Audi brand is known for producing fine looking wagons throughout the years. Dubbed as the “Avant,” it’s a nice lingo to stand out from the rest of the wagon crowds. For this week’s blog entry, we have the honor to feature Brandon’s ultra rare B6 A4 Avant. Why rare? Because Audi only produced 6 units of this exact specification between 2004 and 2005: Ultra Sport Package (USP) B6 finished in Black with 3.0 engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. Those who aren’t familiar with Audi brand, Ultra Sport Package provided a unique exterior upgrade to the B6 platform: front bumper, side skirts, S4 door blades, rear bumper, lower suspension from the sport package and Audi’s popular 9-spoke wheels that mimick the B5 RS4 factory wheels. With so many Audi Allroads being on the road (not that it’s a bad thing), it’s refreshing to see a well-kept B6 Avant still being driven on California roads!
For the ordinary folks, USP exterior package is already perfect from the factory. Brandon is no ordinary folks, and he went straight to work after acquiring this B6 Avant. Exterior of the wagon was thought to be clean enough originally but was recently treated with a Sportec front bumper upgrade. Air suspension was then chosen to ease up Brandon’s life when going in and out from Los Angeles area. To complete the exterior, Brandon opted for a set of Work Emotion T7R wheels. Red Work center caps were then added to compliment the gunmetal finished wheels. The 220HP from stock 3.0 V6 engine was deemed enough and Brandon only upgraded the car’s exhaust for an added grunt! Interior modification is kept to a minimum by upgrading front seats to Recaro units from the S4 model. The new seats tie in very well together with the perforated steering wheel unique to the USP cars. The trunk houses an air tank, water-trap and air compressor for the air suspension.
Being Brandon’s daily driver, he admitted that it’s been tough to keep everything clean and perfect at all times. Besides doing the maintenance up-keep, Brandon is planning to complete its Sportec exterior upgrade (currently still missing side skirts and rear bumper) and possibly getting the car wrapped in a different color. Other than that, he plans to continue enjoying the car and drive it as much as he can!
Introduce Yourself:
My name is Brandon. Born in The Bay, raised in San Diego. Now, currently residing in LA.
WHY A WAGON?
This car sort of just fell into my hands at the right place at the right time in 2016. I was driving a 96’ civic that got stolen, so I figured it was a good opportunity to look for the hatchback version, because I love the practicality of them.
While browsing, my dad sent me a Craigslist listing to a B6 Avant in San Diego. He had just picked up a B7 S4 a few months prior, so he was definitely high strung on Audis, and that definitely inspired me to try it out.
Did you consider a different WAGON instead of this one?
I wasn’t considering too many wagons until I saw the listing for this Avant. It checked all the boxes; practical, low miles, clean body, everything you could think of.
What was your original objective with your car and has that objective changed?
My objective for the car was to give it a splash of JDM styling mixed with Euro OEM+ while still keeping it fully functional. That has not changed.
What style would you say best describes your car?
I’d have to say OEM+
Who assisted in the planning/building/modding of your car?
All work on the car has either been done by myself, friends, and a couple local shops in San Diego such as PURE motorsport.
What do you feel makes your car unique / special in your eyes?
I think it’s special simply because there aren’t many B6 Avants around on the road or on the internet anymore. To have it in 6 speed MT is such a treat as well.
What is your favorite part/feature/function of the car?
There’s a lot to name, but if I had to narrow it down, it has to be the Quattro system in a car of this age. It’s gotten me out of sticky situations when I was on coilovers.
If you could pick one thing you aren’t satisfied with about your car, what would it be?
The engine. I have the 3.0 model which has little to no aftermarket support, and it’s a pain to work on. In the end it’s okay because the car stays stock and reliable.
What has been the biggest obstacle you’ve faced while building this car?
It’s an old Audi, so when you fix something, something else fails right after. It’s been an everlasting journey of maintenance as the car approaches 20 years old.
What one word best describes your car?
Simple
What is your final goal with this car?
2.7 turbo swap
If money is no object, which make & model wagon would you get into?
Audi RS6 C8. No questions.
