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Phillips Run,Drip & Bubble Company's YouTube channel talks with the owner about how he converted a standard S4 sedan into a practical utility vehicle.
Phillips Run, Drip & Bubble Company YouTube Channel showcases a pretty unique build on their latest episode. When one thinks of modifying an Audi S4, we picture a car with performance-oriented modifications. This is not that. This Audi A4 is a conversion sold by Smyth which turns a 2002-2008 Audi B6 and B7 versions of the A4/A5 cars into a UTE making it into a modern-day german equivalent of a Chevy El Camino.
While Utes are all over Australia and New Zealand due to the Holden Commodore models, seeing them in the United States is a rare sight indeed.
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At first glance, the idea may seem like a silly one-of-vehicle. However, when you stop and think it makes a heck of a lot of sense. The Audi comes with either an FWD or a 4WD system like most small trucks. The engines are either are generally smaller 4-cylinder turbocharged motors, which as our host explains are great due to the gas prices nowadays.
You can keep the convenience of a bed while still sipping on tiny amounts of fuel. If you have a more performance-oriented vision Audi's got you covered with the 4.2-liter V8 that produces 340 hp. The base S4 in the conversion features that same glorious naturally aspirated V8 connected to a buttery smooth 6-speed manual gearbox.
The Audi S4 we're shown dons a bright yellow paint. Although it is a bit of a mind-jolt, it doesn't look bad. The build quality from Smyth is second to none. The car retains its original rear end look since the tailgate is slanting forwards about 8 degrees according to our owner. The entire bed's made of aluminum and precut, bent, and put together with true craftsmanship welding.
Of course, as with any build, there are many changes done to this car that the kit did not come with. For example, the rear tail-lights come from an Acura MDX and the third brake light is actually the Audi logo embossed into the rear roof line. The car also offers a dual exhaust Magnaflow system which marries into the rear bumper perfectly and sounds stunning.
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At the 9:20 mark, the boys take the Audi out for a drive. We're told the car handles like a dream and lightening the rear with a bed seems to have a major positive impact on both the handling and performance off the line. Once the boys arrive back at their driveway, the car looks and sounds like it just belongs.
Pat is a licensed mechanic who has built everything from custom tent trailers to resto-modding a 1950's all Canadian Princecraft boat and everything in between. Pat currently drives a modified '05 Mustang, lifted '08 F250 and a Mercedes E350 Coupe.