I’ve been making an attempt to function Charlie Dunn’s Audi RS4 for a literal 12 months, over 5 international locations and quite a few reveals.
Every time the chance arose, the vibe was off or one thing was ever so barely not proper. Charlie and I even did a 1,500-mile highway journey from the UK to Berlin, Germany and again collectively together with his RS4 and my BMW 740, and someway didn’t have the time to do a ‘correct’ shoot.
However sufficient was sufficient, and it was becoming to make use of the halls post-Final Dubs 2023, seeing as UD ’22 was the primary time I noticed the automotive up shut in particular person.
Let’s begin with the plain… or not so apparent to the untrained eye: the RS4’s award-winning paint job.
The second Audi debuted its Galaxyblau metallic hue on the Q8, Charlie knew his once-black RS4 needed to go the identical color, albeit with tweaks to the flake and pearl to essentially showcase its curves.
My largest wrestle, and Charlie’s solely grievance in regards to the color, was bringing the inexperienced out in photos. It’s a fantastic hue, however an absolute PITA to translate into the digital realm.
Sticking with the visible modifications, you’ll discover that Charlie has allotted of all of the brightwork across the automotive, apart from the wheels and exhaust suggestions. As a lot as he’s an RS man, he’s by no means been keen on the brushed ‘aluminium’ trim that they arrive with. Charlie’s opted for a full suite of carbon fibre as an alternative.
Now, was Charlie to have purchased a BMW M3 as an alternative of an Audi RS4, this is able to be a easy change to make. BMW M homeowners take up extra carbon than a median sized rainforest on a median day, so the marketplace for carbon fibre equipment is plentiful.
For an Audi RS? Not a lot. That’s why sure components such because the grille, mirrors, splitter, skirts, diffuser and extra have been customized made for Charlie’s automotive.
The grille itself is comprised of a mixture of OEM Audi and RS grilles, which have been lower, moulded and blended collectively to make a single ‘carbon framed’ mesh merchandise. This new grille retains the built-in parking sensors while taking out the licence plate bar.
The mirrors, in the meantime, are one-of-a-kind full wet-lay carbon gadgets. That features the mirror bases; there’s no carbon skinning right here.
Not carbon, however very cool nonetheless are the EM Tuning headlights, which function Audi RS logos on the projector lenses and darkish interior housings.
Wheels and suspension? Effectively the 20-inch wheels might look like OEM Audi Rotors however, as soon as once more, they’re bespoke – 3-piece cut up gadgets made by Forge Wheels USA. Silver powder-coated faces with mirror-polished rotor suggestions, lips and hidden {hardware} mix an OEM and aftermarket look.
Behind Charlie’s entrance wheels are a gargantuan set of Carbon Ceramic brakes, and the RS4 is laid out courtesy of Air Elevate Efficiency suspension with a hidden boot construct. Poly-bushed suspension elements and H&R anti-roll bars take away sloppiness from the driving expertise.
Inside, the automotive is generally because it left the manufacturing facility apart from, you guessed it, some bespoke carbon fibre elements. Dashboard trims and finish caps are refined, however the gear knob/shifter are CNC-milled with an identical billet gaiter encompass.
It’s unimaginable to debate Charlie’s RS4 with out mentioning the engine upgrades although. The B7 RS4 left the manufacturing facility with 414hp, although this can be a determine which falls reasonably quickly with age. We’ve even talked about it beforehand on Speedhunters.
It’s a problem Charlie addressed… after which some.
At the moment, proudly displayed behind the lower present bonnet is a TTS/Rotrex C38 supercharger package with ‘Stage 3′ MRC Tuning software program. That is mated to a chilly air consumption in addition to de-cat down-pipes and a customized 3-inch exhaust with x-pipe. The system is completed off by customized slash lower/angled exhaust suggestions on the TubiStyle again bins to observe the curve of the diffuser.
A celebration piece is that the RS4 is mapped for Charlie to have the ability to ‘flat shift’ with out taking his foot off the accelerator. The B7 RS4 has a 6-speed handbook, in any case.
I can inform you now, when Charlie places his foot down, this automotive merely f**ks off into the space. Hardly a shock with 634hp, Quattro 4WD, and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres.
If the supercharger plenum itself wasn’t sufficient eye-candy for you, the remainder of the bespoke engine bay carbon fibre ought to do the trick. I’m not shocked Charlie needs his engine bay on present.
That is one in every of my favorite examples of a B7, and it’s a correct present automotive via and thru.
What do I imply by that? Effectively, ‘Huge Chaz’ has left no stone unturned in his quest to personalise his RS4.
In truth, leather-based apart I can’t consider any a part of the automotive which hasn’t been modified, and I do know a re-trim is subsequent on the playing cards, together with a possible color change and a set of upgraded rear brakes to match the fronts.
However essentially the most spectacular factor about Charlie Dunn’s Audi? The sheer quantity of mileage he has accomplished and continues to do with it. Present winner, summer time cruiser and European grand tourer – this Audi RS4 does it all.
Mario Christou
Instagram: mcwpn
