NorthWest Auto Salon

Here in the NorthWest, the station wagon is a weapon of choice for a lot of commuters & weekend warriors. Whether it’s being used to haul cycling gear, camping equipment, or a come-up from the local farmers market, it seems like we have more wagons on the roads than anywhere else in the nation. Aside from the average grocery getter, we have a strong breed of wagoners who prefer going for something a little more ludicrous; it’s not all slammed Subarus & Volvos, either. Given the local affinity for horsepower & performance, the PNW is home to plenty of beefy CTS-Vs, AMG estates, and even one incredibly rare Audi Avant.

Audi RS4 Avant photos and detail NWAS QuattroWorld

The original B5 RS4 Avant was introduced during the later part of ’99, as the successor to the Audi RS2 Avant. Much like its predecessor, the RS4 was only available in Avant form, built off the existing B5 platform shared with the A4 and S4. Unfortunately for Audi fans stateside, the RS4 was available for sale predominately in Europe, parts of Asia & a few South American countries; very few ever made it across the border. Of the 6,030 RS4s produced between 1999 and 2001, we only know of four that were legally imported for road use in the US. Fortunately enough, one of the four happened to make it into the hands of a tried & true Audi enthusiast, where it now functions as a flagship vehicle for QuattroWorld.com.

In preparation for the 2013 Audi Expo, this particular RS4 came through the shop for a spa day before the meet & greet down at Griot’s Garage. Even though this RS4 sees a lot of road time, she’s also pretty well maintained. It had been awhile since her last visit, so we figured she would make the perfect candidate for one of our most comprehensive reconditioning packages, the Connoisseur Detail.

After a thorough hand wash and clay barring, the Audi was ready for further inspection.

Audi RS4 Avant photos and detail NWAS QuattroWorld

Our Connoisseur Detail service has been designed specifically to remove all the unsightly swirl marks, micro-marring, light etching, holograms and medium scratches present with a 3 stage buff & polish.

Audi RS4 Avant photos and detail NWAS QuattroWorld

Audi RS4 Avant photos and detail NWAS QuattroWorld

Audi RS4 Avant photos and detail NWAS QuattroWorld

Once Myron knew what he was working with, he set off on the 3-stage correction process.

Audi RS4 Avant photos and detail NWAS QuattroWorld

Audi RS4 Avant photos and detail NWAS QuattroWorld

After the paint correction had been completed & sealant was applied, the wheels were touched up a bit & George put a fresh coat of wax on the wheels plus some tire dressing before we moved her into the cyclorama for a quick photo shoot.

Audi RS4 Avant photos and detail NWAS QuattroWorld

Audi RS4 Avant photos and detail NWAS QuattroWorld

Audi RS4 Avant photos and detail NWAS QuattroWorld

The large, flared arches of the B5 RS4 give the car an incredible amount of presence, and act as a cue for any onlooker who might be questioning the ferocity of an Audi Avant that’s rarely seen at street level. Slack-jawed variations of “Is it a real one?” followed by drooling OoOs & aahs are rather commonplace remarks to hear for those in the know, and while it’s still “just a wagon,” it seems once you’ve caught the RS4 fever, there’s no known cure except more Audi.

Audi RS4 Avant photos and detail NWAS QuattroWorld

Beyond the aggressive body lines and stance, plenty of gills, grills, vents, and a large set of BBS wheels help tie the whole exterior together.

Audi RS4 Avant photos and detail NWAS QuattroWorld

Audi RS4 Avant photos and detail NWAS QuattroWorld

The guts are rather spartan, and really what one has grown to expect of a performance-oriented Audi, minus the flappy paddle gearbox. The three spoke wheel is adorned with a small RS4 badge, while the dash, doors, and console are trimmed in plenty of carbon fiber.

Audi RS4 Avant photos and detail NWAS QuattroWorld

Audi RS4 Avant photos and detail NWAS QuattroWorld

All in all, there is very little we don’t love about the RS4. With more power than most people find necessary, insane amounts of Quattro driven grip, and plenty of room for whatever is on the schedule, it’s hard to find a reason not to #wantanRS4 more than most anything Audi has to offer nowadays. Of course, there will always be exceptions, but we can definitely see why people were petitioning & starting social media campaigns to bring the new B8 RS4 Avant stateside.

Audi RS4 Avant photos and detail NWAS QuattroWorld

To see even more Audi awesomeness, check out our adventure to the 2013 Audi Expo with QuattroWorld.com! For more information about the Connoisseur Detail performed here, or regarding any of the car care services we offer, click here or feel free to contact us.