SP Rides: An ‘Audi’ This World Red Rocket
By Michael Kitchens
Name: Carlos Saenz
Age: 37
Occupation: Entrepreneur
Hobbies: Scuba, hiking, reading, working out
Year/Make/Model: 2002 Audi TT
Color: Milano Red/Carbon Fiber
Engine: REVO Stage II remap software, 42 Draft Designs Air Intake, 42 Draft Designs FMIC, 42 Draft Designs full turboback exhaust w/o catback, Neuspeed pulleys, Integrated Engineering Fuel rail, Forge blow off valve, 42 Draft Designs Ultimate catch can, steel braided lines and hoses, Forge charge pipe and intake pipe, ECS FSI Coilpack conversion, Forge and 42Draft Designs engine dress up kits
Exterior: Reiger R-Frame body kit, LL Tec front grill, Vis Racing Carbon Fiber Hood, OSIR Carbon Fiber wing, OSIR Vented fenders, A4 shark fin antenna, Custom LED mirrors, Custom LED and Halo headlights, Smoked tail lights, PIAA bulbs
Interior: Boost and Air/Fuel Gauge pods, Stock interior, PIAA bulbs
Wheels/Brakes/Suspension: Audi R8 18-inch wheels, Michelin 225 40ZR18 Pilot Super Sport tires, ECS Tuning Stage III Big Brake Kit, ECS 2 Piece Cross Drilled and Slotted Rotors, Hawk Brake pads, PSS9 Coilover kit, Gruvenparts adjustable control arms, Haldex Control Unit
If you’re looking for some festive cheer, try taking a ride in Carlos Saenz’s rocking sleigh of turbo goodness — a 2002 Audi TT that has been modified to extremes both visually and internally. Carlos is a big fan of the car’s small, responsive package, not to mention the safety this all-wheel-drive red rocket provides.
For most, builds start off with something simple: sun-blocking tint to keep things chill and frosty inside. In Carlos’ case, however, things soon became complicated once he dove into improving the suspension. Most would opt to amp up the engine, but Carlos was committed to ensuring quality handling before power. And so he combined a PSS9 coilover kit with Gruvenparts adjustable control arms for better surface control. Additionally, this ride could stop on a dime thanks to the ECS Tuning Stage III Big Brake Kit with 2-piece cross-drilled and slotted rotors. Pulling all of this together is a Haldex control unit, which provides aggressive handling characteristics for the AWD system.
With handling cornered, the engine became the focus and Carlos didn’t hold back. One look under the hood will have most Audi enthusiasts wishing for some goodies under their trees. Among the decent list of mods, a REVO Stage II remap takes the existing power to the 300HP range when combined with the FMIC, Air Intake and turbo back exhaust by 42 Draft Designs. The fuel rail has been updated to an Integrated Engineering piece along with Neuspeed pulleys to reduce weight. The bay has been dressed up with some shiny goodness that surely leaves an impression.
Exterior-wise, the car remained stock for that sleeper look until Carlos was involved in an eight-car pileup on the Pali. The engine bay even caught fire! The crash destroyed most of the upper half of the front of the car including the lights, hood and bumper. It was a mess.
But with adversity comes challenge, and so Carlos stepped up his game. This Audi TT has been repaired and enhanced significantly with a full Reiger R-Frame body kit. Of special note are the spectacular OSIR vented fenders and carbon fiber wing. Helping provide ventilation is a Vis Racing carbon fiber hood that has been done up in a two-tone Milano red. In addition to all of this goodness, custom LED mirrors light up the night while providing a more updated look. Lastly, a set of Audi R8 18-inch wheels have been matched with Michelin 225/40ZR18 Pilot Super Sports to finish off that curb appeal.
Overall, this car is one of the most put-together Audis on the island. There is still room for modifying the interior beyond just the gauges, but at this point in time, Carlos has reached many of his goals in this build. The result is an out of this world piece of automotive art that was a joy to photograph among the dazzling light displays of the Hanapaa Neighborhood.
