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The Upgrade Garage
April '08 Featured AZ'er: whizbang18T's 2006 A3 2.0T Sportback
April 2, 2008 - By Audizine Staff
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StumbleUponUser Name: whizbang18T
Real Name: Luis A.
Location: Houston, TX USA
Year of Vehicle: 2006
Model of Vehicle: A3
Engine of Vehicle: 2.0T
Real Name: Luis A.
Location: Houston, TX USA
Year of Vehicle: 2006
Model of Vehicle: A3
Engine of Vehicle: 2.0T
So let's see now, what do we mean by big? Well first off, the wheels, those certainly aren't stock. The Makaveli Berzinni's on this car are actually three inches larger than the stockers. For those doing the math, yes, those suckers are 20 inches large! Behind that, Luis was able to get an ECS/Brembo Stage 5 brake kit installed. We then have a near full Rieger Tuning body kit, no mistaking that mod either. It includes a front lip, a splitter below that, and sideskirts. Finishing it off at the rear is an Oettinger lower valence, as Luis preferred the lines of this piece a bit better. We'd have to say, they do look good together.
Like many A3 owners, Luis came from the world of V-Dub. Having owned - and of course modified - a Volkswagen MkIV Jetta previously, he wasn't afraid to make this car his own. He wanted the comfortable yet sporty feel of a German car, but one which had that something extra to help set him apart from the pack. With the numerous modifications made to the exterior, interior, and under the hood, it's safe to say that Luis has achieved that. Because of the time, energy, and passion put into this car, we are happy to feature this big little A3 for the month of April 2008.
Current Modifications
Engine/Exhaust:
Neuspeed intake
Neuspeed carbon fiber engine cover w/ Audi badges
Audi Collection exhaust tips
Engine/Exhaust:
Neuspeed intake
Neuspeed carbon fiber engine cover w/ Audi badges
Audi Collection exhaust tips
Suspension:
Wheels/Brakes:
20x8.5 Makaveli Berzinni high-polished
ECS/Brembo Stage 5 brake upgrade
Interior:
Parrot CK3000 Bluetooth & steering controls
Clarion APX1300 amp
Clarion PFW1051 10" subwoofer
Tsunami 1.2f capacitor
PhatNoise MP3 Jukebox (20gig)
MK5 VW Jetta GLI pedals
MK2 Audi TT dead pedal
Euro OEM floor mats
Exterior:
Rieger Tuning front lip
Rieger Tuning splitter
Rieger Tuning side skirts
Oettinger rear valence
Hφen fog lights
inPro chrome side mirrors
Parrot CK3000 Bluetooth & steering controls
Clarion APX1300 amp
Clarion PFW1051 10" subwoofer
Tsunami 1.2f capacitor
PhatNoise MP3 Jukebox (20gig)
MK5 VW Jetta GLI pedals
MK2 Audi TT dead pedal
Euro OEM floor mats
Exterior:
Rieger Tuning front lip
Rieger Tuning splitter
Rieger Tuning side skirts
Oettinger rear valence
Hφen fog lights
inPro chrome side mirrors
Future Modifications
Euro OEM HID conversionQ (Audizine): How long have you owned this vehicle?
A (whizbang18T): I've had it nearly 2 years now.
Q: How has your ownership been with this vehicle overall?
A: Excellent! This is my first Audi and the service has been phenomenal!
Q: Think you'll be getting another one anytime soon?
A: Not in the near future.
A: Excellent! This is my first Audi and the service has been phenomenal!
Q: Think you'll be getting another one anytime soon?
A: Not in the near future.
Q: Is this your first Audi? If not, what other models and years have you owned?
A: Yes, first one.
A: Yes, first one.
Q: How long have you been into Audis and in the European tuning scene?
A: I've been into VAG products since '94, but never owned one until my MK4 Jetta in 2000.
A: I've been into VAG products since '94, but never owned one until my MK4 Jetta in 2000.
Q: How long have you been into cars in general, as an enthusiast?
A: I'd say since '94. I had a '94 Honda Civic coupe in college. (laughs)
A: I'd say since '94. I had a '94 Honda Civic coupe in college. (laughs)
Q: Where do you think that passion and enthusiasm comes from, can it be traced back to anyone or anything?
A: I really don't know where exactly. I like customizing/personalizing cars, in general. It can be straight performance or just dressing it up for show.
Q: What do you most love about your car?
A: I gotta say bucket seats are pretty comfy.
Q: What's your biggest peeve in regards to the car, the one thing you dislike the most?
A: The mesh sunscreens for OpenSky - I wished they had a solid shade. I had them tinted shortly after I bought the car, so the summers are comfortable.
Q: Can you explain your modding style? Do you prefer more go, more show, perhaps a combo of both?
A: Well, my previous Mk4 Jetta1.8T had been partly show and mostly go with a GT28RS turbo, 6 speed transmission swap, custom front-mount intercooler, full suspension, etc. I wanted to go a totally different route with this car. I was looking for a quieter, more comfortable ride, but one that would also turn heads.
Q: Do you prefer to do the work yourself, or do you have a shop or specific person perform the work?
A: I like to do the work when I can. My buddies and I did the brakes, suspension and intake, but I leave the bodywork up to the pros.
Q: Which mod or aspect of the car are you the most proud of or happy with?
A: I don't really have a favorite mod since they all contribute to the whole. If I had to choose, I'd probably say the wheels since no one I know has them.
Q: When you're not on Audizine, or out playing with the Audi, what do like to you do for fun?
A: I like to karaoke.
Q: Any word of advice for your fellow enthusiasts, a bit of wisdom you'd like to impart on the masses?
A: Pursue your goals, and don't give up. You can surprise yourself sometimes.
Q: Do you have anyone you'd like to thank, any shout-outs?
A: I really don't know where exactly. I like customizing/personalizing cars, in general. It can be straight performance or just dressing it up for show.
Q: What do you most love about your car?
A: I gotta say bucket seats are pretty comfy.
Q: What's your biggest peeve in regards to the car, the one thing you dislike the most?
A: The mesh sunscreens for OpenSky - I wished they had a solid shade. I had them tinted shortly after I bought the car, so the summers are comfortable.
Q: Can you explain your modding style? Do you prefer more go, more show, perhaps a combo of both?
A: Well, my previous Mk4 Jetta1.8T had been partly show and mostly go with a GT28RS turbo, 6 speed transmission swap, custom front-mount intercooler, full suspension, etc. I wanted to go a totally different route with this car. I was looking for a quieter, more comfortable ride, but one that would also turn heads.
Q: Do you prefer to do the work yourself, or do you have a shop or specific person perform the work?
A: I like to do the work when I can. My buddies and I did the brakes, suspension and intake, but I leave the bodywork up to the pros.
Q: Which mod or aspect of the car are you the most proud of or happy with?
A: I don't really have a favorite mod since they all contribute to the whole. If I had to choose, I'd probably say the wheels since no one I know has them.
Q: Describe your fondest memory of owning, modifying, or driving this vehicle.
A: Installing my Touareg brakes. That was a crazy night.
A: Installing my Touareg brakes. That was a crazy night.
Q: What would be in your ultimate garage, if you could have any two vehicles?
A: Oh, that's a tough one. There are so many, and with different purposes. I'd say a customized early Datsun 240Z and a bone-stock Bugatti Veyron. I know, it's an odd combination.
Q: What do your friends and family think about your passion for Audis?
A: They all think I'm crazy.
Q: How does your love for cars and Audis affect your life, does it play a pretty big part?
A: I compete in car shows, used to autocross, play racing games on the console, hang out with other enthusiasts, and recently registered for the upcoming Audi Driving Experience in Dallas. I'd say it has a little bit. (laughs)
A: Oh, that's a tough one. There are so many, and with different purposes. I'd say a customized early Datsun 240Z and a bone-stock Bugatti Veyron. I know, it's an odd combination.
Q: What do your friends and family think about your passion for Audis?
A: They all think I'm crazy.
Q: How does your love for cars and Audis affect your life, does it play a pretty big part?
A: I compete in car shows, used to autocross, play racing games on the console, hang out with other enthusiasts, and recently registered for the upcoming Audi Driving Experience in Dallas. I'd say it has a little bit. (laughs)
Q: Have an interesting day job? Care to talk a little bit about it?
A: Um... Software Developer...not much to say there. (laughs)
A: Um... Software Developer...not much to say there. (laughs)
Q: What brought you to Audizine, and how long have you been with us?
A: I was looking for Audi forums for ideas. I've only been with Audizine as long as I've had the car.
A: I was looking for Audi forums for ideas. I've only been with Audizine as long as I've had the car.
Q: When you're not on Audizine, or out playing with the Audi, what do like to you do for fun?
A: I like to karaoke.
Q: Any word of advice for your fellow enthusiasts, a bit of wisdom you'd like to impart on the masses?
A: Pursue your goals, and don't give up. You can surprise yourself sometimes.
Q: Do you have anyone you'd like to thank, any shout-outs?
A: My peeps at EuropeanAG.com and Team 16NiSS! And big thanks and photo credits go out to Pratik Naik (photo 1, 4, 5, 6, and 7), Guian Mirabueno (photo 2), and Ramon Torres (photo 3).
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whizbang18Ts 2006 A3 2.0T - Luis A. & Pratik Naik
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whizbang18Ts 2006 A3 2.0T - Luis A. & Guian Mirabueno
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whizbang18Ts 2006 A3 2.0T - Luis A. & Ramon Torres
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whizbang18Ts 2006 A3 2.0T - Luis A. & Pratik Naik
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whizbang18Ts 2006 A3 2.0T - Luis A. & Pratik Naik
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whizbang18Ts 2006 A3 2.0T - Luis A. & Pratik Naik
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whizbang18Ts 2006 A3 2.0T - Luis A. & Pratik Naik
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April '08 Featured AZ'er: whizbang18T's 2006 A3 2.0T Sportback
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