For car aficionados, there’s always that one vehicle that captures your attention more than others. It’s not merely about objective superiority, but a deeper resonance. At Wörthersee, a melting pot of automotive marvels, the 2019 Turbo Elite Signal Green Audi RS4 was undeniably that car, compelling onlookers to pause and admire its presence. This wasn’t just another modified car; it was a statement.
During my final days immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of Velden, Austria, for Wörthersee, I was on a quest. Having spent days navigating the event’s hotspots, I was determined to uncover a truly exceptional car to feature. While numerous impressive vehicles graced the event, the pursuit of something extraordinary continued.
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Instead of actively searching, I opted for a more relaxed approach on that particular day, choosing to position myself at the renowned ENI gathering spot. It wasn’t a matter of fate, but as I turned a corner and the Signal Green RS4 came into view, bonnet raised amidst a collection of impressive cars, I knew the search was over. Finding this specific Audi RS4 felt like discovering a hidden gem.
The next step was to locate the owner and delve into the story behind this extraordinary machine.
Uncovering the Story of a Unique Audi RS4
Locating the owner of such a standout car at a bustling event like Wörthersee requires a bit of strategy. Standing near the car, creating a subtly inquisitive presence, often encourages the owner to return. Alternatively, a polite inquiry within the car community usually yields results.
Persistence paid off, and I connected with Klaus Peter-Krenmayr, the visionary behind this Signal Green Audi RS4. Time was of the essence, as Klaus had plans to depart Wörthersee shortly. It turns out that a high-powered, intensely colored RS4, boasting over 1000 horsepower, doesn’t exactly blend in, especially under the watchful eyes of local authorities.
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With limited time, we relocated to a more secluded location, a familiar backdrop from a previous photoshoot. The setting, however, was secondary; the focus was entirely on Klaus’s remarkable Audi RS4.
This RS4 is a holistic creation, meticulously refined in every detail. It’s a testament to Klaus’s vision, especially considering it began as an impulsive purchase in 2018. However, Klaus is no stranger to the allure of high-performance German cars, particularly Audi RS models.
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The dream of a Porsche Signal Green RS4 had been simmering in Klaus’s mind for years, sparked after a devastating fire destroyed his first red RS4 early in its life. When another green RS4 emerged from the UK scene in 2012, Klaus opted for Sepang Blue for his subsequent RS4 project to avoid imitation. That Sepang Blue RS4 remains in his collection, alongside an Imola Yellow RS4 acquired in 2017. Yet, the Signal Green vision persisted.
When this particular RS4 became available, Klaus seized the opportunity to finally realize his long-held ambition: building the Signal Green Audi RS4 of his dreams.
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The B5 RS4 Avant holds a special place in the hearts of car enthusiasts. Despite a reputation for being somewhat temperamental, its unique driving experience and performance capabilities make it highly desirable. Interestingly, B5 RS4 models are currently commanding higher prices in the used car market than the later, arguably more dependable, 4.2-liter V8 B7 versions. This price trend underscores the cult following and enduring appeal of the bi-turbo 2.7-liter V6 RS4.
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However, as astute observers might have noticed, this particular Signal Green RS4 is no longer powered by its original 2.7-liter V6 engine.
The Heart of the Beast: R32 Turbo Power
There’s a compelling reason for this significant change. With two B5 RS4s already in his stable and TurboElite.com, his business, specializing in high-performance Volkswagens and Audis, innovation is a constant pursuit for Klaus. Turbo Elite’s early projects included a 580hp VR6-powered MkIII Golf, marking the beginning of their expertise in turbocharged VR6 and R32 engines.
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Beneath the Signal Green hood resides a Volkswagen 3.2-liter R32 BFH engine. This compact six-cylinder powerhouse is fortified with 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, coupled with a custom exhaust manifold and a 4-inch exhaust system, manages the hot side, while a substantial front-mount intercooler and custom intake manifold handle the cold side.
Fuel delivery is ensured by six 1,700cc injectors and twin Pierburg fuel pumps. Engine management is entrusted to Turbo Elite’s proprietary ECU, specifically engineered for the R32 engine within the B5 chassis. The result is a staggering 1,000.1 horsepower and 960Nm of torque at 2.0bar (29.4psi). That precise “.1” in the horsepower figure is a detail that’s hard to overlook.
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Klaus considers this output to be a reliable and sustainable level for this engine configuration. Power is transmitted through a Sachs RCS200 clutch and the robust RS4 quattro gearbox and driveline. While the engine modifications alone are remarkable, they are just the beginning of this Audi RS4’s transformation.
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Despite acquiring the car in January 2018, the transformation commenced in December of the same year. This ambitious timeline gave Klaus and his team a mere five months to complete the build for Wörthersee, finishing just four days before the annual event.
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Beyond the striking Signal Green paint, exterior modifications are deliberately understated. The B5 RS4 already possesses an inherently aggressive design. Carbon fiber accents, applied by RS Carbon in Hungary, grace the roof rails, front grill, and pillar trims, representing the extent of the exterior cosmetic enhancements.
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The ride height is managed by an Air Lift Performance 3P system, featuring 30-way adjustable damping both front and rear. This system allows the body to sit perfectly over the 19×10.5-inch Rotiform wheels, achieving that sought-after stance.
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A Porsche theme permeates the car, most notably in the braking system. GT2 front brake calipers with 365mm two-piece discs, and a 350mm rear Porsche setup, underscore this performance-oriented theme.
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This Porsche influence is most prominent within the cabin. Re-trimmed Porsche 991 front seats and a GT3-inspired color-matched roll cage define the interior’s character. Significant attention was dedicated to achieving the perfect balance of carbon fiber and green accents throughout, resulting in a truly breathtaking interior. RS Carbon also handled the interior carbon work and re-trimming.
The steering wheel, while appearing to be carbon fiber clad, is actually a complete carbon fiber unit, further enhancing the sporty feel.
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Being an Avant model, the rear cargo area provides ample space for a neatly integrated air suspension setup, while still retaining practical storage capacity. Twin Viair compressors feed two carbon-covered air tanks, distributing air to each corner via a digitally controlled Air Lift Performance 3H/3P manifold.
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This Signal Green Audi RS4 is undeniably a comprehensive and meticulously crafted machine. Perhaps its most impressive attribute is its inherent balance. No single aspect overshadows the others. Achieving this equilibrium is a true skill, as it’s easy to overemphasize one element at the expense of others. Often, builds become disproportionate, with excessive focus on one area while neglecting others. This RS4, however, stands apart.
It embodies speed in its aesthetics, and more importantly, delivers exhilarating performance to match.
Looking ahead for Klaus and Turbo Elite, plans are underway to revisit his Sepang Blue RS4. The vision involves a new 3.0-liter V6 engine configuration, aiming to surpass the 1000 horsepower threshold, 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
