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September '09 Featured AZ'er: PESAPC's 2009 A4 Avant

September '09 Featured AZ'er: PESAPC's 2009 A4 Avant

September 8, 2009 - Written by Audizine Staff, photos by King Perez de Tagle
User Name: PESAPC
Real Name: Paul Stansen
Location: Southern California, USA
Year of Vehicle: 2009
Model of Vehicle: A4 Avant
Engine of Vehicle: 2.0 TFSI
Color of Vehicle: Ibis White
 
We've been seeing more and more amazing new Audis here on Audizine, from A4s to S5s, and now that the all-new S4 is finally available worldwide we'll undoubtedly be witness to even more great things. This all means that the editorial staff here at "The Zine" is going to be working harder than ever picking cars and AZ'ers to feature; an already challenging (yet rewarding) task. Take this month's Featured AZ'er for example. Not only does he have a 2009 A4 that we've been eying the build of for some time now, but he also has an amazing RS 4 that we'll definitely be spotlighting in a future month as well. Boy oh boy, the dilemmas some of us must deal with!

The lucky man in question goes by the username 'PESAPC' (better known as Paul Stansen to family and friends) and he's a regular face around both the B8 A4 Forum and B6/B7 S4/RS4 Forum. Now that's dedication! While we'll save the details of his modded RS 4 for another date, let's get to the nitty gritty on his A4. Starting with an Ibis White 2.0T S line-equipped Avant, Paul got right down to business with a set of STaSIS Ohlins SL coilovers and a contrasting set of matte black HRE M40 Monoblocks in 19 inch with a 9 inch width all around. A bold stroke.

With roadracing in Paul's blood - both the two and four-wheel variety - he certainly wasn't about to stop there. In his typical no-nonsense approach, the brakes have been upgraded to a set of big Brembo reds, the engine tuned for more power delivery by Singh Tuning, and an AWE front mount intercooler has been strapped to the front end with a STaSIS exhaust bolted to the bottom. All of these parts come together very nicely to make for one tough and sexy looking 5-door. Think "German Shepherd in a white tux". There's certainly no debating which one of Paul's vehicles he'd take for that Sunday trip to Ikea, but the way his B8 A4 Avant is both looking and driving now, the RS 4 is seeing quite a bit less of him these days.

Current Modifications

 - Engine/Exhaust:
  • STaSIS Exhaust
  • Singh Tuning
  • AWE Front Mount Intercooler
 - Suspension/Transmission: 
  • STaSIS Ohlins SL Coilovers
 - Wheels/Brakes:
  • HRE M40 Monoblock in Matte Black, 19"x9"
  • Brembo Front BBK
- Interior:
  • Window Tint 15% front, 38% rear
 - Exterior: 
  • N/A
Future Modifications
 
Carbon fiber wrap accents pieces on dash and doors.
  
Q (Audizine): So, other than your A4 you have an amazing RS 4 we're hoping to spotlight soon. How long have you owned these two cars?
A (Paul): I have owned the RS 4 since June of 2007 and the A4 since December 2008.
 
Q: And how has your time been with the two so far?
A: Audi has done an excellent job of increasing the quality of its vehicle throughout the model line. Having previously owned an Audi years ago, I was impressed with the fit and finish on recent vehicles. From the seats to the workmanship, these vehicles are, by far, superior...particularly when compared to BMWs and Mercedes.

Q: And with the two already in the stable, do you think you'll be getting another one any time soon?
A: Yeah�once the RS 4 has a replacement, I will take a careful look at it and probably buy it to replace my rig.
 
Q: You mentioned these werent your first Audis, so what other models have you owned.
A: (laughs) I owned a 1973 '100 LS'�what a POS! I swore and promised myself that I would never own an Audi again in my life. Well, never say 'never'. Right?
 
Q: How long have you been into Audis and in the European tuning scene?
A: Only a couple of years, prior to which my passion was roadracing motorcycles. Yamaha R1s to be exact. But, because I am still alive and all limbs work, I went cold turkey on riding scooters and moved into 4-wheel fun.

Q: And what about cars in general? How long have you been an enthusiast of the "four wheel" variety?
A: I have always been into cars and have worked hard to own many nice ones but none of them an Audi until recently. Up to the point I purchased the RS 4 and A4, mods were nominal and mostly cosmetic until a 2003 JCW Mini Cooper that had just about everything tweaked from suspension to motor and more. I tracked that car quite a bit locally at Willow Springs and Buttonwillow, and typically to the ass-whooping of far better / faster / higher horsepower cars. 'Corning speed' matters.
 
Q: Where do you think your passion for speed comes from?
A: I have spent so much time in my life looking for ways to increase cornering speed. A good deal of this comes from heart and desire and the rest for equipment in which you can be confident and inspired by. Modding vehicles, 2 or 4 wheel versions, is a natural extension of all of us who look for that something extra.

Q: What do you love most about the A4 Avant that you have now?
A: Damn, everyone loves the Avant. Seriously, people find any aspect of the car to dig and they're right because, overall, the S line is a great car. Enhanced with awesome brakes and great wheels, folks are drawn to it no matter whether young or old, male or female. It's an appealing ride! After recently taking the car on a 1000+ road trip up the California coast through Big Sur to San Francisco and back to Los Angeles, I was amazed that it got 28 MPG! Thanks Jags at Singh Tuning!

Q: What's your biggest peeve in regards to the car, the one thing you dislike the most?
A: Hhmmmmm� Honestly, the lines. As a package, it's a great car but occasionally, when I look at the profile I think the Avant could have taken on different dimensions. Although, I personally like it more than the A3 Avant because it is longer and not so rounded.

Q: How would you best explain your modding style? Do you prefer more go or more show? Perhaps a bit of both?
A: No doubt the mods should look good, but for me, it must be performance oriented and confidence inspiring. It is more important that the mods increase safety while simultaneously maximizing performance. I am not about straight line speed. For me, it's the curves and apex out.
 
Q: And would you rather do the work yourself, or do you have a favorite shop or mechanic perform the work for you?
A:  I know how to ride/drive fast, and know enough about mechanics and suspension setup to be dangerous�nope, I generally will not touch a vehicle, deferring instead to those who know more/better than me.
 
Q: Which mod are you the most happy with?
A: Really, not any one, but instead all together make the car better and look great.

Q: What's your fondest memory of owning, modifying, or driving your A4 so far.
A: Road trips!. Aggressive back road excursions that have caused passengers to sweat.
 
Q: Which other car, or cars, would be in your ultimate two-car garage?
A: 2008 Bugatti Veyron PUR SANG 16.4. I just wet myself...again.
 
Q: What do your friends and family think of your passion for Audis?
A: For the most part, they think it's either a phase or I need therapeutic intervention.
 
Q: How does your love for cars, and Audis specifically, affect your life? Does it play a significant part at all?
A: The experience is simply an outlet that distracts me in positive ways from the practice of real estate law. It is fun and interesting interacting with other car enthusiasts.
 
Q: What brought you to Audizine, and about how long have you been with the community?
A: My RS 4, and for a couple years. I like/appreciate the candor of all from around the world. It's an awesome communication platform for like-minded folks to share, agree and dissent. Thanks Anthony.

Q: When you're not on Audizine, or out playing with your cars, what do like to you do for fun?
A: Travel, sports like tennis and golf... The usual.
 
Q: Sounds like you have a fairly interesting day job. Would you mind talking a bit more about it?
A: Actually it is quite rewarding. I am a real estate attorney licensed in California and Colorado and a California real estate broker with a good deal of tax expertise. These days, my practice is focused on advising financially distressed homeowners who need to make informed decisions about exit strategies. When done right, the analysis and advise-giving is complex and dynamic.
 
Q: Do you have any words of advice to share with your fellow enthusiasts?
A: Whatever you do, have fun and do it passionately. I live by the motto, "if not now, then when?"

Q: And lastly, do you have anyone you'd like to thank or praise?
A: Eric at Supreme Power Parts, Jags at Singh Autosport, and Gary at RaceTechnologies/BREMBO.
  1. PESAPC's 2009 A4 Avant - by King Perez de Tagle

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September '09 Featured AZ'er: PESAPC's 2009 A4 Avant
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