AWE Tuning & German Performance Service present: The Climb to the Clouds S4 Build

[Josh/AWE]

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/CTTC_header_graphic.jpg

And now for something a little different. We were approached by our friends at German Performance Service (http://www.germanperformanceservice.com) with an interesting proposition: Let’s build a race car made from all AWE Tuning off-the-shelf parts, and partner with other best of the best performance upgrades, to build a car that could theoretically be assembled by just about anyone - since most of the parts are standard issue for street use.

And then let’s enter it in one of the most challenging races on the East coast: The infamous Climb to the Clouds (http://climbtotheclouds.com/) - a 110 year old hillclimb event up Mt. Washington on June 29, 2014.

The car - a 2013 B8.5 S4, S-Tronic - would be crafted under the headline “Race Sunday, Commute Monday” to underscore the concept of off-the-shelf parts that anyone can own. #commutemonday.

So our course was set. Before we get cooking here, let’s graciously thank our participating sponsors: G.I.A.C. (http://www.awe-tuning.com/awe-tuning-b8-5-stage-2-performance-pulley-kit), Yokohama, H&R Special Springs (http://www.awe-tuning.com/vaf/product/list/?brand_name=11&category=%3F&drivetrain=&engine=0&make=1&model=20&submodel=0&transmission=&year=396), SPC (http://www.awe-tuning.com/spc-performance-adjustable-control-arm-kit), Pagid and Audi Genuine Parts.

Without further adieu, let’s build this thing! We'll be updating regularly, subscribe to stay in the loop!

[raudiace4]

AWESOME!!!

[amz]

Subb'd!

[lapisia]

Dayum! Can't wait to see the build and the results!

[IanCH]

Subscribed and looking to maybe attend to spectate, looks awesome.

[Petrolhead]

Subscribed!

[Usa]

Sweet

[mmmkam]

Subscribed!

[iceboss23]

subscribed

[QuattroRocket]

Great idea, subscribed for updates.

[ModBargains.com]

Great job, can't wait to see this project unfold. Kudos to AWE for always making quality parts [race]

[LeadToRome]

but, but…German Performance Service doesn't work on Audis. I guess that's changing?

[Akatsuki...]

sub'd

[JRunior]

Subscribed!

[fromario]

but, but…German Performance Service doesn't work on Audis. I guess that's changing?

Marc who chipped my car has a B8.5 so I can see them learning quick :)

[SeaBassHWD]

Nice

[PSUGOLD]

Rock on!

[lrae]

Awesome! I'm gonna try to make it up north to watch this go down.

[shizzrock]

Marc who chipped my car has a B8.5 so I can see them learning quick :)

I got chipped there also; they are awesome guys. They actually did Road Atlanta and Marc finished third in the T3 class (with a restrictor plate!) Their S4 is stripped and roll caged.

[soslower]

in it to win it!

[Mops@Nemesis]

In for nudes of OP.

[KRp220]

so sick. if theres still snow on tuckerman's you could watch at the top and ski/ride down!

New England get together?!

[Josh/AWE]

Last spring, Marc Feinstein (of Turner motorsport fame, founder of GPS) got a call from AoA. “Could you use a 2013 S4?”

His “Um, yes?” response must have been the right one, because months later, while on a family trip, Marc got a call from the GPS headquarters.

“Marc, there’s a delivery driver here. He says he has your S4.”

(Just in case you’re wondering, no, your phone will not ring tomorrow with a similar question.)

The vehicle, once part of Audi’s test fleet, was in need of a new home. And Feinstein was no stranger to industry inner-workings, having been a member of the Turner Motorsports team from 2001-2007 and Black Swan Racing in 2010 and 2011 (Marc's driving and crew achievements can be found HERE. (http://www.germanperformanceservice.com/resume/)). Audi knew, that in Marc’s capable hands, something interesting could happen...

So now our blank canvas sat at German Performance Service, ready for an extreme makeover.

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-102_1280.jpg

Next stop, demolition.

[LeadToRome]

Next stop, demolition.

Nice action, keep it going.

[Josh/AWE]

Time to get cooking. Even though our theme will be “Race Sunday, Commute Monday,” we do need to keep in mind we are building a race car here (the eventual livery install will reveal a detailed look at the half race car, half street car theme - good stuff coming).

German Performance Service spared no time ripping out all unnecessary parts. Luxury no more. Thanks to the masterminds at GPS for snapping some deconstruction and install shots.

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-101_1280.jpg

Bye bye sound deadening.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-111_1280.jpg

Out comes the dashboard.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-106_1280.jpg

We'll be getting into safety shortly...

[Frag]

Wow ... I will have so much fun following this thread!

In which class the car will compete? I'll be to the race.

[Josh/AWE]

Wow ... I will have so much fun following this thread!

In which class the car will compete? I'll be to the race.

They'll be in the no-holds-barred Open class for the hillclimb. It's going to be intense. [up]

[KMoore]

Subscribed

[adbender]

this is an awesome project...cant wait to see all the results.

[Josh/AWE]

It’s time to tackle some safety.

Cage: Check. Thanks to Chris Howard, cage builder extraordinaire.

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-105_1280.jpg


Test fitting the slightly-modified luxurious dash panel in its new spartan home.

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-110_1280.jpg


Driver’s side floor board and dead pedal made of carbon fiber with nomex honeycomb core.

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-120_1280.jpg


After test-fitting and finalizing the locations for the remaining interior accoutrements, the cage was then doused in a fresh coat of our favorite anti-color, black.

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-132_1280.jpg


http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-133_1280.jpg


A carbon kevlar Racetech seat was installed along with Schroth harnesses and window net.

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-150_1280.jpg


Next up, SPA remotely actuated fire system. That’s the red bottle that's replacing the back seat.

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-141_1280.jpg


Less is more. Save the cup holder!

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-155_1280.jpg

Above, you'll notice that in place of the MMI screen, we've installed an AIM Solo DL datalogger - The AIM datalogger is a rather impressive bit of technology. With the ability to interface with the factory Audi powertrain CAN-bus and record at least 20 channels of live data, we’ll be able to analyze all the goods.

So, we’ve got this race sled all decked out in enough required safety equipment to make any race sanctioning body happy. I think it's about time we add some go-fast parts.

[jran76]

Looks pretty awesome and can't wait to see what they do, but it sounds like the "commute on Monday" was kind of a joke....

[KarimS3]

Interesting that this is a german spec car (headlights, speedometer, hill hold etc).

Subscribed!

[Josh/AWE]

Looks pretty awesome and can't wait to see what they do, but it sounds like the "commute on Monday" was kind of a joke....

The 'Commute Monday' theme will become more apparent later. [:d]

[Frag]

You guys must have quite a blast!

[KMoore]

Subscribed

[Auditude2.0T]

When are we meeting at Atco to run a gutted Stage 2 B8.5 down the track lol

[raudiace4]

Can't wait to see what a gutted 100 oct Stage 2 can run in the 1/4. Break in to the 10s? [:D]

[dropshadow]

Interesting that this is a german spec car (headlights, speedometer, hill hold etc).

Subscribed!

No sunroof either. Subscribed.


http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-101_1280.jpg

[S42014forme]

That sounds great! Kudos to all participating sponsors and of course AWE and GPS. This will make us want your products even more...



http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/CTTC_header_graphic.jpg

And now for something a little different. We were approached by our friends at German Performance Service (http://www.germanperformanceservice.com) with an interesting proposition: Let’s build a race car made from all AWE Tuning off-the-shelf parts, and partner with other best of the best performance upgrades, to build a car that could theoretically be assembled by just about anyone - since most of the parts are standard issue for street use.

And then let’s enter it in one of the most challenging races on the East coast: The infamous Climb to the Clouds (http://climbtotheclouds.com/) - a 110 year old hillclimb event up Mt. Washington on June 29, 2014.

The car - a 2013 B8.5 S4, S-Tronic - would be crafted under the headline “Race Sunday, Commute Monday” to underscore the concept of off-the-shelf parts that anyone can own. #commutemonday.

So our course was set. Before we get cooking here, let’s graciously thank our participating sponsors: G.I.A.C. (http://www.awe-tuning.com/awe-tuning-b8-5-stage-2-performance-pulley-kit), Yokohama, H&R Special Springs (http://www.awe-tuning.com/vaf/product/list/?brand_name=11&category=%3F&drivetrain=&engine=0&make=1&model=20&submodel=0&transmission=&year=396), SPC (http://www.awe-tuning.com/spc-performance-adjustable-control-arm-kit), Pagid and Audi Genuine Parts.

Without further adieu, let’s build this thing! We'll be updating regularly, subscribe to stay in the loop!

[Shaman]

I wanted to get a car without a sunroof. But the Technik package bundled one in with the nicer features... *sigh*

[Josh/AWE]

Now it's time to walk the aisles of of AWE Tuning headquarters.


http://youtu.be/XlmNNZFZPGI

The first performance target we set our sights on was improving the 3.0T engine’s ability to gulp down cool air.

AWE Tuning 3.0T S-FLO Carbon Kit (http://www.awe-tuning.com/awe-tuning-coldfront-heat-exchanger-system)

In goes the AWE Tuning S-FLO Intake, Carbon Kit. On an otherwise stock 3.0T, the intake alone unlocks 15 HP and 11 TQ @ 6950 RPM. Given the altitude of Mt Washington, we knew that the #CommuteMonday car would need to inhale as much as possible to still put down the numbers needed for mountain domination. Plus, that carbon’s got the under-hood-appeal to turn heads when the bonnet’s up.

The S-FLO Intake was engineered for maximum flow and power:
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/engineering_models/AWE_30T_SFlo_cad_model_1280.jpg

Glamour shots:
http://www.awe-tuning.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/a/w/awe_sflo_30t_32l_studio2_1280_rt_1.jpg

http://www.awe-tuning.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/a/w/awe_30t_sflo_carbon_kit_close_1280_4.jpg


The AWE Tuning ColdFront™ Heat Exchanger (http://www.awe-tuning.com/awe-tuning-coldfront-heat-exchanger-system)

Running at full bore up the slopes of Mt. Washington will end up producing an incredible amount of heat that could overwhelm the stock heat exchanger and reduce power output. Enter the AWE Tuning ColdFront™ Heat Exchanger.

Developed to reduce the high intake air temperatures produced by the Supercharged 3.0T engine, the ColdFront™ Heat Exchanger will help keep power delivery strong on our way to the top.

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/engineering_models/awe_30t_ic_heatexchanger_cad_model_1280.jpg

Insufficiently cooled air entering a vehicle’s engine - particularly this one - will rob power and performance. Modified vehicles, notably those flashed and/or equipped with a modified supercharger pulley like the AWE Tuning Stage 2 Performance Pulley (more on that later, including bringing G.I.A.C. on board), are particularly susceptible to higher intake air temperatures. This fixes that.

http://www.awe-tuning.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/a/w/awe_30t_ic_heatexchanger_kit_1280_1.jpg


The AWE Tuning ColdFront™ Reservoir (http://www.awe-tuning.com/awe-tuning-coldfront-heat-exchanger-system)

To bolster the supercharger’s cooling system even further, we added our ColdFront™ Reservoir, which with its extra coolant capacity, will help drive down IATs and keep power even more consistent throughout the run. Seeing as we saw such sustained performance when we utilized the ColdFront™ Reservoir in our claiming of the ¼ mile pump fuel record with our own B8.5 S5 (http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/594104-AWE-Tuning-B8-5-S5-snags-3-0T-S4-S5-pump-fuel-1-4-mile-record-11-883-116-49), it was a no-brainer to include it on the #CommuteMonday mobile as well.

For those using the ColdFront Reservoir in a more drag-race-oriented setting, the simple and accessible top of the reservoir will allow for quick ice addition to keep temperatures in check, and drop IATs even further.

http://www.awe-tuning.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/a/w/awe_30t_ic_reservoir_kit_1280_1.jpg


The AWE Tuning ColdFront™ Coolant Pump (http://www.awe-tuning.com/awe-tuning-coldfront-heat-exchanger-system)

The pump itself which is manufactured by cooling system gurus Meziere, flows 100% better than the stock heat exchanger coolant pump, and drops IATs an additional 8% when combined with the ColdFront™ Heat Exchanger and Reservoir. Cool again.

http://www.awe-tuning.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/a/w/awe_30t_coolant_pump_kit_1280.jpg

http://www.awe-tuning.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/a/w/awe_30t_coolant_pump_pump_1280_1.jpg


The AWE Tuning ColdFront™ Heat Exchanger Protection Screen (http://www.awe-tuning.com/awe-tuning-coldfront-heat-exchanger-system)

Let’s wear some armor. The ColdFront™ Protection screen, shown below on our in-house Project B8.5 S5, adds a durable and effective layer of stainless steel mesh that serves to keep the heat exchanger safe from debris attacks. Power. Protection. Performance. Cool (yes, again).

http://www.awe-tuning.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/a/w/awe_30t_ic_oncar_close_1280.jpg


AWE Tuning Non-Resonated 3.0T Downpipes (http://www.awe-tuning.com/awe-tuning-audi-s4-performance-exhaust-and-downpipe-systems)

We’re up to downpipes. The AWE Tuning Non-Resonated 3.0T Downpipes should do the trick. Featuring larger-than-stock diameter tubing for better flow, and lacking any sort of resonator, these downpipes will help give the CTTC S4 a healthy dose of race car attitude.

http://www.awe-tuning.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/a/w/awe_b8_30t_nonres_dp_set_1280.jpg


Next up, something loud is afoot out back.

[raudiace4]

Let me get that Cold front kit for FREE.99.[:D]

[Josh/AWE]

The AWE Tuning S4 exhaust line (http://www.awe-tuning.com/b8-b85-s4-exhausts) has always been a favorite of ours at AWE Tuning. But occasionally, we get the request for something… a little less civilized. So, what better way to introduce our Track Edition Exhaust System than on a track edition car?

The Track Edition Exhaust System (for B8 Audi S4s (http://www.awe-tuning.com/b8-b85-s4-exhausts/awe-b8s4-track-edition) and B8.5 Audi S4s (http://www.awe-tuning.com/b8-b85-s4-exhausts/awe-b85s4-track-edition))is based off of the tried and true hand-crafted geometry of the B8 and B8.5 3.0T Touring Edition Exhaust Systems, except with… less. Just one central muffler, no resonators. It’s made of the same T-304 stainless, is still crafted in house by our master fabricators, and delivers the same power gains. Along with less weight, S4 owners will also enjoy that this system comes in at a lower price point.

If pure, unadulterated 3.0T is your sound track, this system might want to be on your play list.

Highlights:

+8HP, +9TQ at the crank
Increased pipe diameter to 2.5” to let engine exhale better
Available with Chrome Silver or Diamond Black individually adjustable tips
Engineered, developed, tested, and manufactured in-house at AWE Tuning
Thick .065” wall T304 stainless steel tubing
Stainless steel TIG welds
High quality stainless steel band clamps
Stainless steel center muffler with OEM-grade stainless steel wool and German composite packing material
Optional downpipes for fine-tuning sound volume
Lifetime Warranty


Fair warning, this is a loud exhaust that is not for the faint of heart. Built to wake the natives on Mt. Washington.

http://www.awe-tuning.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/a/w/awe_b8_b8.5_s4_track_edition_1280_1.jpg

http://www.awe-tuning.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/a/w/awe_b8_s4_track_edition_undercar_1280.jpg

http://www.awe-tuning.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/a/w/awe_b8_s4_system_90mm_option_blk_side.jpg

http://www.awe-tuning.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/a/w/awe_b8_s4_system_90mm_option_side.jpg

http://www.awe-tuning.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/1/0/102mm_rear_34_s4_track.jpg

http://www.awe-tuning.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/1/0/102mm_rear_34_s4_track_black.jpg

Stay tuned for upcoming chapters of the #CommuteMonday build where we get into some installation.

[KRp220]

sound clips!

[AC419]

^ x2

[1975audi]

Subscribed

[Josh/AWE]

I’m holding out for a hero. He’s gotta be strong, he’s gotta be fast, and he’s gotta be fresh from the fight. I need a hero.

It’s time we find someone to drive this thing.

Introducing Ramana Lagemann, who likely doesn’t even need an introduction. Considered one of the fastest American rally drivers in competition, Ramana Lagemann was a factory driver for Subaru Rally Team USA. He has won multiple events, including the Olympus Rally and the New England Forest Rally, he competed in the X Games, and he’s raced up Pikes Peak. Less well known: he learned to drive in his father’s Audi 4000 quattro; the first car he ever raced was his Audi Coupe quattro; and currently he’s an instructor for the Audi Driving Experience.

And now, he’ll officially pilot the AWE Tuning / GPS “Commute Monday” S4, demonstrating what can be done with off the shelf performance parts.

http://awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/ramana/rally-pair.png

http://awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/ramana/ramana-media.jpg

Stay tuned for some killer footage of some of the early shake down runs with Ramana at the helm.

Welcome aboard, Ramana!

[mrbalogna]

Thanks for the kind words Zack! I'm really excited to be a part of the team.

As a kid in the 80's, I was fascinated with Audi's motorsports dominance in rallying and road racing. I also have vivid memories of being in awe of Sprongl's fire breathing Audi S2 on US rally stages, and I witnessed Frank set the record at Mt. Washington in 1998, while my '91 Audi CQ sat in the Audi corral. So now it's great to have this opportunity to run the S4 at Mt. Washington, an event that has so much rich history with the Audi brand.

In testing the car has been awesome, really stable and easy to drive with tons of accessible performance. It won't be the most powerful or most heavily modified car at Mt. Washington, but as a total package, it is going to be pretty impressive!

If you guys have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate. In the meantime KRp220, and AC419, here's a clip of the car launching with the AWE Tuning Track Edition exhaust...
Enjoy! (Sorry, you'll have to click the link, I couldn't figure out how to embed it)

AWE / GPS Audi S4 launch (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152521633435039)

[Josh/AWE]

Thanks, Ramana – we’re psyched to have you on board. [:d]

The system you just heard wake the forest has been de-catted, so the Track Edition Exhaust will be quite a bit quieter at full throttle that what you hear above.

Next up, we’re going to show you the installation process, getting all the parts on the car.

[emitz584]

Thanks for the kind words Zack! I'm really excited to be a part of the team.....................................If you guys have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate. In the meantime KRp220, and AC419, here's a clip of the car launching with the AWE Tuning Track Edition exhaust...
Enjoy! (Sorry, you'll have to click the link, I couldn't figure out how to embed it)

AWE / GPS Audi S4 launch (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152521633435039)

Good God that is loud! I want it, but I don't know how long I would be on the streets before I got pulled over for sound ordinance violation, lol!

[b6bydesign04]

Awesome thread, been great following the build so far. Looking forward to more updates as the car progresses!


Thanks for the kind words Zack! I'm really excited to be a part of the team.

As a kid in the 80's, I was fascinated with Audi's motorsports dominance in rallying and road racing. I also have vivid memories of being in awe of Sprongl's fire breathing Audi S2 on US rally stages, and I witnessed Frank set the record at Mt. Washington in 1998, while my '91 Audi CQ sat in the Audi corral. So now it's great to have this opportunity to run the S4 at Mt. Washington, an event that has so much rich history with the Audi brand.

In testing the car has been awesome, really stable and easy to drive with tons of accessible performance. It won't be the most powerful or most heavily modified car at Mt. Washington, but as a total package, it is going to be pretty impressive!

If you guys have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate. In the meantime KRp220, and AC419, here's a clip of the car launching with the AWE Tuning Track Edition exhaust...
Enjoy! (Sorry, you'll have to click the link, I couldn't figure out how to embed it)

AWE / GPS Audi S4 launch (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152521633435039)

Really cool that you joined up to post and contribute, best of luck to you and your team later this month during the race!

[Josh/AWE]

Good God that is loud! I want it, but I don't know how long I would be on the streets before I got pulled over for sound ordinance violation, lol!

On a fully-catted street car, the Track Edition Exhaust will be quite a bit quieter at full throttle than what you heard above. [:)]

[Chuuey]

I'm very excited for this project and to hear this exhaust in street form. I loved my twin 1 when I owned a b5 and I see that this mid-muffler design is very similar. Best of luck to the entire team! Subscribed!

[Josh/AWE]

When the AWE Tuning parts showed up, GPS got to work, which resulted in a little something you got to hear (de-catted) above in one of our shakedowns (more on that “test” later). Thanks again to German Performance Service for supplying us with photos of the #CommuteMonday build.

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-107_1280.jpg

The Track Edition Exhaust, full shot. Over 30lb lighter than the stock system in the background!
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-124_1280.jpg

Look, no rear mufflers!
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-126_1280.jpg

Chrome Silver tips in action.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-123_1280.jpg

Time to break out the AWE Tuning 3.0T S-FLO Carbon Kit.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-134_1280.jpg

Front bumper removed, AWE Tuning ColdFront System time.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-112_1280.jpg

Stock heat exchanger removed.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-114_1280.jpg

Serious heat exchanging about to go down here.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-128_1280.jpg

The ColdFront install continues.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-129_1280.jpg

Installed and armored up with the ColdFront Protection Screen.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-131_1280.jpg

We'll be completing the ColdFront family with the ColdFront coolant pump soon, but first, we'll be upping the power. Stay tuned.

[dangerous_dave7]

Wow that exhaust sounds great. If that had been available when I purchased my exhaust I definitely would have considered it!

Excited to see the progress on this project. Does the car have the AWE pulley / GIAC stage 2 software yet?

[dangerous_dave7]

Also saw this online, hope it's ok that I share...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-T_LcgfYrs

[Josh/AWE]

You got it, dangerous_dave7.

We took #CommuteMonday to the Mt. Ascutney Spring Hillclimb. A four mile shakedown. The result? First place, out of 35… and still Stage 1. Keep in mind that the Track Edition Exhaust will be quite a bit quieter at full throttle that what you hear, since this car has been de-catted, and also stripped of it's interior and sound-deadening. [:)]

The hill’s fastest time ever was a 3.24, we ran a 3.30, besting the next closest competitor in this hill climb by 9 seconds.


http://youtu.be/2TCEdlz8N2Q

[Alessandro]

nice driving skills, thanks for posting

[faus03]

Holy crap that's some impressive/ballsy driving. I wish I had the confidence to drive like that.

[RudyH]

Very cool, back in the day followed Rhys Millen and his Pikes Peak climbs setting a few records in his *crappy* Hyundai (mind you Rod mostly drove the Genesis Coupe).

Any thoughts after this run of doing Pikes Peak?
http://www.ppihc.com/

[S42014forme]

That is super awesome! Great video and great driving. WOW. Love it.


Also saw this online, hope it's ok that I share...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-T_LcgfYrs

[ATX_S4]

You got it, dangerous_dave7.

We took #CommuteMonday to the Mt. Ascutney Spring Hillclimb. A four mile shakedown. The result? First place, out of 35… and still Stage 1. Keep in mind that the Track Edition Exhaust will be quite a bit quieter at full throttle that what you hear, since this car has been de-catted, and also stripped of it's interior and sound-deadening. [:)]

The hill’s fastest time ever was a 3.24, we ran a 3.30, besting the next closest competitor in this hill climb by 9 seconds.


http://youtu.be/2TCEdlz8N2Q

./sarcasm Lolz automatic???

This is awesome! I wonder what the time would have been with a pulley upgrade! Can't wait to see the final result!

[Frag]

Wow good work guys. Very nice driving! Can't wait to see how it will end up at Mount Washington!

[RedSox S315]

Good lord... that was some GREAT driving and the car sounds like a beast!

[Akatsuki...]

What wheels is this car running?

[MarcWinkman]

Impressive driving and what a build.

[mrbalogna]

Thanks everybody! Glad you enjoyed it.

Akatsuki.., we are running 18" Enkei PF01s.

ATX_S4, lol yup, it's an S Tronic with GIAC/AWE Performance transmission software. Works really well, and allows me to focus more on the road. It should be awesome with the pulley upgrade, BUT we will also have our rules mandated 40mm restrictor installed, so it will be interesting to see how the car performs.

RudyH, I would love to do Pikes Peak. I haven't raced there since the road was paved, and I'm not sure if there's a class for a stock bodied car with bolt on upgrades. Power is such a determining factor out there, that if we were to run in Open class as we are in Mt. Washington, we would be really outclassed.

RedSox S315, yeah it does sound pretty awesome. Here's a video from outside :)


http://youtu.be/C2hjg8NxK_8

[Akatsuki...]

Thx.. what are the specs of those wheels? I am looking for a set of lightweight wheels

[Josh/AWE]

Awesome video, Ramana!

To everyone else, just remember that won't be what the Track Edition Exhaust sounds like on a production car. Gotta love the build-up to the fly-by, though. Can't wait to see, and hear, this car on Mt. Washington!

[itzjonjon69]

now you guys gotta do this!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWnvVbtW32A

[Josh/AWE]

Meet the AWE Tuning B8.5 Stage 2 Performance Pulley Kit (http://www.awe-tuning.com/awe-tuning-b8-5-stage-2-performance-pulley-kit).

To answer the call for power levels deserving of race car status, the CTTC S4 will be outfitted with the AWE Tuning Stage 2 Pulley Kit featuring GIAC Stage 2 Performance Software. While this pulley may look stock in appearance with it’s electroplated black finish, don’t underestimate the power potential hidden inside this seemingly-innocent looking pulley. On S-Tronic-equipped 3.0T vehicles, like the #CommuteMonday S4, the AWE Tuning Stage 2 Pulley Kit unlocks peak power increases of over 115 HP at the crank, and over 95 Ft. Lbs. over stock.

It goes a little something like this:
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/B8_3.0T_Pulley/dynosheet_engine_awe_stage2_30t_pulley_stronic_b85 v2.jpg

All that extra boost produced by the smaller pulley would go to waste without the GIAC Stage 2 Performance software included in the kit. The software optimizes air-fuel ratios, adjusts timing, and prevents the ECU from bleeding off the extra boost into the atmosphere. Bottom line? Higher boost levels = more power, and more power = fast street car. Or… because racecar (do people still say that?).

CAD model.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/engineering_models/awe_30t_pulley_cad_model_280.jpg

In the flesh.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/a/w/awe_30t_pulley_close_1280_1.jpg

We also opted to include GIAC DL501 S-Tronic Transmission software (http://www.awe-tuning.com/awe-tuning-b8-5-stage-2-performance-pulley-kit) to firm up the shift points and raise the torque limit levels, which ultimately allows the transmission’s behavior to mesh better with the added power of that the Stage 2 Pulley Kit provides. We recommend this for Stage 2-equipped S-Tronic vehicles.

To facilitate the removal of the factory supercharger pulley, AWE Tuning crafted this one-of-a-kind tool that deserves a place in any Audi mechanic’s toolbox. Nickel plated, and carrying a lifetime warranty, the AWE Tuning 3.0T Pulley Removal Tool (http://www.awe-tuning.com/awe-tuning-b8-5-stage-2-performance-pulley-kit) proved invaluable when it came time to remove the stock pulley in search of more power.

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/pulley_install/awe-gps-cttc2014-1.jpg

Pulley tool in action!
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/pulley_install/awe-gps-cttc2014-2.jpg

Only the best oven mitts are allowed in the GPS garage. Poppin' fresh.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/pulley_install/awe-gps-cttc2014-3.jpg

Now that we’ve upped the power… it’s nearly time to dial in the handling and make sure the all that Stage 2 power gets to the ground.

[cspcrx]

very nice driving, video and updates. If there was a way to quicken the steering ratio it looks like it might help the driver some. A lot of long steering inputs and some very tight turns that require elbow cross or transfer. Not sure if that can be done with the electronic steering some how.

[DATZ]

Those are the weirdest sounds I've ever heard come out of a car.


now you guys gotta do this!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWnvVbtW32A

[VADERS4]

Gotta love that Blow-off valve!!

[itzjonjon69]

Those are the weirdest sounds I've ever heard come out of a car.


Gotta love that Blow-off valve!!

Gotta love a 911 GT3 Cup Car that's naturally aspirated converted to a twin turbo system

[Josh/AWE]

Next for some suspension mods. Clearly critical in a hill climb that’s a combination of pavement and… not pavement.

The first ingredient in our handling cocktail: SPC Control Arms. We loved the ability to keep things together regardless of whatever else we did to the suspension. Hot stuff. Special thanks to Larry and the crew at SPC for their generous support. The control arms helped us achieve 3 degrees of negative camber.

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-136_1280.jpg

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-137_1280.jpg

To keep suspension movements under control, we turned to Öhlins for their expertise on racing dampers. Due to the incredible stresses placed on motorsports suspension components, the overall durability, construction, and handling characteristics are of the utmost importance, particularly if rocks, dirt, and other foreign debris are being flung from all four tires onto the suspension. Special mention goes to Beau Kelly at Performance Shock in Sonoma, CA for putting together a custom Ohlins B8.5 S4 shock package for us.

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-138_1280.jpg

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-143_1280.jpg

And of course, who could forget H&R. AWE Tuning has had a relationship with H&R for almost 2 decades, and we were thrilled to bring them on board for this build. On went the H&R 60mm race springs.

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-144_1280.jpg

Here are some shots of the rear shock and spring package with the Ohlins racing dampers, and H&R 60mm race springs. Also shown are the super slick rear height adjusters. You can also see the tell-tale yellow signature of the Pagid RS19 racing brake pads peaking out of the stock rear calipers.

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-142_1280.jpg

To keep the sway away, we also added H&R sway bars.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-145_1280.jpg

In the front, we went with an adjustable 30mm front bar in the front, up from the stock 25mm bar.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-146_1280.jpg


In the rear, we went with a 24mm non-adjustable H&R sway bar. In the photos you’ll notice the considerable size increase between the OE rear sway and the H&R rear sway.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-147_1280.jpg

This incredible difference in diameter is due to our car originally being equipped with Audi Drive Select, which uses damper variability to control body roll. As a result, the stock rear sway bar spec is a paltry 16mm. When we lined up the OE rear sway bar next to the new H&R rear sway bar, we were amazed at the difference in size. Following installation, we noted that the improvement in handling at the limit was equally as impressive as the visual size increase.

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-148_1280.jpg

Now that we’ve sorted out the handling, it’s time to bring things to a stop. Next: Brakes.

[mrbalogna]

Great stuff Zack!
I can attest that the chassis mods have just enhanced the natural abilities of the S4, with a some significant benefits.

At-the-limit steady state cornering is very neutral, as opposed to the balance of the standard car which is moderate understeer. The turn-in responsiveness is immediate. These characteristics I'd attribute mostly to the H&R sway bars.

I expected the Ohlins dampers to provide a very solid platform, and they delivered. I've used them in rally cars for years, and they are extremely well engineered, and built with the highest quality materials and techniques. I am super confident that they will provide durable and consistent performance in this very demanding race. In truth, the springs that we started with were midway between racing and street performance on the firmness scale. After the test, we are adding spring to give the front end some more support over the bumps, dips, and generally rough pavement. Any adverse effects on balance will be easily adjusted with damping, and we will have a selection of H&R springs on race weekend, should we need to tweak further.

The SPC control arms have likewise been a key component to the mix- they've allowed us to get great adjustability out of simple, well engineered parts without going crazy modifying suspension arms and pick up points.

Again, the point is to show how simple bolt on mods, that would be at home on a daily driver, can deliver serious performance. Can't wait to get on the hill next week, and prove it in competition!

[chinoxs203]

let me get the carbon door trims [:)]

[Josh/AWE]

let me get the carbon door trims [:)]

Chinoxs203, you've got a PM. [:)]

[Josh/AWE]

We knew that slowing this machine would be a challenge even with the Pagid RS14 brake pads up front…

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014_installs-1_1280.jpg

...so in came our next upgrade: Some brake ducting up front.

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014_brakes02_1280.jpg

Front bumper off, showing the custom duct-work as performed by German Performance Service.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014_installs-7_1280.jpg

While we were routing the ducting, we also found the factory ABS sensor location interrupted airflow to the brakes a bit. Regardless, the extra airflow would still prove to be a huge help at race speeds.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014_brakes_01_1280.jpg

In addition to the Pagid pads and extra ducting… our friends at Audi Genuine Parts supplied us with the icing on the brakes. RS5 calipers and rotors. Score.

Stock rotors compared to RS5 rotors.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014_installs-3_1280.jpg

Installed.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014_installs-5_1280.jpg

We also took the time to replace the brake fluid with Pagid’s RBF brake fluid.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014_installs-4_1280.jpg

After a little brake work, it was time to set the car up on the setup pad for track alignment and corner balancing.

3500 lbs without driver. Not bad, considering the car weighs in at ~3800 lbs, stock.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-151_1280.jpg

While the car was in the shop, we also took the time to put the finishing touches on a few other bits and pieces.

First, we installed the mandated restrictor setup we were required to use for our run up Mt. Washington.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014_installs-6_1280.jpg

Then, we moved onto some cooler things, starting with the AWE Tuning ColdFront Reservoir.

The AWE Tuning ColdFront Reservoir, CNC Machined from 6061 Billet Aluminum and plumbed directly into the heat exchanger coolant system would increase our supercharger coolant capacity. The increase in coolant capacity would lead to lower coolant temperatures, in turn supporting lower air intake temperatures. To further reduce coolant temperatures, the AWE Tuning ColdFront™ Reservoir incorporates a true flow through design which acts to reduce coolant temperature as it flows through the unit. Additionally, the AWE Tuning ColdFront™ Reservoir features an easy-to-remove anodized aluminum cap that ensures checking the coolant level is a breeze.

Reservoir installed.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014_installs-10_1280.jpg

Since we were installing the ColdFront Reservoir, it made sense to add the AWE Tuning ColdFront Coolant Pump to the #CommuteMonday build at the same time. The ColdFront Coolant Pump would allow us to circulate the additional coolant afforded by the ColdFront Reservoir 100% faster than the stock heat exchanger coolant pump.

Out comes the stock heat exchanger coolant pump.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014_installs-9_1280.jpg

ColdFront Coolant Pump all primed and ready to keep things cool.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014_installs-2_1280.jpg

Next up, let’s get on a grip trip...

[Frag]

I love the build ...cannot wait to see it live. I just started another thread to know if some guys from this forum will be at the race. I will...

I would like to take a closer look at the car at the site. Wish it will be possible ...

[Josh/AWE]

I love the build ...cannot wait to see it live. I just started another thread to know if some guys from this forum will be at the race. I will...

I would like to take a closer look at the car at the site. Wish it will be possible ...

Steph, I'm sure we could manage to give you (and anyone else who might be interested) a closer look at the car.

Just come find us at the AWE Tuning/German Performance Service tent. [:d]

[Akatsuki...]

What spec are your wheels? I am curious what spec light weight enkei wheels clear a RS5 bbk.

[Josh/AWE]

What spec are your wheels? I am curious what spec light weight enkei wheels clear a RS5 bbk.

Akatsuki, the wheels are 18x9 +35 Enkei PF01s. [up]

[adbender]

Incredible video and such a bad ass build...keep up the amazing work guys.

[IanCH]

Booked my campsite near the mountain last night. cant wait to see this beast make its run!

[Frag]

Zack,

you said that you guys cut 300 pounds out of the car ... but is it considering the weight of the cage? How much weight is the cage by the way? I was always curious...

[Josh/AWE]

Zack,

you said that you guys cut 300 pounds out of the car ... but is it considering the weight of the cage? How much weight is the cage by the way? I was always curious...

That's including the weight of the cage and all other necessary safety equipment. Cage weight would be tough to determine, as we never weighed the pile of interior bits we removed, and the cage was assembled inside the car. It's a decent bit of weight, though.

[Josh/AWE]

Introducing the official tire sponsor of project #CommuteMonday, Yokohama Tire.

Rocketing up Mt. Washington under four rings is nothing new for Yokohama Tire (http://www.yokohamatire.com/motorsports). In 1998, Frank Sprongl, Canadian and North American Rally Champion, set a record that stood for 13 years (wow) in his 1993 Audi S2 Quattro with Yokohama Tires.


http://youtu.be/_ubWsXgdaJ8


http://youtu.be/0NE-Vsg2b38

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/sprongl/cttc_sprongl_01.jpg

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/sprongl/cttc_sprongl_02.jpg

Almost a decade and a half later, Audi and Yokohama are going back. We have the technology. We can make him better. Better, stronger, faster.

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014_tires_1280.jpg

Yokohama supplied 5 sets to us in all; 4 sets of Advan A005 racing slicks in varying compounds from medium to super soft, and 1 set of Advan A006V rain tires. Why the rain tires? We wanted to be prepared for the worst should the skies decide to baptise Mt. Washington and the #CommuteMonday S4 come race day.

Stay tuned, we’re going to recap our first shakedown run next.

[dangerous_dave7]

Wow! Watching the second video from inside the car is pretty awesome... Can't wait to see how you guys do this year! [up]

[jran76]

Looking good. Dig the alignment rack. I want to run those wheels on my B5....

[roger v]

Could you purchase just the rear sections of the track exhaust if you already own the non-track?

[Josh/AWE]

Could you purchase just the rear sections of the track exhaust if you already own the non-track?

At this time, no. I'll pass your request along to the product team, though. [:)]

[Josh/AWE]

Reassembled and ready for some shake downs.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-152_1280.jpg

Check out that three degrees of negative camber.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-154_1280.jpg

Mean muggin’ for the camera.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-153_1280.jpg

We added a few decals (pre-livery), and headed off to Road Atlanta for a shakedown race.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-156_1280.jpg

Staged in line to go out for our first test session.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-161_1280.jpg

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-158_1280.jpg

Game face, on.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-157_1280.jpg

Dukin’ it out on-track.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-164_1280.jpg


Great footage of the pre-livery #CommuteMonday car from behind, narrowly missing disaster.

http://youtu.be/riOW17PZK8E

The extended in-car version, for those with a few minutes to spare.

http://youtu.be/IlbCHv3Fiqc

We're entering the home stretch now. Almost ready for the final reveal. Stay tuned.

[408Tyler]

Love this thread

[Mr. Merk]

SUBSCRIBED, awesome story

[dangerous_dave7]

The extended in-car version, for those with a few minutes to spare.

What was the deal with the corvette? Couldn't drive for shit, would pull a good amount ahead on the straightaways and immediately lose his lead as soon as there was a turn lol

[B8Addict]

+1 with what dangerous_dave7 said. That was atrocious...

[Frag]

First youtube video .... ouuff that was a close call for you guys! Glad you saw it comming!

[Austin@GIAC]

We're very excited to be a part of this team with German Performance Service and AWE Tuning. The B8.5 S4 is a very capable racing platform in the right hands and we're ready to show just what it can do.

For those curious, this car will be running off-the-shelf V2 2013 Stage 2 S4 software with some necessary racing goodies implemented like left foot braking, etc... Power-wise, what they run are what all 2013 model Stage 2 GIAC customers have in their car. This software calibration is reliable enough to race hard over the weekend and drive to work the next day.

Congrats on the great start gentlemen! We're very excited to see how Ramana likes the Stage 2 upgrade and left foot braking, considering how well he has done with the car thus far.

[Josh/AWE]

Love this thread

Glad you're enjoying the story so far! [up]


What was the deal with the corvette? Couldn't drive for shit, would pull a good amount ahead on the straightaways and immediately lose his lead as soon as there was a turn lol

Hard to say; early season jitters, bad setup, we never chased the driver of the Corvette down to ask.


First youtube video .... ouuff that was a close call for you guys! Glad you saw it comming!

Very close call, and very lucky. Had things gone any different on the track that day, this thread would've never seen the light of day!


We're very excited to be a part of this team with German Performance Service and AWE Tuning. The B8.5 S4 is a very capable racing platform in the right hands and we're ready to show just what it can do.

For those curious, this car will be running off-the-shelf V2 2013 Stage 2 S4 software with some necessary racing goodies implemented like left foot braking, etc... Power-wise, what they run are what all 2013 model Stage 2 GIAC customers have in their car. This software calibration is reliable enough to race hard over the weekend and drive to work the next day.

Congrats on the great start gentlemen! We're very excited to see how Ramana likes the Stage 2 upgrade and left foot braking, considering how well he has done with the car thus far.

Austin, we're thrilled to have GIAC on board for this build. I know for sure that Ramana will enjoy having the ability to left-foot brake his way up the mountain this coming weekend. [up]

[hayasa]

Very cool! Any reason you all chose the S4 vice the S6 or RS5? Seems like the S4 is a pretty decent platform but required a lot more upgrades to make it competitive.

[mrbalogna]

We're very excited to be a part of this team with German Performance Service and AWE Tuning. The B8.5 S4 is a very capable racing platform in the right hands and we're ready to show just what it can do.

For those curious, this car will be running off-the-shelf V2 2013 Stage 2 S4 software with some necessary racing goodies implemented like left foot braking, etc... Power-wise, what they run are what all 2013 model Stage 2 GIAC customers have in their car. This software calibration is reliable enough to race hard over the weekend and drive to work the next day.

Congrats on the great start gentlemen! We're very excited to see how Ramana likes the Stage 2 upgrade and left foot braking, considering how well he has done with the car thus far.

Hey Austin!
I am super stoked to be able to left foot brake. That tuning mod, plus the extra oomph from the stage 2 upgrade should be pretty awesome. With such a steep course, every extra bit of power we can extract, and every MPH of momentum we can maintain will make a big difference after 7.4 miles and 4500 feet of elevation gained.

We're getting down to it! 3 days till we get on the mountain!

[Josh/AWE]

Very cool! Any reason you all chose the S4 vice the S6 or RS5? Seems like the S4 is a pretty decent platform but required a lot more upgrades to make it competitive.

Well, the S4 was more attractive for a few reasons. Lower overall curb weight, lower cost of entry, and then there's the motorsports legacy of the S4 nameplate. [up]

[Josh/AWE]

The moment you've all been waiting for. Official AWE Tuning footage of our B8/B8.5 S4 3.0T Track Edition Exhaust on a street car. Sit back and enjoy.

For more information on all of our B8/B8.5 S4 3.0T Exhaust offerings, be sure to visit the AWE Tuning webpage, HERE. (http://www.awe-tuning.com/b8-b85-s4-exhausts?brand_name=191&product_child_type_mselect=282)


http://youtu.be/LYVDIRMYKcw

[ATX_S4]

The moment you've all been waiting for. Official AWE Tuning footage of our B8/B8.5 S4 3.0T Track Edition Exhaust on a street car. Sit back and enjoy.

For more information on all of our B8/B8.5 S4 3.0T Exhaust offerings, be sure to visit the AWE Tuning webpage, HERE. (http://www.awe-tuning.com/b8-b85-s4-exhausts?brand_name=191&product_child_type_mselect=282)


http://youtu.be/LYVDIRMYKcw

Wow... It's hard for me to justify buying exhaust for sound alone and minimal power gains but I would totally buy this if I was single and didn't have to answer to my wife [;)]...

[Josh/AWE]

It’s about right time we give #CommuteMonday a proper outfit. As you know by now, the theme of this entire build is to see what we can do in a grueling race (http://climbtotheclouds.com) with off the shelf parts. Sure, we lightened her up a little, but in the end, this car can be built using mostly off the shelf street-performance upgrades.

Carrying the theme forward, we wanted livery that would bring out the idea of “half street car, half race car” (aka “Race Sunday, Commute Monday”). Party in the front, business in the rear kind of look, so to speak.

The front half of the car is a distressed race motif, donned with sponsor logos from GIAC (http://giacusa.com), Pagid, H&R (http://hrsprings.com), Audi Genuine Parts (http://parts.audiusa.com) and SPC Performance (http://www.spcalignment.com/spc-performance). Yokohama (http://www.yokohamatire.com) is on the final build, not pictured here. The back half is “stock S4” - showing off the street car part of the campaign.

So, without further adieu, presenting... the AWE Tuning (http://www.awe-tuning.com)/German Performance Service (http://www.germanperformanceservice.com) #CommuteMonday S4.

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/GPS-njmp-144_1280.jpg

The car’s first unofficial official reveal was at New Jersey Motorsports Park (http://www.njmp.com/) for the SCCA Majors.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/NJMP_entrance_1280.jpg

Close up of the “race half” of the car, distressed from “years” of race abuse.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/GPS-njmp-103_1280.jpg

German Performance Service's Marc Feinstein (taller) and AWE Tuning's Jesse Kramer (balder) talk #Climb2theclouds prep.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/GPS-njmp-102_1280.jpg

The stripped down interior retains it’s luxury sport sedan roots.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/GPS-njmp-106_1280.jpg

This speedo goes to 300. Kilometers per hour, that is.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/GPS-njmp-110_1280.jpg

Built by the good guys.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/GPS-njmp-107_1280.jpg

Stage 2 software, courtesy of GIAC. This is off the shelf software - nothing special here except for a little tweak to enable left foot braking (not available for street cars). Same power output as the AWE Tuning Stage 2 Pulley Kit with GIAC Stage 2 Performance Software you can buy (http://www.awe-tuning.com/awe-tuning-b8-5-stage-2-performance-pulley-kit).
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/GPS-njmp-109_1280.jpg

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/B8_3.0T_Pulley/dynosheet_engine_awe_stage2_30t_pulley_stronic_b85 v2.jpg

Tagline and #CommuteMonday hashtag in action.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/GPS-njmp-117_1280.jpg

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/GPS-njmp-120_1280.jpg

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/GPS-njmp-114_1280.jpg

With friends.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/GPS-njmp-127_1280.jpg

In front of friends.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/GPS-njmp-133_1280.jpg

Official weigh-in.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/GPS-njmp-145_1280.jpg

Minimum class-required weight was 3650 lbs. The #CommuteMonday S4 is a certified heavyweight.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/GPS-njmp-146_1280.jpg

Even with all that weight, we made the podium.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/GPS-njmp-149_1280.jpg

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/GPS-njmp-150_1280.jpg

And last but not least, we put on the good stuff for show time. Thanks again to our tire sponsor Yokohama for stepping up in standard fashion!
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-finalshots-101_1280.jpg

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-finalshots-102_1280.jpg

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-finalshots-103_1280.jpg

So now #CommuteMonday is complete. Ready to take on the mountain!
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/GPS-njmp-153_1280.jpg

Quick final shout out to all of our sponsors and those involved who got us this far! The Mount Washington Autoroad (http://mtwashingtonautoroad.com/), Climb to the Clouds (http://climbtotheclouds.com), GIAC (http://www.giacusa.com), Pagid, H&R (http://www.hrsprings.com), Ramana Lagemann (http://www.rlagemann.com), SPC (http://www.spcalignment.com/spc-performance), Audi Genuine Parts (https://parts.audiusa.com/), Audi of America (http://www.audiusa.com/), SCCA (http://scca.com), Yokohama (http://yokohamatire.com), New Jersey Motorsports Park (http://njmp.com) and of course the amazing crew at German Performance Service (http://germanperformanceservice.com) for their top notch build.

Be sure to follow @AWETuningOfficial (http://instagram.com/awetuningofficial) on Instagram where we’ll be posting progress through the event this weekend, and right here, of course, for additional information.

Lastly, if you do happen to be in the Mt. Washington area this weekend and are fortunate enough to have tickets, stop by the AWE Tuning/German Performance Service tent to take a closer look at the #CommuteMonday S4 and meet the crew.

See you on the mountain!

[evobeatsti]

An I buy your silver mirror caps??


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[RavinJetta]

Very nice. I spy a brake upgrade I don't remember reading about.

[Josh/AWE]

An I buy your silver mirror caps??


Our silver mirror caps are actually still on the car. [;)]


Very nice. I spy a brake upgrade I don't remember reading about.

Ravin, we slipped in an upgrade to RS5 calipers and rotors in THIS (http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/598810-AWE-Tuning-amp-German-Performance-Service-present-The-Climb-to-the-Clouds-S4-Build?p=9845664&viewfull=1#post9845664) post, courtesty of Audi Genuine Parts.

They definitely fill out those 18x9 PF01s much better, and should really help haul the #CommuteMonday car to a stop in a hurry. [up]

[Russtty]

There has been a lot of chatter in another thread about the issues with brake cooling and deciding what compounds to use front and rear. Any info on what you guys have done and if you did anything to tackle the cooling issues?

[KRS Aaron]

How quick is Fandozzi on the straights when his turbo kicks in? That car gave me a run for my money at BHF a few months back.

[RavinJetta]

Our silver mirror caps are actually still on the car. [;)]



Ravin, we slipped in an upgrade to RS5 calipers and rotors in THIS (http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/598810-AWE-Tuning-amp-German-Performance-Service-present-The-Climb-to-the-Clouds-S4-Build?p=9845664&viewfull=1#post9845664) post, courtesty of Audi Genuine Parts.

They definitely fill out those 18x9 PF01s much better, and should really help haul the #CommuteMonday car to a stop in a hurry. [up]

Not sure how I missed that part. Thanks

[Josh/AWE]

There has been a lot of chatter in another thread about the issues with brake cooling and deciding what compounds to use front and rear. Any info on what you guys have done and if you did anything to tackle the cooling issues?

We actually ended up upgrading the front brake package to a set of RS5 rotors and calipers, and ran additional ducting from the front valance to direct cool air onto the rotors. One interesting issue we found was that the ABS sensor placement in the hub actually get in the way of the airflow, but there wasn't much we could do about it.

In our last shakedown run at NJMP, where we still had the stock front rotors and calipers, we saw incredibly high brake temperatures even with the additional ductwork. We're hoping that the RS5 brake package helps bring the temperatures down into a more manageable range.

[Russtty]

We actually ended up upgrading the front brake package to a set of RS5 rotors and calipers, and ran additional ducting from the front valance to direct cool air onto the rotors. One interesting issue we found was that the ABS sensor placement in the hub actually get in the way of the airflow, but there wasn't much we could do about it.

In our last shakedown run at NJMP, where we still had the stock front rotors and calipers, we saw incredibly high brake temperatures even with the additional ductwork. We're hoping that the RS5 brake package helps bring the temperatures down into a more manageable range.

Any way we can get some details pictures of that ductwork? :)

[Josh/AWE]

Any way we can get some details pictures of that ductwork? :)

Absolutely! [:)]

If you jump back to post #80 in this thread (http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/598810-AWE-Tuning-amp-German-Performance-Service-present-The-Climb-to-the-Clouds-S4-Build?p=9845664&viewfull=1#post9845664), you'll see the ducting and custom vents we cut into the front lower valance inserts to draw the cooler air into the ducting.

[Russtty]

Absolutely! [:)]

If you jump back to post #80 in this thread (http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/598810-AWE-Tuning-amp-German-Performance-Service-present-The-Climb-to-the-Clouds-S4-Build?p=9845664&viewfull=1#post9845664), you'll see the ducting and custom vents we cut into the front lower valance inserts to draw the cooler air into the ducting.

Sorry! Must have skipped over those. [facepalm]

[studioRS]

Awesome build, wishing you guys the best of Audi quattro luck on the hillclimb!

Cheers, Thompson

[Josh/AWE]

There’s still plenty of work for us to do yet, but the weekend we’ve all been waiting for has finally arrived. So, we’re taking a quick break to check in from AWE Tuning / German Performance Service base camp at the bottom of the mountain. We’ve just unloaded the #CommuteMonday S4, and we can’t wait to make our first run up the mountain tomorrow.

http://awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe_gps_basecamp_001_1280.jpg

We were hoping for clear skies on our arrival, but Mt. Washington is known for throwing a curveball or two when it comes to weather. In an effort to stay one step ahead of Mother Nature, we'll be keeping a close eye on the weather conditions this weekend via the Mount Washington Weather Observatory Website (http://www.mountwashington.org/weather/mesonet/?z=3).

Famous fact: The Mt. Washington Weather Observatory, located 6288 feet above sea level at the summit of Mt. Washington, holds the fastest recorded surface wind speed, at 231 MPH. That record has stood since 1934. We're hoping to set some records of our own on Sunday.

http://awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe_gps_basecamp_002_1280.jpg

We hope to see all our fans and followers at the race this weekend, but if you can’t make it, follow us via the AWE Tuning Instagram account (@awetuningofficial (http://instagram.com/awetuningofficial)), and keep an eye on that weather.

[OldSport//]

Congrats on finishing the build and good luck on the climb! Keep the posts coming as well!

[Frag]

The car looks marvellous guys!

Good luck this weekend! Can't wait to see the result! You guys invested a lot of time in this.

[[email protected]]

Neat project and idea. Good luck and keep it shiny side up or else that commute on Monday is gonna be a rough one[:D]

Oh and vids from MtW please...

[Josh/AWE]

Neat project and idea. Good luck and keep it shiny side up or else that commute on Monday is gonna be a rough one[:D]

Oh and vids from MtW please...

We'll be capturing all kinds of footage this weekend. [up]

[TuanTime]

I'll be honest, I really love how the look of the car came together. The color scheme, decals/paint job is really awesome.

[408Tyler]

Car looks amazing! Can't wait for updates this weekend. Best of luck guys!

[VADERS4]

Best of luck and safety!! Now go kick that Mountains ASS!!!! Seriously....good luck and be safe!!!

[hayasa]

You got beat by Cotton Hill?

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/GPS-njmp-149_1280.jpg

http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20080628011416/kingofthehill/images/5/59/Cotton%27s_Plot.jpg

[Ray Khan]

Is this event televised on Sunday? Any info on that? Good luck!

EDIT looks like coverage is on NBCsN and starts tomorrow night at 8 PM.

[Josh/AWE]

Is this event televised on Sunday? Any info on that? Good luck!

Unfortunately, the Climb to the Clouds won't be aired on TV, at least not in live form, however, you can follow along this weekend via the Live Results page, which can be found HERE (http://climbtotheclouds.com/liveresults/).

[emitz584]

You got beat by Cotton Hill?

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/GPS-njmp-149_1280.jpg

http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20080628011416/kingofthehill/images/5/59/Cotton%27s_Plot.jpg

LMAOOO! I actually can't help but laugh every time I see these two pictures next to each other!

Maybe having your legs from the knee down sawed off by Viet Cong is good for weight reduction. AWE / GMP: take note! [:D][:p]

[Josh/AWE]

The skies have cleared, the views are incredible, and the sounds are intoxicating from our perches upon the slopes of Mt. Washington.

With Ramana behind the wheel, the #CommuteMonday S4 has proven to be an incredibly strong performer and crowd favorite. Our times thus far place us second in class behind Paul Tingaud's infamous Super Chicken, which is also under Audi Power.

Be sure to follow along and keep tabs on the performance of #CommuteMonday team this weekend, right HERE. (http://climbtotheclouds.com/liveresults/)

A long way down.

http://youtu.be/zWcESrakZgA

Rollin' coal, even on Mt. Washington.

http://youtu.be/S76QJ38UJIQ

The #CommuteMonday S4 cooking during practice.

http://youtu.be/8i1vGb9kpsg

Stay updated. Follow us on Instagram, @AWETuningOfficial (http://instagram.com/awetuningofficial).

[mrbalogna]

Hey All,
Quick update before race day... practice has been awesome! The car is dialed, I haven't made a setup change yet. Memorizing 7 miles and over 100 corners has been the biggest challenge. As before the S4 is very confidence inspiring and easy to drive, and puts power down well. People LOVE the sound (and look) of it! You have to hear the shriek of it in person to get the full effect. I've been taking repeated trips up and down the mountain and studying video to get the line down. Really looking forward to a full run up the hill! Thanks for all the support everybody!

-Ramana

[cspcrx]

Good luck!

[Josh/AWE]

Well, our morning didn't quite go as planned.

An errant rock in turn three punctured one of the tires on the #CommuteMonday S4, resulting in a DNF for our first run of the day.

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/blown_tire/awe-gps-cttc-blown-tire-101.jpg

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/blown_tire/awe-gps-cttc-blown-tire-102.jpg

Thanks to Yokohama, we've now got fresh rubber back on the car and we're preparing for our second run in the afternoon. Stay tuned for updates, and in the meantime, check out the live results HERE. (http://climbtotheclouds.com/liveresults/)

[Josh/AWE]

After re-shoeing the car with fresh rubber, courtesy of Yokohama, we regrouped, refocused, and attacked the mountain with a renewed vigor.

Here's Ramana flogging the #CommuteMonday S4 off the start, determined to make it beyond the third turn this time.

http://youtu.be/DLnIoGGlUrE

After launching off the start line like a man possessed, Ramana was able to pilot the #CommuteMonday S4 over the finish line with a final time of 6:40.09, which put us in 2nd in class, and 4th overall. In the end, we were beat by Travis Pastrana, David Higgins (who set a new world record for the mountain of 6:09.09), and the infamous Audi-powered Super Chicken. Pretty damn incredible with nothing more than off-the-shelf street parts.

We'll be checking back in soon to give a complete re-cap of the weekend's events. Until then, continue to follow along via the AWE Tuning Twitter (http://twitter.com/awetuning) and Instagram (http://instagram.com/awetuningofficial) accounts for additional media coverage.

We'll see you when we return home from a magnificent weekend at Mt. Washington.

[VADERS4]

Awesome guys!! It's amazing what these little cars can do with a little tuning and few of the shelf parts (and great driving!!)!! Congrats to you all!!

[ATX_S4]

Very cool! It's been awesome watching this thing come together. I can't believe how closely this thing stacks up against pure rally cars. Congrats on the results!!

[ATX_S4]

Also, I hope we get to see some full go-pro footage of one of the runs at some point!

[IanCH]

Man I'm so bummed. I was on the course at the plateau right just before mile 2, but without cell service and a worthless course safety crew who couldn't tell me what the race order was... Well I thought the s4 had scrubbed out of the race all together after missing run 1 and left the roadside 20 minutes before the second run in order to get home.

Great work guys, I had a ride down the road shotgun in a van on Saturday and it is a harrowing course.


And man was Higgins ripping hard, I'm sure the s4 looked just as beastly but I saw Higgins on his record run and it was absurd.

[Dubber4life]

Got a chance to see the car in person. Very cool guys to talk to and was definitely a crowd favorite. Took a video of it going by the Cragway in the afternoon, hopefully link below works.

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=A1B27D6762D93B45!19416&authkey=!AAzmrX7k27heN_A&ithint=video%2c.MP4

[Josh/AWE]

Awesome guys!! It's amazing what these little cars can do with a little tuning and few of the shelf parts (and great driving!!)!! Congrats to you all!!

Thanks, Vader!


Very cool! It's been awesome watching this thing come together. I can't believe how closely this thing stacks up against pure rally cars. Congrats on the results!!

We beat a fair number of R1 class rally cars this weekend. Not too shabby, I'd say. [;)]


Also, I hope we get to see some full go-pro footage of one of the runs at some point!

Stay tuned. [:)]


Man I'm so bummed. I was on the course at the plateau right just before mile 2, but without cell service and a worthless course safety crew who couldn't tell me what the race order was... Well I thought the s4 had scrubbed out of the race all together after missing run 1 and left the roadside 20 minutes before the second run in order to get home.

Great work guys, I had a ride down the road shotgun in a van on Saturday and it is a harrowing course.

And man was Higgins ripping hard, I'm sure the s4 looked just as beastly but I saw Higgins on his record run and it was absurd.

Oh man! Yeah, we suffered a tire puncture in the third turn on our first attempt, that's a shame you weren't able to see the car on course!


Got a chance to see the car in person. Very cool guys to talk to and was definitely a crowd favorite. Took a video of it going by the Cragway in the afternoon, hopefully link below works.

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=A1B27D6762D93B45!19416&authkey=!AAzmrX7k27heN_A&ithint=video%2c.MP4

That sir, is awesome. A dab of oppo, some dirt, and one fast S4. [up]

[mrbalogna]

Yeah!!! I'm so excited about this result! 6:40 was our target and we achieved it!

After a strong couple days of practice, we got to race day. The plan was to lay down a solid 1st run, and then go for it on the 2nd and final run. That went out the window when I got too aggressive very early on in the morning. I cut a corner and sliced the sidewall of the tire. It was literally a matter of an inch, but our first attempt was done in less than 1 minute. Since we were one of the fastest qualifiers, we ran after all but one of the competitors. So I had plenty of time to sit around in the hot sun and mentally kick myself.

Finally, after several delays, I was back at the start line. Now I HAD to perform. No second chance if I made another mistake. I started off a little tentatively, slightly lifting at spots where I had convinced myself to keep it pinned. Past the corner that caused the puncture, (way too slow BTW!) and I began to loosen up, and start to push. The car was performing awesome. I had a brand new set of Yokohama slicks that were clawing into the tarmac. Their grip plus the braking performance of RS5 front rotors and calipers stuffed with Pagid pads was unbelievable! At the midway point, I was 3 seconds quicker than in practice... not as fast as I wanted to be, but not bad.

Just past midway, the course transitions onto gravel, and there's a long run up the mountain with some quick left right transitions. Out of the corner of my eye, I see the helicopter drag racing me up the mountain... it only spurs me on to push harder! Feeling very confident now, tossing the S4 into the quick bends like a rallycar, except we have full slick tires with no tread. Over the final crest before the Cragway turn, toss it in, but not too aggressively since the berm falls away at the exit of the 180 degree bend. Slight drift all the way through, maintaining 30-40% throttle, finally the car is pointed in the right direction, and pin it! Flat out through the next few bends, the car is crabbing left and right before we get back onto tarmac, now with open sight lines as we are above treeline.

Super confident now, I know the bottom half wasn't as quick as I wanted. There's no on board timer telling me this, other than the one in my head, so I am pushing. Not lifting in places I expected to ease up, and braking as late as I can where I have to. Finally, over the finish. I feel good, but no one has a time for me. I do find out later that I was 9 seconds faster on the top portion than my fastest time in practice. But at this point, I don't know if I finished 3rd or 10th. I know the two Subaru factory rally team cars went obscenely fast, posting times completely out of our reach.

The final car to run is the Audi powered Super Chicken, a purpose built special that I am told is literally half the weight of our S4. Paul Tingaud, the driver, puts in his best performance ever, posting a 6:22. I automatically know we aren't as fast as that, so I am hoping for 4th.

Finally, after the long procession down the hill, I find out we post a 6:40.9, and we are all really satisfied with the result. To put it into perspective, that's 1.9 seconds faster than Sprongl's run in the fire breathing Audi S2, a record set in 1998, which stood for 13 years.

I know we have a full cage and a stripped interior. Yes, this is a race car. But all the power and handling enhancements are available to anyone interested in extracting the untapped performance in these awesome cars. This is a true gauge of what they are capable of. In two hill climbs and two SCCA racing weekends, we've changed brake pads and added fuel. That's it. Amazing.

Dubber4Life, that's a great video! It's awesome that you can hear the shriek of the Audi over the thrum of the heli. In fact, the videographer told me that our S4 was the only car he could hear while he was filming from the chopper. Pretty cool!

Thanks to all of our partners for their support, supplying us with proven, reliable parts. Thanks to you all for your enthusiasm, especially those that made it out to Mt. Washington this weekend.

I can't wait to get back into the #CommuteMonday car for another cool event in the future!

[Frag]

Very good report mrbalogna!!! Could not ask for more!!!

You guys talk a lot about the Audi Super chicken ... What was the platform?

[Josh/AWE]

We're currently hard at work combing through the stacks of media from our vacation to Mt. Washington with Ramana Lagemann and the #CommuteMonday S4.

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/race_media/in_staging_1280.jpg

We'll be checking in soon with a full recap on our trials and tribulations over the weekend. Stay tuned!

[Josh/AWE]

First, feast your ears on this monster.

http://youtu.be/IquGAxkSs0A

Well, it happened. We built a car out of street performance parts, entered it in one of the most grueling (and dangerous) races in the country, and did pretty great.

View from the “Cow Pasture” - about ¾ of the way up.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/race_media/intheclouds.jpg

The asphalt snakes its way through the trees at the beginning of the course.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/race_media/Curves_1280wm.jpg

We drove the course ourselves in the GPS/AWE Tuning S5 (which donned the pre-production S5 Track Edition Exhaust (http://www.awe-tuning.com/awe-b85s5-track)). We can tell you, this is no street course. There are more opportunities to go off a cliff than there are to go into a ditch.

When we designed our front plate graphic, we didn’t really think it’d mean “Watch Out you might drive off a cliff.”
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/race_media/inthepits_1280.jpg

Pastrana and the Chopper - gives a good idea of one of the many opportunities to go cliff diving.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/race_media/Pastrana-01_1280wm.jpg

Another shot of the chopper from the vintage portion of the race.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/race_media/wirewheels_and_choppers.jpg

Breathtaking views.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/race_media/20_climbing.jpg


The Results.

Getting right to it, our man Lagemann (Open Class) placed second in class, and fourth overall with a time of 6:40.09, besting his previous runs by :17.39. Climb to the Clouds officials state this was the largest field ever.

Ramana getting in the zone.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/race_media/Ram-02_1280wm.jpg

Prepping mentally.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/race_media/runningthecourse.jpg


Let’s put this in perspective. Here's who beat us.

1) David Higgins (http://davidhiggins75.com/) with co-driver Craig Drew. Set the fastest run EVER on the mountain, with 6:09.09. Factory Subaru.

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/race_media/Higgins-01_1280wm.jpg

2) Travis Pastrana (http://www.travispastrana.com/) with co-driver Chrissie Beavis. I mean, it’s Travis Pastrana. 6:12.29.

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/race_media/travis_takeoff.jpg

3) The Super Chicken! Admittedly, we wanted to beat the car with this name, but it’s a lightweight purpose built hill climb car and it simply wasn’t going to happen. Tingaud is an incredible driver to boot, we were honored to be in the presence of the chicken. At least it’s an Audi, sort of. 6:22.70.

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/race_media/SChicken-01_1280wm.jpg

Full results for Sunday’s racing can be found HERE. (http://motoring-event-services.com/EventResults/2014CTC/Sunday.html)


The Race

First, the puncture...

As a member of the “press,” you get shuttled up the mountain, and left there all day. You can’t come down save for a short break in the middle, because there’s a one-way race happening toward you. We were essentially cut off from civilization. So when Ramana never made it to our spot halfway up the mountain, we imagined the worst.

Luckily, as we found out, it was just a puncture from a rock. We blame the rock. In any case, Yokohama saved the day, but that left us with just one run to make our point that you can Race Sunday and Commute Monday.

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/race_media/punctured_1280.jpg

Ramana and Marc chatting it up prior to the final run.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/race_media/ramamamarc.jpg

Alex Grabau, #CommuteMonday Team Member.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/race_media/Alex-Shirt-01_1280wm.jpg

Donning new Yokohama shoes, getting teed up for launch, Ramana was cool and collected. Here’s the initial squat.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/race_media/laga_launch.jpg


Cragway

And off we go. One of the best spots to shoot is called “Cragway” - the dirt section of the track.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/race_media/at_the_cragway.jpg

Headed towards the clouds.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/race_media/Ram-01_1280wm.jpg

All eyes on #CommuteMonday.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/race_media/eyeson98.jpg

Higgins setting a world record.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/race_media/craggy_higgens.jpg

Playing chicken.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/race_media/dusty_chicken.jpg

Past the Cragway is a small press area where we found ourselves stranded, so we took advantage, and got this one on Saturday during practice. Note Ramana catching up to the competitor ahead of him (that’s not supposed to happen).


http://youtu.be/9YoSe0apGko

Leaping Subarus!
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/race_media/hop_and_skip.jpg

Chickens do fly.

http://youtu.be/OkF49DHqNJU


Cow Pasture

Even further up, there’s a pretty incredible vantage point called the “Cow Pasture.” Here’s some of the footage from that section.

Rollin’ coal.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/race_media/coal_roller.jpg

The Electric Ride.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/race_media/evsr_at_cowpasture.jpg

Opel up.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/race_media/turbopel.jpg

In the end, the fact that we were able to fare well with products that anyone can attain off the shelf vouches for the concept. The car ran incredibly well and the preparation was flawless.


Quick shout out to all those involved:

The AWE Tuning engineering and fabrication teams - the minds behind the AWE Tuning Track Edition Exhaust, with Chrome Silver 90mm Tips (http://www.awe-tuning.com/b8-b85-s4-exhausts/awe-b85s4-track-edition), AWE Tuning Non-Resonated Downpipe (http://www.awe-tuning.com/b8-b85-s4-exhausts/awe-b85s4-track-edition), AWE Tuning ColdFront Heat Exchanger (http://www.awe-tuning.com/awe-tuning-coldfront-heat-exchanger-system), AWE Tuning ColdFront Reservoir (http://www.awe-tuning.com/awe-tuning-coldfront-heat-exchanger-system), AWE Tuning ColdFront Protection Screen (http://www.awe-tuning.com/awe-tuning-coldfront-heat-exchanger-system), AWE Tuning ColdFront Coolant Pump (http://www.awe-tuning.com/awe-tuning-coldfront-heat-exchanger-system), AWE Tuning 3.0T S-FLO Intake, Carbon Kit (http://www.awe-tuning.com/awe-tuning-b8-5-3-0t-s-flo-intake-system), and the AWE Tuning Stage 2 Pulley Kit with GIAC Stage 2 Performance Software (http://www.awe-tuning.com/awe-tuning-b8-5-stage-2-performance-pulley-kit) that were installed on the #CommuteMonday S4.

And the great people at Ohlins Dampers, H&R Special Springs (http://www.awe-tuning.com/hr/), Pagid, Audi Genuine Parts, Yokohama Tire (http://www.yokohamatire.com), SPC, and GIAC. (http://www.giacusa.com)

And if you live in the Boston area, you absolutely must go to German Performance Service. (http://www.germanperformanceservice.com) They are incredible people, super knowledgeable and can clearly make a streetcar do some special things.

As Ramana stated, “I’d call this a resounding success”
http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/race_media/podium.jpg

We’re working on a full video to document the race… so stay tuned for that, and all of the images, including product links, can be found on the special Climb to the Clouds section of AWE Tuning. (http://www.awe-tuning.com/unlocked/commutemonday/)

Thanks for reading!


http://youtu.be/VktYSjNrNto

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/race_media/Ram-05_1280wm.jpg

[MVcycleart]

One of the best threads on this entire forum!! Thanks for taking us on the ride with you guys. Well done

[Kai@EliteMS]

Very cool, congrats guys. Dominic mentioned this build when he stopped by the shop few weeks ago.

[Pilfer]

Amazing pictures, I wish I knew about this race when I lived on the east coast.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[OldSport//]

Epic. Thanks for doing this guys, incredible car and incredible story! That climb looks petrifying, wow!

[PAT@RSW]

This is awesome. Congrats!

[Excelerate]

I went back to review this thread after our conversation the other day guys. Thank you again for stopping by after the weekend runs. Great work and great thread.

[blackohio]

Got a chance to see the car in person. Very cool guys to talk to and was definitely a crowd favorite. Took a video of it going by the Cragway in the afternoon, hopefully link below works.

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=A1B27D6762D93B45!19416&authkey=!AAzmrX7k27heN_A&ithint=video%2c.MP4

I was straight across from you guys up the hill in the orange vest shooting pics. I was also the guy early in the day who almost got hit by the broken motorsports 240.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152323627183019&l=4354217348516936715

[drob23]

Great post, looking forward to the highlight vid!

[blackohio]

I'll join in, probably two of my favorite shots from the weekend.
Bill's wicked 240, which set the speed trap record at 108mph. FAST. This car was in beastmode all weekend and he dropped a valve spring shim Friday had a new one overnighted and rebuild the top end to run saturday. This car was chock full of F1 parts.

I love the photographers leaning in for the shots and the splitter digging up a large amount of dirt.
https://scontent-a-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/t31.0-8/10498665_10152328389463019_7098626552968041861_o.j pg

This one because from my eagles nest was the only shot I was able to frame helicopter and car in.
https://scontent-a-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/t31.0-8/10514328_10152328387108019_4663557985403452766_o.j pg

I gotta thank Jesse, Todd and Marc for bringing me out there all the way from California to document the experience and share in this event, Ramana for being a super humble dude and driving the utter crap out of the S4.

[Josh/AWE]

One of the best threads on this entire forum!! Thanks for taking us on the ride with you guys. Well done


Very cool, congrats guys. Dominic mentioned this build when he stopped by the shop few weeks ago.


This is awesome. Congrats!


I went back to review this thread after our conversation the other day guys. Thank you again for stopping by after the weekend runs. Great work and great thread.

Thanks! This build has been one hell of a journey.


Amazing pictures, I wish I knew about this race when I lived on the east coast.


The scenery is spectacular, and we really lucked out with the weather this year. Definitely worth making the trip if you have the time.


Epic. Thanks for doing this guys, incredible car and incredible story! That climb looks petrifying, wow!

It was quite the climb. The average grade is around 11-12% or so, which is incredibly steep for a climb that's sustained over 7.6 miles.


Great post, looking forward to the highlight vid!



I gotta thank Jesse, Todd and Marc for bringing me out there all the way from California to document the experience and share in this event, Ramana for being a super humble dude and driving the utter crap out of the S4.

Corey, we thank you for making the journey! [up]

[boseephuss]

Now time to celebrate with an AWE Summer Sale???? [:D][up]

[hayasa]

What is with the pirate eye?

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/race_media/Ram-01_1280wm.jpg

[itzjonjon69]

What is with the pirate eye?

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/race_media/Ram-01_1280wm.jpg


I believe it's for extra airflow for the intake

[blackohio]

Had to run a restrictor in the intake and it doesn't clear the headlight

[Josh/AWE]

What is with the pirate eye?

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/race_media/Ram-01_1280wm.jpg


I believe it's for extra airflow for the intake


Had to run a restrictor in the intake and it doesn't clear the headlight

Corey got it. [up]

The mandated restrictor setup that we had to run in the #CommuteMonday S4 for the Climb to the Clouds race didn't quite clear the headlight. So, out the headlight came!

[DrRodge]

Great job, looks great!

[hayasa]

Little documentary on the event put together by the Subaru folks:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vG6_TxwaWlg

[Josh/AWE]

Little documentary on the event put together by the Subaru folks:


Nice to see Ramana and the #CommuteMonday car making a brief appearance at ~5:30. Great video!

[mojangles69]

Great build and outcome! Well done thread! [hail]

[Josh/AWE]

A video appetizer.

Hi all,

We are assembling all of the incredible footage from our sprint up Mt. Washington. In the meantime, here’s a little taste of what’s to come.


http://youtu.be/u5ppKn37g84

Still hungry? Check out #CommuteMonday chapter two, Road to the Run Offs at Laguna Seca (http://www.awe-tuning.com/unlocked/commutemonday/2014-scca-runoffs/)!

[Li ls4]

looks like awesome event

[Frag]

Andrew,

we never got that full video. Would really like to see that ;)

[Josh/AWE]

Andrew,

we never got that full video. Would really like to see that ;)

It's coming.

[drob23]

It’s time to tackle some safety.

Cage: Check. Thanks to Chris Howard, cage builder extraordinaire.

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-105_1280.jpg


Test fitting the slightly-modified luxurious dash panel in its new spartan home.

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-110_1280.jpg


Driver’s side floor board and dead pedal made of carbon fiber with nomex honeycomb core.

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-120_1280.jpg


After test-fitting and finalizing the locations for the remaining interior accoutrements, the cage was then doused in a fresh coat of our favorite anti-color, black.

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-132_1280.jpg


http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-133_1280.jpg


A carbon kevlar Racetech seat was installed along with Schroth harnesses and window net.

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-150_1280.jpg


Next up, SPA remotely actuated fire system. That’s the red bottle that's replacing the back seat.

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-141_1280.jpg


Less is more. Save the cup holder!

http://www.awe-tuning.com/images/cttc2014/awe-gps-cttc2014-155_1280.jpg

Above, you'll notice that in place of the MMI screen, we've installed an AIM Solo DL datalogger - The AIM datalogger is a rather impressive bit of technology. With the ability to interface with the factory Audi powertrain CAN-bus and record at least 20 channels of live data, we’ll be able to analyze all the goods.

So, we’ve got this race sled all decked out in enough required safety equipment to make any race sanctioning body happy. I think it's about time we add some go-fast parts.

Just wanted to bump this awesome post, seems relevant given all the recent discussion about race car safety.

Also, add this crazy video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojO9IxCXxeM

[S4_Pilot]

What size tire did you guys run on the Enkei's? Any issue fitting them under the stock bodywork?