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1993 Audi S4 Project Car: It's in the Mix!
Before the hot S4 cars that you see on the roads today hit the market, there were the original S4s from Audi. Based on the relatively sedate Audi 100 Sedan, the S4 blew up the competition by coming standard with quattro all-wheel drive, and a 227-horsepower inline 5 that was turbocharged and intercooled. Recaro seats wrapped in yards of fine leather; real carbon fiber trim on the dash and doors (carbon fiber trim was a 1993 only feature), automatic climate control, heated front and rear seats, and a glass moonroof (standard after 1992) created real luxury in a high performance sedan.
The UrS4 and UrS6 ( Ur means “original” in German), were produced in very limited numbers from 1992-1995.5. Purists will argue about which year was the best for this limited production Autobahn screamer, but the real deal is that if you have one from any year, you’re in the mix! Well, we intend to mix it up with Automotive Rhythms’(AR) recently acquired 1993 Audi S4 Project Car. The AR S4 was purchased as a two-owner car, and has nearly all of the service records from day one. The body doesn’t have a single dent or ding, and the interior just needs a good cleaning to make it look showroom again.
 So it’s on! We are rounding up sponsors now and the AR S4 will make its debut at the 2006 Washington International Auto Show next January in Washington, D.C. By then, we want it rimmed up and slammed for handling and overall beauty. We hope to add shocks, springs and larger wheels and tires to achieve this look. The BBS three-piece wheels that came on the vehicle are sweet, but the style is a bit old school. Yet, until we get it hooked, we still want to roll in style. The first move is to get the grime off of the BBS wheels with some quality products. Michelin has a new line of tire and wheel care products and was kind enough to send us some to get the AR S4 off on the right foot. It’s an easy three-part system from Michelin.
Step One is the Wheel and Tire Cleaner. Simply spray it on, give it a couple of minutes to do its thing, and use a forceful stream of water to blast your wheels back to beauty. Extra grimy wheels (like ours!) may require a little scrubbing with a soft brush to maximize the cleaner’s power. It also removes that build up of second rate tire shine products on the tires. Step Two is to apply Michelin Tire Shine. This product is different from others in that optimized dimethicone adds luster and gloss to the tire sidewall for a natural-looking shine; and plasticizers and moisturizers keep tires, as well as interior and exterior rubber, plastic, and vinyl, nourished and resilient. This tire shine is easy to apply—simply spray on, allow the Shine to penetrate the rubber, and buff off the excess with the Michelin microfiber towel supplied with the system. Step Three is my favorite, as German cars are well known to have excessive brake dust. The Michelin Brake Dust Repellent keeps the black dust from sticking to your wheels, making cleanup with a plain stream of water all you need in most cases to keep your rims shiny. It’s also the first product of its kind to change the molecular surface charge of wheels to repel brake dust and dirt. Apply the repellent sparingly, allow to dry a bit, and wipe up any excess. You are now protected.
Check out the before and after pix. What I like most about the system is the cleaner is acid free, and is safe for your wheels (and your skin!). If you’ve ever burned an expensive alloy with caustic cleaners, you’ll certainly appreciate using the Michelin System. It will not damage wheels or other finishes if not rinsed immediately.
So stay tuned for updates to the AR S4. It’s our first non-manufacturer supplied project car, and we’re excited about it. We’re looking for audio system and paint sponsors, and well as companies supplying suspension, tire, wheel and braking upgrades. Look for the AR S4 at any East Coast show next year!
For more information on Michelin car care products, go to:
(www.petroferm.com/michelin/faq.htm)
 
 
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