Born from rally stages and defined by its five-cylinder soundtrack and all-wheel-drive innovation, the Audi Ur-Quattro remains one of the most revered performance cars of its era. Now, a British newcomer is reimagining that legend with a distinctly modern edge.

Audacious Automotive, a UK-based start-up, has revealed its interpretation of the Quattro formula, blending the classic silhouette with contemporary performance hardware. At the centre of the transformation is a significant departure from tradition. The original turbocharged five-cylinder has been replaced by Audi’s naturally aspirated 4.2-litre V8 from the B7-generation RS4. Add a supercharger to the equation, and output is expected to exceed 600 hp, channelled through a manual gearbox.

The combination may be unexpected, but is entirely fitting. The RS4’s V8 is widely regarded for its character and response, and in this context, it promises to deliver a very different kind of Quattro experience. Less turbocharged punch, perhaps, but more immediacy and a harder-edged soundtrack.

The visual transformation is just as dramatic. Drawing heavily from the Group B S1 Quattro, the restomod adopts an aggressive widebody stance with flared arches, a reworked front end and enlarged air intakes. At the rear, a louvered window, prominent wing and bespoke diffuser underline its rally-inspired intent, while dual exhausts hint at the performance beneath.

Construction begins with steel and aluminium, though future customer cars are expected to feature full carbon-fibre bodywork. As with many restomod projects, craftsmanship is central to the appeal, with each build requiring both an original Quattro and an RS4 donor car.

With builds expected to start at £350,000 before donor vehicles, this is certainly an exclusive project. Fortunately, Audacious is posting weekly updates on its social media for those who wish to follow the journey.