The fun way to think about being a freelance automotive journalist is to equate it to being a mercenary. Many of us are hired to shoot cars that our clients have had their eyes on since inception, but have waited until just the right time to capture. Along with what eventually becomes their subject, our clients have kept close tabs on other promising projects, so in the event that any do rise to feature car status, they can have them “taken care of” before the other guys do. As a result, seldom does the build of a feature-worthy car occur completely under the radar, especially if built over any length of time, and almost never if by a well-known tuning shop. But that’s exactly what happened with Bobby Haleluk’s 2004 Audi A4 1.8T. For two years, Bobby had been building this DTM-inspired monster within the confines of DTC Designs, his Fords, NJ shop, and at the time I was contracted by Performance Auto & Soun d magazine to “take it out”, was being targeted by a number of rival publications for a feature. With only a few days to spare before the photos were due at the print shop, my orders were clear: get in, get the job done, and GTF out!
From first glance, the most impressive feature of this car was the appearance of the custom DTMKarbon widebody kit, complimented by a factory UltraSport skirt package, that doesn’t scream, rather gets in your face, looks you in the eye, and states, “DTM”. Body molding and side markers were shaved in-house, while Trinity Auto Body gets credit for applying the two-tone paint; a combination of Audi Dolphin Grey metallic, and Aston Martin Black Onyx Pearl. In the pursuit of cleanliness, Bobby took it upon himself to not only shave the factory emblems, but his third brake light as well, replacing it behind a custom stencil of the famous Audi rings in the rear of his euro-spec trunk, inspired by those that the company’s concept cars sport in the movie, “I, Robot”. A Reiger roof spoiler, Kerscher carbon splitter, and painted DTMKarbon Boser hood round out the exterior mods, while a set of Sevas S-Star rollers, measuring 19×8.5″ front and 19×9.5″ rear, bridge performance with styl e, and Texon 6000k HID’s illuminate the road ahead.
Just as suspected, the Audi’s interior was modified in keeping with the DTM-inspired principles of clean, functional luxury, with many of the mods taking on such OEM styling, they are easily overlooked. Grey alcantara / black leather Corbeau seats replace the stockers up front, while matching alcantara is found on the rear seats, roofliner, shift boot, and around custom enclosures. The center console houses a Pioneer AVIC-Z1 display unit, which relays audio information to the Macrom sound system. A pair of 450w and 225w amps power the four 6.5″ and two 5.25″ speakers, found in the doors and trunklid, while a massive 1500w mono-block amp drives both 12″ subs. For added control outside the vehicle, a Xenarc 10.4″ VGA touchscreen resides in the trunk.
The attention to detail apparent in the construction of this car’s appearance and luxury might lead one to believe that there isn’t much to expect from the car as a performer. Popping the afore-mentioned carbon hood proves this isn’t the case, as the top-mounted Garrett 3076R turbo, and direct-port Zex kit, are clearly not shy. Boost is directed into and out of the 20 valve 1.8L by a network of PD Performance custom-fabbed plumbing, cooled by a custom FMIC, and managed by a Tial 38mm wastegate. Prototype Revo Technik software manages the performance of four Siemens 530cc injectors, ensuring that the proper air/fuel mixture is maintained for producing an estimated 425awhp. The direct-port Zex wet system brings the number of Seabiscuits up to 500, when Bobby deems necessary. Four Nitto NT555’s translate all power to forward motion, while an ECS Stage 2 brake upgrade sees to it that no prescious rubber need be lost on rapid deceleration. Lateral motion and bo dy roll are limited by a full H&R suspension, and a combination of Neuspeed strut and sway bars.
In the time that has past since completing my mission, I have heard nothing but praise for the car, and how well it and the other TWCompetetion cars have been cleaning up at shows. Add to that the recent track and dyno performances the car has impressed many with, and we’re sure you’ll understand why so many fought to be the first to bring this stallion to light. The future looks bight for Bobby and DTC Designs. Maybe there’s a reason he tinted his car’s windows so dark…
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