The original Audi Quattro is one of the most iconic rally-inspired road cars ever built, and its boxy styling still looks fantastic more than four decades later. Now, a small British company has decided to give the legend a rather outrageous tribute.
Meet the Audacious IV, a modern interpretation of the classic Quattro created by Edinburgh-based Audacious Automotive. It looks like something that escaped from a Group B rally stage, but underneath that aggressive bodywork lies a very different Audi.
Instead of relying on the original Quattro’s turbocharged five-cylinder engine, the IV uses the mechanical foundations of the B7-generation Audi RS4. That means a 4.2-liter V8 at its heart, with everything from supercharged power to a screaming 10,000-rpm redline on the menu.
The company plans to build just 50 examples, with prices starting at £350,000 before taxes and other costs. That’s an awful lot of money for a Quattro tribute, but the specifications are certainly intriguing.
A V8 That Can Rev To 10,000 RPM
The Audacious IV uses the RS4’s 4.2-liter V8, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox and permanent all-wheel drive. Four engine configurations are planned, starting with a supercharged version producing 600 horsepower.
A more powerful supercharged setup increases output to 750 horsepower, thanks to upgraded internals, cooling, and fueling systems. Those figures are impressive enough, but the remaining two versions are where things start getting ridiculous.
Audacious is developing high-revving V8 configurations capable of spinning to 10,000 rpm, available with or without a supercharger. Final power figures haven’t been announced, but the prospect of a naturally aspirated V8 screaming toward five figures sounds pretty irresistible.
The company is targeting a 0–60 mph time below 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 200 mph. Those are serious supercar numbers, although we’ll have to wait for the finished cars to see whether Audacious can deliver.
Group B Looks With Modern RS4 Hardware
The IV’s styling draws inspiration from the legendary short-wheelbase Sport Quattro, with enormous boxy fenders, aggressive aerodynamic details, and a massive rear wing. There’s also a hint of Audi’s wild IMSA racing machinery in the design.
Buyers can choose between a reworked original Quattro body and carbon-fiber bodywork. The carbon version is expected to weigh around 1,200 kg, while metal-bodied examples should come in at approximately 1,400–1,450 kg.
Inside, the dashboard has been redesigned with a more traditional, analog appearance, while the RS4’s supportive seats remain. Each car will also be tailored to its owner’s preferences.
Only 50 Will Be Built
Audacious Automotive plans to hand-build all 50 cars in Edinburgh, with the first customer delivery targeted for late 2027. The £350,000 starting price excludes VAT, donor vehicles, transport, registration, and optional specifications.
It’s certainly an expensive way to celebrate one of Audi’s greatest hits. Still, the combination of Group B-inspired styling, a manual gearbox, and a V8 capable of 10,000 rpm is difficult not to get excited about.