The vast majority of motorsport series around the globe enforce some form of limitations on aerodynamic components. Remove those restrictions, however, and you will witness incredibly unique vehicles like this Audi S4 modified by JXB Performance.
Displayed on its Facebook page, the organization’s self-described “most ambitious project to date” boasts a 4.0-liter, dual-turbocharged V8 sourced from a 2017 Audi S7 beneath the bonnet. Equipped with twin turbos borrowed from an Audi RS7, it’s been tuned to produce 650 horsepower. It flaunts a substantial five-section spoiler upfront that proudly positions itself ahead of the front bumper. There’s also another five-section spoiler at the rear. Despite its dimensions, the extensive aerodynamic package only contributes about 250 pounds to the car’s mass.
Do not mistake the rear fan for generating downforce—it’s solely for cooling the air-to-water heat exchanger and it draws in air from above, not below.
The vehicle also includes numerous components from JXB Performance’s product range. The suspension is fully equipped with all spherical bearings, encompassing spherical strut tops, and there’s also a high-performance two-piece driveshaft carrier. Both the front and rear differentials operate with helical LSDs, and the manual six-speed gear shifter has been significantly upgraded to provide a gated-like sensation.
Completely ready for racing, the car had shed 800 pounds in weight from stock before the significant spoilers were installed. This reduction was partly due to the carbon fiber front fenders, trunk lid, and sunroof removal panel.
The objective was to create substantial downforce with ample adjustability. The inclusion of such large elements and multiple sections offers a wide range of customization to achieve optimized levels for both the front and rear aerodynamics. Additionally, oversized wing elements prove particularly effective in generating significant downforce at lower velocities.
In a previous, less extreme version, the car competed in various SCCA autocross events. Originally prepared for the Street Modified category.
The new aerodynamic package was swiftly constructed for the UMI Performance King of the Mountain event, an autocross competition with unrestricted aerodynamic guidelines. With a substantial prize for the winner, the extensive spoilers were inspired by a simple question: “what level of aerodynamics would guarantee victory despite a two-second cone penalty?”
From reviewing the regulations to fitting them to the vehicle, the spoilers were crafted in a mere six-week period. Formula SAE documents were used as a template for the development of this package.
Preliminary tests unveiled an abundance of rear traction, a result not surprising considering the size of the back wing. Adjusting the wing to the correct level was as easy as removing a few elements to achieve the right balance.
We are eagerly anticipating the Audi S4’s presence on the track. Standing at a height of eight feet at its tallest point, it will undoubtedly be quite the spectacle. Let’s just hope that the wing supports endure.
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