Every car enthusiast has that one vehicle that captures their imagination, not just for its specs, but for its sheer presence and appeal. Wörthersee, a renowned gathering for car aficionados, is brimming with impressive automobiles. Yet, at the 2019 event, one car stood out, holding my attention captive until its owner reappeared – Turbo Elite’s striking Signal Green Audi RS4 car.
On my final day in Velden, Austria, amidst the vibrant atmosphere of Wörthersee, I was determined to discover a truly exceptional car. While I had encountered numerous noteworthy vehicles in the preceding days, the quest for that extraordinary machine continued.
Instead of actively searching, I opted to position myself at the renowned ENI spot and allow the captivating vehicles to come to me. It wasn’t mere chance, but as I turned a corner, the Signal Green RS4, with its hood raised, amidst a collection of impressive cars, instantly signaled that my search was over. The next step was to locate the owner of this magnificent machine.
Tracking Down the Owner of the Exceptional Audi RS4 Car
To find the owner of a car at a crowded event, a simple yet effective technique is to stand near the vehicle and make subtle eye contact with passersby. If this approach doesn’t yield immediate results, politely inquiring around often proves successful.
Persistence paid off, and I connected with Klaus Peter-Krenmayr, the owner. It turned out my timing was crucial as Klaus was preparing to depart from Wörthersee. The combination of a high-visibility, 1000+hp Signal Green RS4 car and the local law enforcement’s vigilance isn’t ideal for those seeking a low profile.
With limited time, I quickly guided Klaus in my rental Volvo to a secluded location where I had previously conducted photoshoots. The backdrop, familiar from past features, served as the perfect stage to truly appreciate the star of the show – Klaus’s Audi RS4 car.
This RS4 car is a comprehensive masterpiece. Every detail has been meticulously considered and refined. It’s a remarkable achievement, especially considering Klaus’s description of it as an impulsive purchase in 2018. However, Klaus’s history with RS4s and other high-performance German cars suggests this was more than just a fleeting decision.
The Genesis of a Signal Green Dream: Building the Perfect Audi RS4 Car
The vision of a Porsche Signal Green Audi RS4 car had been in Klaus’s mind for years, sparked after his first red RS4 tragically burned down early in its life. When a similar 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 allure of Signal Green persisted.
When this particular RS4 car became available last year, Klaus recognized it as the perfect opportunity to finally realize his long-held dream of building the Signal Green Audi RS4 car.
The B5 RS4 Avant holds a special status among car enthusiasts. Despite a reputation for potential maintenance challenges, its overall driving experience and performance are highly valued. Interestingly, B5 RS4 models currently command higher prices in the used car market than the newer B7 models, which are often considered more reliable. This price trend underscores the cult following and desirability of the bi-turbo 2.7-liter V6 RS4 car.
Unleashing 1000HP: The Engine Transformation of the Audi RS4 Car
As astute observers might have noticed, this particular model is no longer powered by its original 2.7-liter V6 engine. There’s a compelling reason for this significant change. With two B5 RS4s already in his collection and TurboElite.com, his business specializing in high-performance Volkswagens and Audis, Klaus is always driven to innovate. Turbo Elite’s early projects included a 580hp VR6-powered MkIII Golf, marking the beginning of their expertise in turbocharged VR6 and R32 engines.
What now resides under the hood is 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 is paired with a custom exhaust manifold and a 4-inch exhaust system. Cooling is managed by a large front-mount intercooler and a custom intake manifold.
Fuel delivery is handled by six 1,700cc injectors and dual Pierburg fuel pumps. Engine management is governed by Turbo Elite’s proprietary ECU, specifically engineered for the R32 engine within the B5 chassis. The result is a staggering 1,000.1hp and 960Nm of torque at 2.0bar (29.4psi). 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 original RS4 quattro gearbox and driveline.
Five Months to Transformation: Building the Wörthersee Ready RS4 Car
If the modifications stopped at the engine, it would already be an exceptional build. However, this was just the beginning. Despite acquiring the car in January 2018, the transformation commenced in December of the same year. This gave Klaus and his team a mere five months to complete the build for Wörthersee, finishing just four days before the annual event.
Beyond the striking Signal Green paint, exterior modifications are subtle, respecting the B5 RS4’s inherently aggressive design. The roof rails, front grille, and pillar trims are enhanced with carbon fiber by RS Carbon, a Hungarian specialist. These refined touches represent the extent of the exterior cosmetic alterations.
Stance and Stopping Power: Suspension and Brakes of the Audi RS4 Car
The ride height and handling are managed by an Air Lift Performance 3P system, featuring 30-way adjustable damping at both ends. This system allows the body to be lowered perfectly over the 19×10.5-inch Rotiform wheels, achieving an aggressive stance.
A Porsche theme is evident throughout the car, particularly in the braking system. GT2 front brake calipers with 365mm two-piece discs and a 350mm rear Porsche setup provide substantial stopping power.
Porsche-Inspired Interior: Carbon and Green Accents Inside the RS4 Car
The Porsche influence is most pronounced within the cabin. Porsche 991 front seats, re-trimmed to match the theme, and a GT3-inspired color-coded roll cage define the interior. Significant effort was invested in achieving the perfect balance of carbon fiber and green accents throughout the interior, resulting in a truly stunning space. RS Carbon also handled the interior carbon work and re-trimming. Notably, the steering wheel is crafted entirely from carbon fiber, not merely overlaid.
Being an Avant model, the rear cargo area provides ample room for a neatly installed air suspension system, while still maintaining practicality for carrying cargo. 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.
A Masterclass in Balance: The Turbo Elite Audi RS4 Car
This Audi RS4 car is undeniably substantial in every aspect. Perhaps its most remarkable quality is the harmonious balance achieved throughout the build. No single element overshadows the others. This equilibrium is a testament to skillful execution, as it’s easy to overemphasize one aspect at the expense of others. Often, builds become disproportionate, with excessive focus on one area while neglecting others. This RS4 car, however, stands as a prime example of holistic design.
It possesses an aggressive aesthetic that accurately reflects its blistering performance capabilities.
What’s next for Klaus and Turbo Elite? Plans are underway to further enhance his Sepang Blue RS4 with a new 3.0-liter V6 engine setup, aiming for even greater power beyond the 1000hp mark.
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
