Many car owners express their creativities by modifying their cars. There are so many ways to go about in car modification: from mild to wild; there is no limit to it essentially… One term / style of modification that’s been so popular in the last decade is OEM+. With everybody and their grandmas going OEM+, what does the term OEM+ really mean? I personally think that a lot of OEM+ build claimants out there need to take a page or two of notes from Brent’s B8 Allroad build that’s being covered on this week’s Avantturous blog entry.
Let’s start by talking of the exterior of this B8 Allroad; which is notably kept mostly stock (LOVE the Scuba Blue exterior color, by the way!). With the exception of colormatched plastic claddings (a must in every Allroad – Change my mind!), a lowered stance on KW V3 coilovers paired with a set of bronze Audi RS5 wheels, an RS badging in the rear hatch and a blacked-out “Audi Sport” badging on the front grille, many would suspect that this was just a regular lowered B8 Allroad. Another very subtle exterior modifications are its Euro headlights and Euro taillights. The only telltales of the wagon’s wild side of the build are its BREMBO calipers and its “NOT4CYL” license plate. Then, there comes the unmistakably V8 rumbles during start-up… That’s right! Brent’s B8 Allroad has an engine swap that came from a B8 RS5. For those who are not familiar, RS5 motor is a 4.2L V8 that produces 450HP. That’s plenty of muscles to have under your right foot!
Next, we move on to the interior of this B8 Allroad where it’s equipped with factory Chestnut Brown leather. To match its new sporty engine, Brent wanted to have sportier seats. His pick are a pair of Recaro Sportster CS seats (which are of course wrapped to match the Audi’s Chestnut Brown interior!). Another addition to the interior that carries the “RS” theme are RS tachnometer, RS5 Steering Wheel and an RS shift knob.
So… what would be this wagon be called then? ALL-RS? Allroad RS? You can decide that for yourself! One thing that for sure stands out from Brent’s Allroad build is the fact that the V8 swap is BAR’d, which translates to ZERO worries when it comes to doing California inspections. It’s a good peace of mind to have, especially when Brent takes his hotrod Audi Allroad out cruising our beautiful California scenic routes!
Introduce Yourself:
Brent Bontuyan, US/California
WHY A WAGON?
My first car was a new 1990 Corolla sedan LE, back in high school. It was reliable and I became a Toyota customer from then as my next car was a new 2000 Camry LE V6. Both were sedans, though, but I was always fascinated with wagons. When it was time to move from the Camry my next car would definitely be a wagon, the Lexus IS 300 wagon. My friend and I window-shopped and even test-drove. I didn’t immediately jump into it, so we window-browsed more and my friend said let’s check Audi as he had contact, and from there it became Audi. The dealership had the new 2004 Audi A4 sedan on the lot, but no avants. I decided to stay with a sedan as I already sold the Camry and needed a car and from then became an Audi fan. Around 2014 I got into a minor accident with the A4. Insurance claimed it was a salvage. From there it was going to be an Audi wagon. B8.5 allroads was the wagon option for 2013+ and I wanted the facelift of the B8.5. I found my 2013 CPO allroad at the same Audi dealership I originally purchased the A4 and it’s been my wagon since.
Did you consider a different WAGON instead of this one?
The IS 300 Wagon was my first choice
What was your original objective with your car and has that objective changed?
The objective was to keep the modifications tasteful and close to OEM+ as possible and use premium aftermarket brands for upgrades
What style would you say best describes your car?
OEM+
Who assisted in the planning/building/modding of your car?
My inspiration was Pacific German’s B8.5 allroad project. Pacific German continues to service the allroad
What do you feel makes your car unique/special in your eyes?
You don’t see many wagons especially modified wagons which gives it that uniqueness in the car enthusiast community
What is your favorite part/feature/function of the car?
Euro taillights
If you could pick one thing you aren’t satisfied with about your car, what would it be?
It is not a Prestige model with DCC
What has been the biggest obstacle you’ve faced while building this car?
Funds
What one word best describes your car?
Tasteful
What is your final goal with this car?
Brembo Big Brake Kit