Photos: Alan Luy | Words: Danny Dai
Motorsports require the pinnacle of automotive engineering from a manufacturer. It requires race-car parts to be durable, powerful, efficient, functional and beautiful all at the same time. In such an environment, there is no substitute for experience, and Audi is a brand that has been developing, building and racing for many decades past, and probably many decades to come.
What is the upshot of all this? The lessons a company learns in motorsports often trickle down into production cars: from rallying in Group B, to DTM, to the famous 24 hours of LeMans, Audi has applied many of its racing technologies straight to its road cars. These technologies come in many shapes and sizes, but two of the most relevant to Andrew’s beautiful Stage III APR supercharged Audi S5 are the Quattro and FSI systems.
Quattro was a system developed for Audi’s rally cars, giving them the edge in traction no matter the surface: gravel, tarmac, dirt, Quattro could do it all. So well in fact, that the Audi Sport Quattro S1 E2 could launch itself from 0-100 km/h in just 3.1 seconds, a benchmark set in the 80s that almost defied the laws of physics. That iteration of the Sport Quattro was a car that later helped the famous driver Walter Rohrl to win the 1985 San Remo Rally. Audi still uses this trademark all-wheel drive system today, which means cars like this S5 can be used rain, hail or shine.
This “all-weather” durability is one of the strongest points of the cars that Audi builds. This S5 can be used all the time, which not only has utilitarian benefits, but allows you as a driver to spend more time enjoying your car. Another advantage of such a system is that it is safer in all-weather conditions, such that situations like unexpected over-steer can be minimized. Because the car sends power to all four wheels, traction and speed can be maximized, which is clearly effective, as this actual car was the winner of Motor Magazine’s Hot Tuner Challenge for 2012 in the $75,000 to $150,000 class. Andrew’s S5 definitely provides some stiff competition for its German rivals such as the C63 AMG and the BMW M3.
Another technology that filtered down to this S5 was the technology of FSI, which was pioneered in the halo R8 LMP race car. FSI stands for fuel stratified injection, and assists the sonorous boosted 4.2L V8 to deliver its grunt.
Stepping back from Audi’s factory systems, Andrew saw that there was much potential in this platform. He began to install high quality precision parts that would not overpower or smother the original chassis, but bolster its overall performance. He did this by adding a Stage III supercharger kit, taking the output from an already respectable 350HP to over 530HP.
The forced induction was aided by an APR carbon intake system and cat-back exhaust. However, power is nothing without control. Thus, an Ohlins suspension system was added for enhanced damping, as well as DNA performance’s very own clutch package. Eight piston Brembo brakes in the front, upgraded pads all round, braided brake lines, and DNA performance rotors help bring the car to a halt. It becomes quite obvious that only quality products were used, and as a result, Andrew has built a very well-rounded car.
Balance is probably the word most apt to describe this S5, which brings me onto my next point. This car retains the ability to be a comfortable and luxurious grand tourer while subtly harbouring mind-bending levels of performance. The car is at home on the racetrack as much as it is parked outside a five-star hotel, and few modified cars can hold themselves to that standard. To finish off the package, the exterior has been face-lifted and updated from the B8 series S5 to resemble the 2012 year model. Finally, ADV1 wheels were fitted, giving this S5 the subtle, classy and modern look that Audis of late have been renowned for.
Sadly, this particular project S5 is now up for sale, but we look forward to see what kind of project Andrew has in store for us next. DNA performance specializes in tuning performance European cars, so you can rest assured that it will be interesting. Keep your eyes peeled.
