display. Should you find yourself in Bavaria, you should make a point of stopping.
Originally available on the E46 generation M3, to say that Phoenix Yellow was somewhat divisive would be putting it lightly. This almost mustard yellow hue was certainly a product of early-2000s Europe, but has in my opinion aged incredibly well. And this 1 of a claimed 2 BMW Individual Phoenix Yellow M3 certainly has a charm to it.
Moving past the incredibly in-your-face exterior paint and Fox Red interior, this M3 sports a 6 speed manual gearbox, lowering springs from RD Sport Suspension Solutions, and the OEM+ addition of BMW Style 359 wheels in gloss black. Rod Bearings are said to have been done, which provides a good bit of peace of mind. F
This BMW Individual Phoenix Yellow M3 has covered just over 92,000 miles, and is priced at $68,000 at time of writing. Learn more about this Tailored Driver, here.
Since 1954, Speedster variants have been part of the Porsche company history. They combine open driving pleasure with particularly expressive driving dynamics. The car is characterized by a two-seat layout, a unique cowl and shortened windshield. But there is a gap in the model history of the 911. Porsche offered 911 Speedster variants of the G-Series (second generation) and Type 964 (third generation), but with the exception of two one-offs and, much later, a model rebuilt as part of a factory restoration, there was no Speedster from the fourth generation of the 911, the Type 993, in the regular model program. So, Porsche enthusiast, designer and Speedster collector Luca Trazzi realized his dream of a Type 993 911 Speedster with help from the Sonderwunsch program. The result is a one-off car based entirely on the personal vision of the designer.
[source: Porsche AG]
Monterey, California. “At the start I looked around but couldn’t find the car of my dreams. So, I decided to build it myself.” Luca Trazzi has made this legendary statement from Ferry Porsche his own. And the successful designer from Milan didn’t just dream – he, too, took action. A 993-generation 911 Speedster was missing from the Porsche enthusiast’s extensive Speedster collection.
Luca Trazzi turned to the Sonderwunsch team at Porsche to realize his project. With their help, he made his dream car a reality. It took more than three years to create his one-off car based on a 1994 911 Carrera Cabriolet (Type 993). The two-seater with the characteristic rear cowl makes its world premiere this year at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering.
The creation process: A customer and designer working together
“As a young boy, I fell head over heels in love with the puristic Porsche Speedster. I had to work very hard to be able to afford my first Porsche, a Speedster 1600 Super from 1955. Ever since, I’ve managed to live my passion, or more precisely, my Speedster-mania,” says Luca Trazzi. “My dream was to complete my collection with a 911 Speedster of Type 993. Out of passion, I designed what this model might look like. I wanted the project to unify the stylistic elements of all previous Speedster models. Because although this body version has always continued to develop throughout its history, it preserved the elegance of its predecessors and stayed true to its beginnings.”
“In this form, and with this vast range of modifications, the 911 Speedster is our first Factory One-Off for a customer,” says Alexander Fabig, Vice President Individualization & Classic at Porsche. “This one-off car shows what’s possible with our Sonderwunsch program – based on a classic Porsche 911 (Type 993) from 1994.” The project team even built a true to scale design model of the Speedster.
“Having a designer as a customer was an exciting experience for me. Because Luca and I speak the same language, our collaboration was creative and focused,” says Grant Larson, Director of Special Projects Design. “He was also intensively involved in the project with very specific suggestions.”
The project began with a visit to the company archive to take a deep dive into the history of the Speedster and generate additional ideas. Luca Trazzi arrived at this first meeting with his own project book full of drafts and sketches and with a very clear and defined project idea on how he wanted to create his individual Speedster. This matched the philosophy of the Factory One-Off, namely that before the one-off car is finished, the focus is on the joint, creative car development process. The customer becomes an active part of the project team, closely following the implementation of their idea from the perspective of a project manager.
During the project, Luca Trazzi visited Porsche multiple times, making good use of the company ID issued to him for the project. Among other things, he witnessed his Speedster taking a bath in the cathodic dip-painting at the factory paint shop. This procedure is otherwise reserved for new cars undergoing the regular production process. Then began the complete manual coating cycle. The luminous yellow paint was not just developed as a color specifically for the customer – its name was also very personal, coming as it did from the customer’s own dog, Otto. During a meeting, the designer spontaneously named the paint after his four-legged companion, and ‘Otto Yellow’ was born.
“The rear lid with its concave and convex forms required a lot of work in the design, conception and production phases,” recalls Philipp Setter, Manager Sonderwunsch Customer Consulting. “But even here we managed to harmonize Luca Trazzi’s design visions with the Porsche processes and quality standards. After all, our Sonderwunsch credo is ‘You dream it. We build it.’”
Exterior and interior: Stylistic Speedster elements reinterpreted
The rear cover and the windshield follow design cues from existing Porsche Speedster models. They are bordered only by a thin black frame that intensifies their effect. Further striking exterior features include the black, conical exterior mirrors in the classic design of sports cars from the 1960s and the four-point daytime running light of modern Porsche models. Trazzi redesigned the bodywork line for the rear lid.
The 18-inch light alloy wheels in Turbo design are painted black, with the pinstripe in contrasting yellow. The black stone chip protection sheets in front of the rear wheels are functional design elements and striking features from other Speedster generations. They harmonize with the black door handles and the air intakes in the front spoiler. The Factory One-Off has a sporty look, with the Sonderwunsch experts taking the front spoiler, side skirts and rear quarter panels of the 911 Turbo (Type 993) as inspiration. The design of the indicators, taillights and light strip has been reinterpreted.
The interior is dominated by black leather with decorative stitching in yellow. The headrests feature an embroidered Speedster logo. The seat centers, which bear a checkered design in yellow and black, provide a visual highlight for the interior. It is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, with every check being tailored and sewn by hand. The same pattern appears in the leather-upholstered front luggage compartment, on the car cover, and on a matching touring bag. Carbon fiber elements on the dashboard, center console, handbrake, and gear lever further individualize the interior. The seatbacks are also made of carbon fiber. For the first time in a Type 993 Porsche 911, the carbon door sill trims are illuminated – in ‘Otto Yellow’, of course – and carry an individual logo.
State-of-the-art infotainment with navigation and Apple CarPlay is on board in the form of the Porsche Classic Communication Management (PCCM). These retrofitted devices extend the digital world to vintage and contemporary cars of the brand. The start screen is also personalized.
The switches for the power windows also underline the attention to detail, with the symbols redesigned to show the typical Speedster silhouette. A gilded ‘One-off’ badge on the dashboard bears witness to the car’s uniqueness.
The drivetrain: More power
The engine, chassis, steering and brake system are from the 911 Carrera RS (Type 993). At that time, the air-cooled six-cylinder boxer was the most powerful engine from Porsche, with a displacement of 3.8 liters generating around 300 hp.
To date, there are precisely two units of the 911 Carrera Speedster based on the 993 generation. The first was developed in 1995 by the Exclusive department especially for Ferdinand Alexander Porsche. The car is green with 17-inch light alloy wheels and a Tiptronic gearbox and is based on the Carrera body. This unit found its way back to the factory museum, on loan from the family. A second 911 Speedster (Type 993) – a silver Turbo-width 4S model with 18-inch wheels – was built in 2001 for a private customer based on one of the last 993 Cabriolets from 1998.
The Speedster presented here not only has a different origin story but is also differentiated from its predecessors by its unique design and its technical components. Following its premiere during Monterey Car Week, the car will return to Europe for final customer delivery.
The Factory One-Off: The most exclusive format of the Sonderwunsch program
Porsche is reinterpreting its legendary Sonderwunsch program from the late 1970s to enable individualized, one-off cars co-designed by the customer and realized professionally by Porsche. This individualization option is possible for street legal Porsche cars from any model year. Depending on the car, the work itself is carried out by either Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur or Porsche Classic experts.
There are three decisive milestones in the process of building a Sonderwunsch Factory One-Off as the ultimate format. The process begins with the customer’s idea, which they communicate to a Sonderwunsch customer consultant via their Porsche Center. If Porsche considers the idea to be feasible after an initial assessment, the customer attends a project meeting. In the concept phase, specifications are drawn up in collaboration with designers and experts from various departments within the company. In the end, the customer decides whether they will or won’t proceed with the project.
In the third phase, the components are developed, and the car is built. The design, engineering and development departments work closely with the mechanics, body builders and paint specialists at the relevant Porsche production facilities. If required, specialists from the Development Center in Weissach or other areas of the company can also be called upon, and test facilities such as engine dynos can be used. The dream car takes shape through manual craftsmanship with the constant involvement of the customer.
About Luca Trazzi
Luca Trazzi, an architect and industrial designer, was born in Verona in 1962. Awarded the Carlo Scarpa prize at a young age, he worked for 15 years alongside Aldo Rossi, of whom he was a close collaborator and assistant. Today he works in Milan and China. He is also one of the founders of designboom.com and designs for the most prestigious international brands. Luca Trazzi loves to draw objects that do not follow fashion. “Objects that are easy to use, to understand, beautiful to look at. Objects with simple, captivating shapes, lines that never go out of fashion”, explains Luca Trazzi. “Attention to detail is the characteristic that can be seen in my work. In parallel with design, I interpret places in an artistic way, through installations that represent the ‘staging’, almost in an open-air theatre, or my visions and thoughts.”
About Porsche Cars North America, Inc. | One Porsche Drive, Atlanta, GA 30354 USA
Established in 1984, Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA) is the exclusive U.S. importer of the Porsche 911, 718 Boxster, 718 Cayman, Macan, Cayenne, Panamera and Taycan. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, since 1998, PCNA is home to the first Porsche Experience Center in North America, which features two module-based 1.6 mile driver development tracks, a business center and Restaurant 356. The campus is also home to the U.S. headquarters of Porsche Classic. The company operates a second Porsche Experience Center near Los Angeles. That complex features a driver development track with eight educational modules totaling 4.1 miles, a business center, Restaurant 917 and the headquarters of Porsche Motorsport North America. PCNA supports 201 independently owned and operated Porsche dealerships in the U.S., three Porsche studios and six satellite stores in the U.S., including supplying parts, service, marketing, and training. They, in turn, work to provide Porsche customers with a best-in-class experience that is in keeping with the Porsche brand’s 75-year history of leadership in the advancement of vehicle performance, safety, and efficiency. PCNA is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Porsche AG, which is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany.
At the core of this success is Porsche’s proud racing heritage that boasts some 30,000-plus motorsport wins to date.
Rolls-Royce Spectre Semaphore reflects new codes of luxury among marque’s bold, youthful clients
Bespoke Semaphore Yellow paint inspired by informal elegance of coastal California
Dramatic ‘Marbled Paint Spill’ bonnet took 160 hours of development
Bespoke digital instrument dials match vivid yellow colourway
High-gloss Cashmere Grey wood set incorporates a subtle metallic finish
Debut on Friday 16 August at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, at Monterey Car Week 2024
Only one Spectre Semaphore to be built globally
[source: Rolls-Royce]
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars unveils Spectre Semaphore, a Bespoke one-of-one commission that will make its global debut at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, on 16 August, during the 2024 Monterey Car Week in California. This highly Bespoke expression of Rolls-Royce Spectre captures the bold new codes of luxury being established by the marque’s confident, youthful client base.
The exterior coachwork is finished in Bespoke Semaphore Yellow – the colour from which this commission takes its name. This solid hue is further elevated with a unique artwork on the bonnet, inspired by the informal elegance of coastal California. Named ‘Marbled Paint Spill’, the graphic is an abstract tribute to the Golden State and its diverse environment. From the sunshine of Southern California to the eastern silver mountain tops, the Bespoke artisans have brought this inspiration to reality.
To create this motif, Rolls-Royce craftspeople applied silver lacquer and multiple layers of clearcoat for a seamless finish. The bonnet alone is the product of over 160 hours of design, development and production.
The bright yellow colourway extends into the motor car’s interior. A combination of Bespoke Lemon Yellow and Citrine Yellow is used across the seats, Starlight doors and above the instrument panel. It blends into the contrasting Grace White and Slate Grey hues with Lemon Yellow stitching. The marque’s designers also leveraged the digital Bespoke potential offered by the SPIRIT operating system by complementing the dials to the motor car’s yellow colourway.
Spectre Semaphore maximises the interior suite’s contemporary design with a clean, high-polish Bespoke painted wood set. Coloured to match the grey material accents, the Cashmere Grey paint is infused with silver mica flakes, which creates a vivacious sparkle under direct light.
Only one Rolls-Royce Spectre Semaphore will be built. It will be displayed on 16 August at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, as part of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ presence at Monterey Car Week 2024.
Expedition Motor Company (EMC) has established itself as a leader in restoring the vintage Geländewagen (G-Wagen), expertly transforming each vehicle to meet modern driving conditions while preserving their vintage charm. EMC consistently exceeds client expectations with their exceptional craftsmanship and intimate knowledge of the G-Wagen, continually raising the standard for what is possible from a vintage G. Their newly available 1991 Mercedes-Benz 250GD Wolf has been freshly restored and upgraded with meticulous care and remarkable attention to detail. After 4 months, and about 2,300 man-hours of dedicated restoration work, this revitalized 1991 G-Wagen is ready to impress with enhanced charm and improved drivability.
[source: Expedition Motor Company]
The exterior of this breathtaking G-Wagen features an all-new colorway highlighted by a vibrant Meringue Yellow paint that instantly captivates and stands out in any environment. The interior features Elephant gray-colored weatherproof upholstery that enhances the vehicle’s stylish and cohesive design. This car comes with two included tops, the bikini and full soft top. With its bikini top, the Wolf provides open-air driving with coverage for the driver and front passenger. The full soft top delivers comprehensive coverage against the elements, while also offering a safari-style driving experience when the sides are rolled up.
Inside, EMC’s new G-Wagen offers an exceptional blend of sophistication and practicality. Adorned with premium elephant-colored weatherproof upholstery, the cabin is designed for both comfort and durability. In a move to enhance the overall driving experience, this 250GD Wolf features wireless Apple CarPlay, a backup camera, heating capabilities, and air conditioning for comfort in any conditions. EMC bridges the gap between timeless design and contemporary technology with these enhanced interior appointments, providing a commanding driving experience that excels by today’s standards.
“The all-new Meringue Yellow colorway highlights EMC’s commitment to offering a wide range of personalized choices for each reimagined classic G-Wagen. This 250GD Wolf retains the iconic military G-Wagen aesthetic, yet seamlessly integrates modern amenities for an enhanced driving experience across the board,” comments Expedition Motor Company Founder Alex Levin. “This G merges the iconic ‘90s style with a stout diesel engine, making it an absolute head-turner on the open road. We’re proud about how this build came together and are very excited to offer this new color to our clients.”
The fully rebuilt 250GD was crafted with adaptability in mind, allowing it to naturally shift between the vibrant atmosphere of coastal towns and the challenges associated with difficult off-road trails. EMC’s revamped 1991 Wolf features the enduring OM602 diesel engine mated to a rebuilt 722.6 automatic transmission. Each EMC Wolf is subject to an in-depth inspection process upon completion, ensuring that every component performs reliably and uniformly for the client. EMC’s commitment to building these trucks from the ground up is designed to ensure long-lasting durability and reliability for decades to come.
Available now for $204,400, this 250GD Wolf highlights EMC’s latest advancement in automotive excellence. This model underscores the company’s commitment to superior craftsmanship and an in-depth understanding of automotive design, establishing a new benchmark for quality and innovation in the vintage G-Wagen space. For more information on the 250GD Wolf and all available builds from Expedition Motor Company, please visit www.expeditionmotorcompany.com.
Detroit, MI — Today, Cadillac introduced the SOLLEI concept vehicle, the ultimate design expression of a coach-built luxury electric convertible. This imaginative design exercise pushes the boundaries of future bespoke commissions, tailored to reflect the unique passions and interests of its clientele.
SOLLEI conceptualizes an all-electric, 2+2 convertible equipped with the brand’s signature 55-inch pillar-to-pillar screen, awe-inspiring interior, exterior lighting chorography for arrival and departure, and intuitive front and rear command console.
Defined in its name sun (‘SOL’) and leisure (‘LEI’), SOLLEI represents Cadillac’s optimistic inspiration for an open-air, leisurely lifestyle.
“SOLLEI reimagines the discovery of travel, envisioning a personalized driving experience that connects one with the natural world around them,” said Erin Crossley, design director, Cadillac. “The concept celebrates Cadillac’s pedigree of elegant convertibles in a modern form by cultivating high luxury through design expressions and experiences.”
SOLLEI is also Cadillac’s first concept vehicle to incorporate an innovative bio-based material developed in collaboration with MycoWorks. Used in the charging mats on the console and the door map pockets, Fine Mycelium™ by MycoWorks is ushering in a new era of luxury materials grown from mycelium (the renewable root structure of mushrooms). The material reflects Cadillac’s mission to pioneer renewable automotive resources.
Sophisticated exterior, clean body style The SOLLEI’s exterior exudes emotion and embodies Cadillac’s unmistakable bold proportions. The low, elongated body is accentuated by a wide stance and long coupe door, facilitating easy access to the spacious rear.
The uninterrupted surfaces and stretched A-line emphasize the vehicle’s length, while the low tail design creates dynamic yet elegant proportions. The mid-body line seamlessly connects the headlamp to the taillight, unifying the car’s harmonious design. Conventional door handles are replaced with discrete buttons helping to enable the clean profile line.
Celebrating Cadillac’s heritage of bold colors, the exterior is finished in “Manila Cream,” a color originally used on Cadillacs in 1957 and 1958. This revived finish was meticulously curated and hand-painted by Cadillac craftsmen.
Artistic interior, expressive personality The interior of SOLLEI channels Cadillac’s “art of travel” design philosophy, elevating the travel experience for both the driver and the passenger. Features include a fully integrated beverage chiller with a power glass door and crystal glasses seamlessly blending leisure with travel.
Craftsmanship is at the heart of Cadillac design. Every detail is intentionally designed to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Illuminated décor and unique embellishments add expression to the brand’s unparalleled aesthetics. The interior decor, wrapped in unstained wood veneers, honors natural color and grain pattern variations, while surfaces feature open pore finishes that can be felt by touch. Each piece is hand-cut and hand-laid using marquetry techniques, creating a beautiful focal point that draws the eye from the front doors to the console, and into the rear compartment. The windshield is framed in milled brushed aluminum continuing Cadillac’s use of natural materials.
Personalization and nature connection Cadillac design utilizes lighting in many of our products as a layer of personalization. SOLLEI elevates this offering with distinguished ambient lighting for true customization including multiple zones and 126 color options in each zone. The lighting can evoke specific moods and personalize the interior ambiance.
SOLLEI also caters to bird-watching connoisseurs with a unique interior accessory. A custom brushed metal and leather-wrapped case houses 3D printed acrylic bird calls, a leather-bound journal with hand painted bird illustrations and a leather tool roll for pens and pencils, made to custom match the vehicle interior, allowing enthusiasts to capture their bird-watching experiences.
Celestial and optimistic design SOLLEI celebrates the optimism of travel and the celestial environment with its rich sensory engagement, unexpected discoveries, and sense of occasion. Sun themed features are pronounced in its color, materials, and finishes:
Unique sunburst-themed lighting and graphic choreography.
Sunburst motif perforation, quilting, and embroidery on seat patterns.
Interior Fine Nappa leather featuring a pink iridescent pigment that creates a subtle color-changing sunrise effect.
Charging mats on the console, door map pockets and custom accessories are made from MycoWorks’ premium bio-based material created using their Fine MyceliumTM technology. This material is in an iridescent finish in a soft hue color palette.
Pink iridescent hue on the beverage chiller door and glass tray in the rear compartment that reveals different sunlight exposures.
“Aurora” tint on primary metal finishes, which includes color shifting to reflect the phenomenon of the sun’s solar winds reacting with the earth’s atmosphere.
Convertible metallic roof fabric called “Daybreak”, whose name ties to the functionality of the convertible roof; as the roof pulls back, sunlight can pour over the interior.
Textured floormat material named “Bask”, a boucle fabric adding beautiful texture and subtle warmth, matching the color of the roof material keeping the whole interior very light.
Continuing the tradition of bespoke expression The SOLLEI convertible exercise represents the brand’s vision to offer modern design this time in an open-air format, inspired by iconic Cadillacs from the past.
The concept was officially unveiled at Cadillac House at Vanderbilt, a newly restored, state-of-the-art facility at GM’s Global Technical Center campus in Warren, Michigan. This location is dedicated to providing a bespoke design experience for Cadillac CELESTIQ clients.
Our first formal Market Find is somewhat of an oddity, which we find quite fitting.
This 2004 BMW 325i convertible is not only a lower spec trim level within the E46 generation 3 series playbook, but the original tailor opted for the ever controversial shade of Phoenix Yellow from the range topping M3.
Life has happened to this example, and the disclosed Rebuilt title is proof of that. But we prefer dreams to be not just in the heads of our compatriots, but also on the road.
For the $5,500 asked at time of writing, this could just be the cheapest one way ticket to becoming a Tailored Driver.
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.
