With the Red Square Charity Car Show in the rear view, the next big event on our calendar was the 2014 Audi Expo at Griot’s Garage flagship location in Tacoma, Washington. We’ve been Quattro fans since the early days, so being a part of one of the biggest Audi-exclusive events in the nation is always a good time.
As we packed up the battle wagon with the tent & supplies, the Samoa Orange S8 waited patiently in the shadows. It’s rare to see such a big body beauty in bold hues like Samoa, and definitely a stunner in person. Don’t underestimate its power for its size, either – what lurks beneath that slab of a hood is a massive 520-hp 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8, mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox which will propel this 4620-pound behemoth from 0-60 in just over 3.6 seconds. Even with all that weight to throw around, this Quattro is no slouch.
As we packed up the battle wagon with the tent & supplies, the Samoa Orange S8 waited patiently in the shadows. It’s rare to see such a big body beauty in bold hues like Samoa, and definitely a stunner in person. Don’t underestimate its power for its size, either – what lurks beneath that slab of a hood is a massive 520-hp 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8, mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox which will propel this 4620-pound behemoth from 0-60 in just over 3.6 seconds. Even with all that weight to throw around, this Quattro is no slouch.
Speaking of colossal Quattros, did we mention the King of Rings came out for the day? Once the S4 grouped up at the shop, we got the team assembled and hit the interstate. Unfortunately for us, the weekend’s road closures meant traffic would be an absolute nightmare, so letting the S8 stretch its legs a bit for some rolling shots was going to be trickier than years past.
Speaking of colossal Quattros, did we mention the King of Rings came out for the day? Once the S4 grouped up at the shop, we got the team assembled and hit the interstate. Unfortunately for us, the weekend’s road closures meant traffic would be an absolute nightmare, so letting the S8 stretch its legs a bit for some rolling shots was going to be trickier than years past.
Nevertheless, cruising to Audi Expo goes by quick when you’re trailing a fully optioned S8 & S4 that took home the crown at European Car’s “Ultimate S4 Shootout” a few years back. This monster that hasn’t been let out of the cage much as of late, so we figured it was due for an appearance since its last showing in 2012. If you’re not too familiar with the Ultimate S4 Shootout, check out the original article courtesy of the Achtuning archives here.
Nevertheless, cruising to Audi Expo goes by quick when you’re trailing a fully optioned S8 & S4 that took home the crown at European Car’s “Ultimate S4 Shootout” a few years back. This monster that hasn’t been let out of the cage much as of late, so we figured it was due for an appearance since its last showing in 2012. If you’re not too familiar with the Ultimate S4 Shootout, check out the original article courtesy of the Achtuning archives here.
On the roll, the S8 looked every bit as luxurious as it did menacing. The Samoa finish shines in the sun with a stellar blend of metallic copper, deep golden tones & just the right amount of gluttonous glut orange. It’s a shame we don’t see more cars done up in this particular hue, but perhaps that’s part of what makes it “Audi Exclusive” in the best kind of way. When the time comes to cop a new Quattro, we may very well be the first ones in line asking, “please sir, can we have samoa?”
On the roll, the S8 looked every bit as luxurious as it did menacing. The Samoa finish shines in the sun with a stellar blend of metallic copper, deep golden tones & just the right amount of gluttonous glut orange. It’s a shame we don’t see more cars done up in this particular hue, but perhaps that’s part of what makes it “Audi Exclusive” in the best kind of way. When the time comes to cop a new Quattro, we may very well be the first ones in line asking, “please sir, can we have samoa?”
Bad jokes aside, this car turns heads faster than it turns corners.
Bad jokes aside, this car turns heads faster than it turns corners.
We arrived a Griot’s a little behind schedule, and the Expo was already getting underway with the lots looking filled up with all things Audi. Auchtuning was on the lawn with an eye-catching Sepang Blue RS5, just adjacent to a beautiful white R8.
We arrived a Griot’s a little behind schedule, and the Expo was already getting underway with the lots looking filled up with all things Audi. Auchtuning was on the lawn with an eye-catching Sepang Blue RS5, just adjacent to a beautiful white R8.
Of course, QuattroWorld was posted up proper with everyone’s favorite RS4 Avant shining in the sun.
Of course, QuattroWorld was posted up proper with everyone’s favorite RS4 Avant shining in the sun.
Fitment, wild wheels & a lowered lifestyle seemed to be a prominent theme at Audi Expo this year more so than years past, and while there was a strong showing from both the purist & personalization crowd alike, the Quattros with unique styling choices seemed to be getting the most looks.
Fitment, wild wheels & a lowered lifestyle seemed to be a prominent theme at Audi Expo this year more so than years past, and while there was a strong showing from both the purist & personalization crowd alike, the Quattros with unique styling choices seemed to be getting the most looks.
On the upper deck, attendees could get a closer look at a tastefully dropped and optioned A3 equipped with H&R Springs.
On the upper deck, attendees could get a closer look at a tastefully dropped and optioned A3 equipped with H&R Springs.
The sleek lines of the RS7 were also impossible to ignore on the approach to Griot’s entrance. Of course, until we spied what was lurking in the shadows.
The sleek lines of the RS7 were also impossible to ignore on the approach to Griot’s entrance. Of course, until we spied what was lurking in the shadows.
After all, what would a Audi-centric event be without some proper rally representation?
After all, what would a Audi-centric event be without some proper rally representation?
Among the lineup, there was one particular red Coupe sporting a seriously stuffed swap that was drawing quite a crowd.
Among the lineup, there was one particular red Coupe sporting a seriously stuffed swap that was drawing quite a crowd.
Sometimes the best replacement IS displacement. Sporting a beefy V8, this was easily one of the more notable swaps of the day.
Sometimes the best replacement IS displacement. Sporting a beefy V8, this was easily one of the more notable swaps of the day.
Regardless of form, fitment, staying stock or making statements, the Expo always seems to host a welcoming, Quattro-centric group of enthusiasts & like-minded individuals.
Regardless of form, fitment, staying stock or making statements, the Expo always seems to host a welcoming, Quattro-centric group of enthusiasts & like-minded individuals.
The 2014 Expo was just as memorable as the last; and even though we didn’t roll out with the satin R8 GT this year, we enjoyed showing off our specialized saloon and supplying plenty of high-octane horsepower to the growing display of Audi’s finest.
The 2014 Expo was just as memorable as the last; and even though we didn’t roll out with the satin R8 GT this year, we enjoyed showing off our specialized saloon and supplying plenty of high-octane horsepower to the growing display of Audi’s finest.
Miss out on the action & looking for more? Check out our 2013 Audi Expo Expedition with QuattroWorld.com, and be sure to head over to the official Audi Expo facebook page to stay up-to-date with next year’s event!
Miss out on the action & looking for more? Check out our 2013 Audi Expo Expedition with QuattroWorld.com, and be sure to head over to the official Audi Expo facebook page to stay up-to-date with next year’s event!