Audi’s modern portfolio of sports cars is light on off-roaders, but there is no discounting that the company used to be a formidable Rally Groupe B challenger in the ‘80s. To commemorate that era, a car enthusiast took an R8 coupe and converted it into a capable off-roader. You can bid for it on Bring-a-Trailer until the afternoon of December 13.
The vehicle has roughly 90,000 km (56,000 miles) under its belt, but hasn’t been modified until earlier this year. It ended up with a 50mm (2-inch) suspension lift, more robust strut towers and Bilstein dampers with some extra travel. The undercarriage was outfitted with custom protective plates.
A peek under the hood reveals the standard 4.2-liter V8, but it takes advantage of improved intake and exhaust systems as well as an ECU remap. A seven-speed DCT still carries the torque to all four wheels via the standard Quattro AWD system. The power isn’t specified in the listing, but we assume it is a bit higher than the stock 436 PS (430 hp / 321 kW).
Elsewhere, the rally-ready R8 has auxiliary lights installed, a brush guard at the front, 18-inch beadlock wheels and a custom wrap.