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Audizine Motors
April 2012 Featured AZ'er: JOS4AUDI's 2011 Q5 3.2 V6
April 6, 2012 - Written by Richard Melick, Photos by Jeremy Serra
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StumbleUponUser Name: JOS4AUDI
Real Name: Jeremy Serra
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
Year of Vehicle: 2011
Model of Vehicle: Q5
Engine of Vehicle: 3.2 V6
Real Name: Jeremy Serra
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
Year of Vehicle: 2011
Model of Vehicle: Q5
Engine of Vehicle: 3.2 V6
Color of Vehicle: Ibis White
Most people wait a few months after the initial purchase to modify a vehicle, but that didn't happen for Jeremy. He was making plans even as he was signing the paperwork. As he is not new to the scene or the brand, modding came as a natural step. Taking the Q5 straight from stock to lowered 1.5 inches all around on H&R sport springs, and rolling on brand new 20 inch V708 VMR Wheels, was more than natural.
In a little over a year, this Q5 has gone from being a stock, common, midsize SUV, to something hard to look away from. From the gloss black wrapped front grille, to the black wheels, and on through to the miscellaneous other blacked-out or carbon fiber-look trim pieces. The cosmetic changes bring an almost 'Storm Trooper' look with its sharp lines and bold contrast. One thing not forgotten was to make a statement through the exhaust note thanks to a custom Magnaflow catback and Stratmosphere hyperflow intake - making sure that you will hear the ride before you see it!
The latest mod, a Euro-spec TT flat-bottom steering wheel, is Jeremy's favorite modification to date but certainly not his last. With more parts coming out slowly for the Q5 he is keeping his fingers crossed on some future power options to help make the SUV an even bigger presence on the road. But, it will never be a ride full of bolt-on parts straight from the box. The challenge to modify is the biggest drive forward for Jeremy, and creativity is king.
For now though, it's about the joy of the experience. Being able to drive down the road and know that people are turning their heads and commenting on the vehicle, often leading to them asking Jeremy questions and building their own interest. To have a SUV that rides and handles as well as his car, and enjoy the back roads of North Carolina with, is one of the biggest payoffs of all the work done so far.
Jeremy has let his imagination run with this Q5, and that's what caught our eye on the forums. It has the distinct honor of being something quite unique to the group, but familiar to the scene as a whole. Each modification is clean and well thought out, not thrown on to be unique for unique's sake. Like many of the vehicles we see, it has a personality that's both classy and bold. That's ultimately Jeremy's goal through his build, ensuring that nothing is tacky or over the top, because in the end "it is an Audi".
Current Modifications
- Engine/Exhaust:
- Custom Magnaflow cat-back, 2.25" piping to 4" tips
- Stratmosphere hyperflow intake
- Suspension:
- H&R sport springs, 1.5" drop all-around
- Wheels & Brakes:
- 20"x9" ET35 VMR V708's in matte black
- Hankook V12 tires 255/45/20
- ECS Tuning spacers, 17.5mm rear, 7mm front
- Calipers powdercoated black
- Interior:
- Euro TT flat bottom steering wheel
- All trim wrapped in dinoc carbon fiber
- Exterior:
- Front grille and foglight rings wrapped in gloss black
- Front splitter wrapped in carbon fiber
- Headlights and rear bumper lenses tinted
- Windows tinted 35%
- Hoen matched foglight bulbs
- S line badge on front grille
- De-badged rear with gloss black rear rings
- Rear diffuser painted satin black
- Exhaust tips done in satin black
- Future Modifications:
- Coilovers
- BBK
- Maybe some CF bits
- More power if someone makes more options
Q (Audizine): How long have you owned this vehicle?
A (Jeremy): One year and two months.
A (Jeremy): One year and two months.
Q: How has your ownership been with it overall?
A: Awesome! Hands down one of the best and most fun Audis I've owned
Q: Where did you find the car, and how was the buying experience?
A: Found the car at Audi of Charlotte, and the experience was great. I deal with Andrew Mueller. He is the best. Bought two Audis from him.
Q: Think you'll be getting another one anytime soon?
A: I sure hope so! *laughs* I'm really missing my B7 S4. I may get another S4 soon when the 2013 comes out later this year.
Q: Is this your first Audi? If not, what other models and years have you owned?
A: No, I love Audi! I've owned a 2001 Audi TT 225 quattro 6-speed, 2006 Audi A4 S line, 2008 Audi A4 Cab, 2006 Audi S4, 2011 Audi A4, and the Q5.
Q: How long have you been into Audis and in the European tuning scene?
A: Since about 1999.
Q: How long have you been into cars in general, as an enthusiast?
A: Honestly, as long as I can remember. My dad is a huge car guy so I've been around cars my whole life.
Q: Where do you think that passion and enthusiasm comes from, can it be traced back to anyone or anything?
A: My pops for sure. He has been taking me to car shows since I was a kid.
Q: What do you most love about the car?
A: Just the fun I have driving it. Always a new experience. The Q handles great, sounds awesome, and gets attention. People are always asking questions about it.
Q: What's your biggest peeve in regards to the car, the one thing you dislike the most?
A: Nothing. I honestly love the car. I know it's a boring answer, but the Q5 is awesome. OK...maybe more power, but that's any car.
Q: When did the mod bug bite you in regards to this car?
A: While I was at the dealer signing papers. I honestly have modding on my brain 24/7. I'm a sick person.
Q: Can you explain your modding style? Do you prefer more go, more show, perhaps a combo of both?
A: I like a combo of both. On the Q5 there aren't too many performance mods so it's more show. I just prefer to keep it classy nothing over the top. It is an Audi.
Q: Do you prefer to do the work yourself, or do you have a shop or specific person perform the work?
A: If I can do it myself I'm all in. If I can't, I don't even pretend to. It's off to Eurowise.
Q: What was your first modification to the car?
A: Wheels and suspension. I really wanted to get things started off right.
Q: Which was your last, most recent mod?
A: Flat bottom steering wheel. Loving it!
Q: Which mod are you the most proud of or happy with?
A: The flat bottom steering wheel. I really haven't seen any other Q in The States with a flat bottom. Thanks, Ivan.
Q: How has your ownership been with it overall?
A: I've enjoyed every moment so far. It's a lot fun to mod because it's a challenge. There aren't to many companies making parts for the Q5 so you have to get creative. The wife loves it so that makes me happy.
Q: Describe your fondest memory of owning, modifying, or driving this vehicle.
A: When I first saw it lowered on the new wheels, it was one of the best days ever!
Q: While the Q5 you have now is great, as were all your other Audis before it, but what if money were no object? What's your dream car, or cars?
A: I love Porsche. I'd take a 997 GT3 RS or Carrera GT.
Q: What do your friends and family think about your passion for Audis?
A: Well a lot of them don't understand it, they think I'm just crazy. When I first married my wife she wanted to kill me. Now she just thinks it's normal.
Q: How does your love for cars and Audis affect your life, does it play a pretty big part?
A: Yes I'm on Audizine like 100 times a day, either on the iPad or the phone. I have to clean my cars a few times a week, and they get the perfect parking spots. So my cars are basically like the kids I don't have.
Q: What brought you to Audizine, and how long have you been with us?
A: My buddy Josh told me about Audizine. I've been here four years. Best online Audi forum by far!
Q: When you're not on Audizine, out playing with the Audi, working, or going to school, do have any free time to spend on other sports or hobbies?
A: Hanging with my wife, taking the dogs out, and collecting Jordans.
Q: Have an interesting day job? Care to talk a little bit about it?
A: I'm a hair stylist. Not very exciting I guess, unless you're a woman.
Q: Any word of advice for your fellow enthusiasts, a bit of wisdom you'd like to impart on the masses?
A: I'm not really big on giving advice, but I guess I could say that sometimes less is more.
Q: And lastly do you have anyone you'd like to thank, any shout-outs?
A: First my wife for putting up with me, and all my cars, mods, more mods, and then remodding mods. She's the best! Then my friend Josh, Audizine member 'NobodyFamous'. Without him back in the day I would never have gotten into Audi. Then Mike, the owner of Eurowise in Charlotte, NC and all the crew down there. Last but not least, Bruce from Speedstyles in NC who does the best tint and wraps.
Q: Think you'll be getting another one anytime soon?
A: I sure hope so! *laughs* I'm really missing my B7 S4. I may get another S4 soon when the 2013 comes out later this year.
Q: Is this your first Audi? If not, what other models and years have you owned?
A: No, I love Audi! I've owned a 2001 Audi TT 225 quattro 6-speed, 2006 Audi A4 S line, 2008 Audi A4 Cab, 2006 Audi S4, 2011 Audi A4, and the Q5.
Q: How long have you been into Audis and in the European tuning scene?
A: Since about 1999.
Q: How long have you been into cars in general, as an enthusiast?
A: Honestly, as long as I can remember. My dad is a huge car guy so I've been around cars my whole life.
Q: Where do you think that passion and enthusiasm comes from, can it be traced back to anyone or anything?
A: My pops for sure. He has been taking me to car shows since I was a kid.
Q: What do you most love about the car?
A: Just the fun I have driving it. Always a new experience. The Q handles great, sounds awesome, and gets attention. People are always asking questions about it.
Q: What's your biggest peeve in regards to the car, the one thing you dislike the most?
A: Nothing. I honestly love the car. I know it's a boring answer, but the Q5 is awesome. OK...maybe more power, but that's any car.
Q: When did the mod bug bite you in regards to this car?
A: While I was at the dealer signing papers. I honestly have modding on my brain 24/7. I'm a sick person.
Q: Can you explain your modding style? Do you prefer more go, more show, perhaps a combo of both?
A: I like a combo of both. On the Q5 there aren't too many performance mods so it's more show. I just prefer to keep it classy nothing over the top. It is an Audi.
Q: Do you prefer to do the work yourself, or do you have a shop or specific person perform the work?
A: If I can do it myself I'm all in. If I can't, I don't even pretend to. It's off to Eurowise.
Q: What was your first modification to the car?
A: Wheels and suspension. I really wanted to get things started off right.
Q: Which was your last, most recent mod?
A: Flat bottom steering wheel. Loving it!
Q: Which mod are you the most proud of or happy with?
A: The flat bottom steering wheel. I really haven't seen any other Q in The States with a flat bottom. Thanks, Ivan.
Q: How has your ownership been with it overall?
A: I've enjoyed every moment so far. It's a lot fun to mod because it's a challenge. There aren't to many companies making parts for the Q5 so you have to get creative. The wife loves it so that makes me happy.
Q: Describe your fondest memory of owning, modifying, or driving this vehicle.
A: When I first saw it lowered on the new wheels, it was one of the best days ever!
Q: While the Q5 you have now is great, as were all your other Audis before it, but what if money were no object? What's your dream car, or cars?
A: I love Porsche. I'd take a 997 GT3 RS or Carrera GT.
Q: What do your friends and family think about your passion for Audis?
A: Well a lot of them don't understand it, they think I'm just crazy. When I first married my wife she wanted to kill me. Now she just thinks it's normal.
Q: How does your love for cars and Audis affect your life, does it play a pretty big part?
A: Yes I'm on Audizine like 100 times a day, either on the iPad or the phone. I have to clean my cars a few times a week, and they get the perfect parking spots. So my cars are basically like the kids I don't have.
Q: What brought you to Audizine, and how long have you been with us?
A: My buddy Josh told me about Audizine. I've been here four years. Best online Audi forum by far!
Q: When you're not on Audizine, out playing with the Audi, working, or going to school, do have any free time to spend on other sports or hobbies?
A: Hanging with my wife, taking the dogs out, and collecting Jordans.
Q: Have an interesting day job? Care to talk a little bit about it?
A: I'm a hair stylist. Not very exciting I guess, unless you're a woman.
Q: Any word of advice for your fellow enthusiasts, a bit of wisdom you'd like to impart on the masses?
A: I'm not really big on giving advice, but I guess I could say that sometimes less is more.
Q: And lastly do you have anyone you'd like to thank, any shout-outs?
A: First my wife for putting up with me, and all my cars, mods, more mods, and then remodding mods. She's the best! Then my friend Josh, Audizine member 'NobodyFamous'. Without him back in the day I would never have gotten into Audi. Then Mike, the owner of Eurowise in Charlotte, NC and all the crew down there. Last but not least, Bruce from Speedstyles in NC who does the best tint and wraps.
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JOS4AUDI's 2011 Q5 - photo by Jeremy Serra
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JOS4AUDI's 2011 Q5 - photo by Jeremy Serra
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JOS4AUDI's 2011 Q5 - photo by Jeremy Serra
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JOS4AUDI's 2011 Q5 - photo by Jeremy Serra
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JOS4AUDI's 2011 Q5 - photo by Jeremy Serra
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JOS4AUDI's 2011 Q5 - photo by Jeremy Serra
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JOS4AUDI's 2011 Q5 - photo by Jeremy Serra
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JOS4AUDI's 2011 Q5 - photo by Jeremy Serra
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JOS4AUDI's 2011 Q5 - photo by Jeremy Serra
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JOS4AUDI's 2011 Q5 - photo by Jeremy Serra
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JOS4AUDI's 2011 Q5 - photo by Jeremy Serra
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April 2012 Featured AZ'er: JOS4AUDI's 2011 Q5 3.2 V6
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