There’s always that one car. In a sea of stunning automobiles, one vehicle captures your attention, resonating on a deeper level. Wörthersee, the annual pilgrimage for car enthusiasts, is renowned for showcasing exceptional builds. Yet, during the 2019 event, a particular car stood out, holding onlookers captive – Turbo Elite’s Signal Green Audi Rs4.
On the final day of exploring Velden and the Wörthersee spectacle, the quest was still on to find the special car. Days were spent navigating the bustling hotspots, searching for that unique machine that would truly encapsulate the spirit of the event. Many impressive cars were found, but the hunt for something truly extraordinary continued.
Audi RS4 Turbo Elite in Signal Green at Wörthersee, front view
Side profile of the Signal Green Audi RS4 Turbo Elite showcasing its stance and Rotiform wheels
Close-up of the Audi RS4 Turbo Elite's front grille and headlight details
Rear three-quarter view of the Audi RS4 Turbo Elite highlighting its wide stance and exhaust system
Audi RS4 Turbo Elite with hood open, showcasing the R32 engine conversion
Instead of actively searching, a decision was made to position oneself at the renowned ENI petrol station, a known hotspot for car displays, and let the automotive gems come into view. Perhaps it wasn’t fate, but the moment the Signal Green RS4, with its hood raised, emerged amidst a collection of impressive vehicles, it was clear – the search was over.
The next step was to connect with the owner, a crucial part of capturing the story behind this exceptional Audi RS4.
Tracking Down the Owner of the Wild RS4
A proven method to locate a car owner at a show is to simply stand near the vehicle and make subtle eye contact with passersby. If that approach proves ineffective, politely inquiring around usually does the trick.
Persistence paid off, leading to Klaus Peter-Krenmayr, the owner of this remarkable Audi RS4. Time was of the essence as Klaus was preparing to depart Wörthersee. It turns out, a bright Signal Green RS4 boasting over 1000hp doesn’t exactly blend in with the local Austrian police, especially when aiming for a low profile.
Audi RS4 Turbo Elite Signal Green with police car in the background, hinting at its powerful presence
Audi RS4 Turbo Elite Signal Green front view parked in a scenic location
Audi RS4 Turbo Elite Signal Green showcasing its aggressive front bumper and headlights
Audi RS4 Turbo Elite Signal Green rear view with quad exhaust pipes and wide stance
With limited time, Klaus was guided in a rented Volvo to a secluded location, previously used for another photoshoot a few years prior. The backdrop might be familiar, but the focus rightfully belongs to the car itself.
Klaus’s RS4 is a comprehensive masterpiece. Every detail has been meticulously considered and refined. This is particularly impressive considering Klaus describes the purchase in 2018 as an impulsive decision. However, Klaus has a history with RS4 models and other high-performance German vehicles, suggesting this project was more than just a whim.
Audi RS4 Turbo Elite Signal Green parked amidst greenery, showcasing its vibrant color
The Signal Green Dream: An Audi RS4 Vision
The vision of a Porsche Signal Green RS4 had been in Klaus’s mind for years, sparked after his first red RS4 tragically burned down with minimal mileage. When a green RS4 emerged from the UK in 2012, Klaus opted for Sepang Blue for his next RS4 project to avoid direct replication. He still owns that Sepang Blue model, alongside an Imola Yellow RS4 acquired in 2017. Yet, the Signal Green desire persisted.
When this particular Audi RS4 became available last year, Klaus seized the opportunity to finally realize his long-held dream of building the perfect green RS4.
Audi RS4 Turbo Elite Signal Green front three-quarter view highlighting its aggressive styling
The B5 RS4 Avant holds a special status among car aficionados. While known for potential maintenance quirks, many enthusiasts believe the overall experience justifies any potential downsides.
Interestingly, B5 RS4 models are currently commanding higher prices in the used car market than the newer, arguably more reliable 4.2-liter V8 B7 versions. This clearly indicates the cult following surrounding the bi-turbo 2.7-liter V6 RS4.
Audi RS4 Turbo Elite Signal Green detail of Rotiform wheels and Porsche brakes
Audi RS4 Turbo Elite Signal Green close-up of the Porsche brake caliper
Audi RS4 Turbo Elite Signal Green showing off its lowered stance and wheel fitment
R32 Heart Transplant: Unleashing 1000HP
As keen observers might have noticed, this is no longer a 2.7-liter V6 Audi RS4.
There’s a compelling reason for this deviation. With two B5 RS4 models already in Klaus’s collection and TurboElite.com, his business, centered around high-performance Volkswagens and Audis, innovation is a constant pursuit. One of their early prominent projects was a 580hp VR6-powered MkIII Golf, marking the beginning of a series of turbocharged VR6 and R32 endeavors.
Audi RS4 Turbo Elite Signal Green engine bay showcasing the R32 engine with turbo setup
Powering this Audi RS4 now is a Volkswagen 3.2-liter R32 BFH engine.
This compact six-cylinder powerhouse features JE forged pistons, Integrated Engineering connecting rods, a billet crankshaft brace kit, a ZKT modified cylinder head, Schrick camshafts, and Supertech valves. A Comp Turbo CT5X turbocharger is paired with a custom exhaust manifold and a 4-inch exhaust system on the hot side, complemented by a large front-mount intercooler and a custom intake manifold on the cold side.
Fueling is managed by six 1,700cc injectors and dual Pierburg fuel pumps. Engine management is handled by Turbo Elite’s proprietary ECU, specifically engineered for the R32 engine within the B5 chassis.
The result is a staggering 1,000.1hp peak horsepower and 960Nm of torque at 2.0bar (29.4psi). That precise “.1” in the horsepower figure is certainly noteworthy.
Audi RS4 Turbo Elite Signal Green engine bay detail highlighting the turbocharger and intake manifold
Klaus considers this output to be a reliable and sustainable figure for this engine configuration. Power is transmitted through a Sachs RCS200 clutch and the original RS4 quattro gearbox and driveline.
While this level of engine work alone is impressive, it’s just the beginning of this Audi RS4’s transformation.
Audi RS4 Turbo Elite Signal Green front view with focus on headlights and grille
Five Months to Wörthersee: A Rapid Transformation
Despite acquiring the car in January 2018, the transformation didn’t commence until December of that year. This left Klaus and his team a mere five months to complete the build for Wörthersee, culminating in a finish just four days before departing for the renowned VW festival.
Audi RS4 Turbo Elite Signal Green side profile at sunset, emphasizing its sleek lines
Audi RS4 Turbo Elite Signal Green rear three-quarter view in a picturesque setting
Audi RS4 Turbo Elite Signal Green detail of the carbon fiber roof rails
Audi RS4 Turbo Elite Signal Green close up of the Signal Green paint and carbon fiber mirror cap
Audi RS4 Turbo Elite Signal Green front view with hood partially open, showing engine details
Beyond the striking Signal Green paint, exterior modifications are subtle, respecting the inherently aggressive design of the B5 RS4. The roof rails, front grille, and pillar trims have been expertly crafted in carbon fiber by RS Carbon, a Hungarian specialist, representing the extent of the exterior cosmetic enhancements.
Audi RS4 Turbo Elite Signal Green side view showcasing its lowered stance and wheel design
Stance and Stopping Power: Air Ride and Porsche Brakes
The ride height is managed by an Air Lift Performance 3P system, featuring 30-way adjustable damping at both front and rear axles. This allows the body to sit perfectly over the 19×10.5-inch Rotiform wheels, achieving the desired stance.
Audi RS4 Turbo Elite Signal Green detail of the Rotiform wheels and Air Lift Performance suspension
A Porsche theme subtly permeates the car, most notably with the GT2 front brake calipers paired with 365mm two-piece discs, and a 350mm Porsche setup at the rear, significantly enhancing braking performance.
Audi RS4 Turbo Elite Signal Green interior view showing Porsche seats and roll cage
Audi RS4 Turbo Elite Signal Green interior detail of the Porsche seats with green accents
Audi RS4 Turbo Elite Signal Green interior close up of the carbon fiber and green trim details
Audi RS4 Turbo Elite Signal Green interior detail of the roll cage and Porsche seat integration
Audi RS4 Turbo Elite Signal Green interior view of the dashboard and steering wheel
Audi RS4 Turbo Elite Signal Green interior detail of the carbon fiber steering wheel
Audi RS4 Turbo Elite Signal Green interior close up of the carbon fiber trim on the door panel
Audi RS4 Turbo Elite Signal Green interior detail of the green stitching on the seats and door panel
Audi RS4 Turbo Elite Signal Green interior view from the rear seats, showing roll cage and air suspension setup
Audi RS4 Turbo Elite Signal Green interior rear view with air suspension tanks and compressors
This Porsche influence is most prominent in the interior, featuring re-trimmed Porsche 991 front seats and a GT3-inspired color-matched roll cage. Significant effort was invested in achieving the perfect balance of carbon fiber and green accents throughout the interior, resulting in a truly breathtaking cabin. Again, RS Carbon handled the carbon work and re-trimming.
The steering wheel isn’t merely carbon fiber wrapped; it’s a complete carbon fiber wheel, enhancing the sporty feel.
Audi RS4 Turbo Elite Signal Green interior detail of the carbon fiber steering wheel and instrument cluster
Being an Avant model, the rear cargo area provides ample space for a neatly integrated air suspension setup, while still retaining practicality.
Twin Viair compressors feed two carbon-covered air tanks, distributing air to each corner via a digitally remote-controlled Air Lift Performance 3H/3P manifold.
Audi RS4 Turbo Elite Signal Green rear cargo area with air suspension components neatly installed
A Balanced Beast: Power and Poise
This Audi RS4 is undeniably a comprehensive and exceptional machine.
Perhaps its most remarkable quality is the equilibrium it achieves. No single aspect overshadows the others. Striking this balance requires considerable skill, as it’s easy to overemphasize one element at the expense of others. Often, builds are seen where excessive focus is placed on one particular area, neglecting others. This RS4 is a testament to holistic and meticulous execution.
It possesses the visual presence of a high-performance car, and importantly, it delivers on that promise with exhilarating speed.
What’s on the horizon for Klaus and Turbo Elite? Discussions are underway to revisit his Sepang Blue RS4 with a new 3.0-liter V6 engine configuration, aiming to surpass the 1000hp mark, pushing the boundaries of Audi RS4 performance even further.
Paddy McGrath
Instagram: pmcgphotos
Twitter: pmcgphotos
[email protected]
Klaus extends his gratitude to Arpi from RS Carbon, Fritz, Amel & Thomas. Follow Turbo Elite on Facebook
