Adriaen Ferranti W.I.P 2007 Audi v8 s4 cabriolet

From 2005 to 2008, Audi was producing their S4 V8 Cabriolet coupe. This particular year of the S4 was the only year it was produced with their Audi B7 bodystyle. Production of these cars was extremely limited, only 80 of the Cabriolet sub-models were sold to the US/Canadian market. This car is one of 80 in the United States, and as stated by the Audi USA registry, this car is the only one in Cleveland, with the other two in Toledo and Columbus. 

This unassuming car came factory with a 4.2L V8 engine, which produces around 420 horsepower at 7,000 RPM to Audi’s signature Quattro all-wheel-drive system at a 60/40 split, rear wheel bias. This car came paired to either a 6-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual transmission. 

The front suspension is made up of an independent, 4-link anti-roll bar and coil springs. The rear features a Independent trapezoidal-link suspension setup. The brake setup consists of 4-corner disc brakes. The front is made up of 13.6” ventilated discs and the rear has 11.8” ventilated. The shoes on this Deutschland runner are standard 18” alloy wheels or optional 19” alloys.

This car came with a curb weight of 4,200 lbs with a power to weight ratio of 12:1. Off the dealership floor, you’d be able to find these in a soft top configuration, taking around 20 seconds to raise and lower while driving up to 20 mph.

Ferranti ‘07

This well kept car was a garage kept way out in East Lima, OH, for two years. The previous owner enjoyed this style of car so much, he bought a 2020 S5 Cabriolet. Unfortunately, the car wasn’t running when Ferranti bought it. It wasn’t until recently that this car fired up as it should, as recently as January of 2024, just in time for the 2024 car season. 

This car is currently finished in Audi OEM LY9B, named Brilliant Black. This car is a high gloss finished non-metallic paint. It’s currently sitting on OEM 18x8” +45mm 7-double-spoke Alloy wheels.

Some modifications have been made to this car, which set it apart from stock, but is far from done with this rare piece. It has now had slight power improvements, as well as cleaner fitment using a set of spacers and OEM Audi RS4 variable speed struts and springs. As well as that, a 2007 RS4 has donated their brand new MEYLE control arms and sway bars, As of now, Ferranti is waiting on a set of 18Z Brembo 6-piston brake calipers borrowed from a Porsche. Cars like the Porsche Cayenne 955/957 Turbo used these powerful brakes. The factory ventilated rotors have been converted to drilled rotors and slotted rotors to couple to these large brakes. Eventually, Ferranti plans to get rid of the current soft-top configuration and would like to convert to a hard-top and is even considering having a roll cage installed. The only caveat? The only hard tops for purchase are Wieseman Hardtops, which are incredibly difficult to come by. They’re so uncommon that Ferranti can’t locate one for sale or even priced out. Drivetrain related, this car is fitted with a custom modified Audi RS4 cat-back valved exhaust for a mean V8 exhaust note, it has had an engine inspection and has been updated and ensured for safety and performance. The suspension has seen new shock struts as well. Under the hood the seed for a 5.2L V10, from a current generation Audi R8 swap has been planted, and even though Ferranti says it’s a big maybe, we all need to make sure it happens. Ferranti has humble plans for the inside of this rare ride too. He would like to replace the seats with vintage mood worn leather Recaro seats, or vintage 1980s S2 style Recaros.

Not So Overlooked

Ferranti has gotten his due praise for this sleeper in the time he’s had it. Ferranti has been able to take it to 20+ large shows this 2024 car season, and was even voted “Best in Show: Sleeper” at Summit Sound and Security, which took place in early July. He also attended Block-a-Chip open house on June 1st, Cleveland Motorsports Meet on July 6th and has been invited to just a few private shows from high class individuals this August and September. He can be found at the German Car Fest later at the end of September. 

We look forward to following the progress on this car, and you can expect to see it again when Ferranti is happy with the builds progress!