You don't really need much convincing or motivation to buy yourself one of Audi's most amazing V8 S5 coupes these days. Just a proper bank account. You've probably seen them in your mirrors with their stunning display of LED visuals. The eight cylinder grumble and tone is easily audible for a couple city blocks to let you know that their arrival is imminent. Even just looking at the seemingly organic lines of the car make you almost not want to even modify it... almost. Meet Heral Patel, a man who is no stranger to the world of Audis and modifying them beyond belief. After building a widebody B6 A4 that is forum-famous and custom down to the core, Heral is ready to show us what's new on the menu.
Knowing that he would probably be one the first and few in the US to start modifying an S5, Heral acted quickly. His first and biggest peeve is that the car was too slow! So, he added a Singh Autosport tune, AWE Downpipes, and a Magnaflow exhaust to help the car get that little extra power he was looking for. Like a painter on a canvas Heral built the exterior of the car with all the right subtleties in all the right places. Sporting OEM Euro-spec headlights and taillights, EuroGEAR splitters in the front and rear, and a Rieger roof spoiler on top. Staying close to his custom tuning roots the car was lowered with H&R springs and custom DPE wheels that sit 20"x10" all around!
By no means is this the limit for this car. Heral plans on upgrading the brakes, installing some parts off of the forthcoming RS 5, and possibly even strapping on a supercharger. Hell, since writing this article he's probably gone through at least one new set of wheels! All in all though the car is just so sexy and classy already that adding more to it just isn't very easy or for the most part even necessary. But, if anyone can make great
Current Modifications
- Engine/Exhaust:
- Magnaflow Exhaust
- AWE Downpipes
- Singh Autosport Tune
- K&N Air Filter
- Suspension:
- H&R Sport Springs
- STaSIS Rear Sway Bar
- 20"x10" DPE SP-SC16 Front/Rear, Tinted brushed centers with chrome lip
- Hankook V12 Evo 275/30/25
- Exterior:
- OEM Black Optic Front Grill with Plate Delete
- EuroGEAR Carbon Fiber Front Splitter
- EuroGEAR Carbon Fiber Rear Valence and Splitter
- Rieger Roof Spoiler
- Ecode Headlight Housings
- OEM Ecode LED Tail Light Housings
- HID Fogs
- Vanity Plate
Future Modifications
Brake Upgrade, RS 5 Parts, Unitronic or
APR Tune, Supercharger...
Q (Audizine): Alrighty. So, when did you pick up your S5?
A (Heral): A little over a year.
Q: How has your ownership been with it?
A: Love it! This was a big upgrade from my old A4
Q: Since it seems you love taking on new projects and builds, do you think you'll be getting another car anytime soon?
A: Yes probably within the next year.
Q: And how many Audis have you had so far?
A: This is my second Audi. I had a B6 A4 before.
Q: How long have you been into Audis and in the European tuning scene?
A: I got into Audis just before I got my A4 back in '04. As for the European tuning scene, I became a fan after I went to a few car shows years before I got my A4.
Q: So how long have you been into cars in general, as an enthusiast?
A: I used to collect model cars and R/C cars when I was very young. I even used to try and modify my collection to make them even better. That's what started my passion for cars.
Q: What do you love most about the S5 you have now?
A: I pretty much love everything about the car. One thing it can use is more power but overall the car is excellent. Also, I love the fact that the car is still rare and you barely see one on the roads.
Q: And so your major dislike is...
A: Not enough power!
Q: Can you explain your modding style? Do you prefer more go, more show, perhaps a combo of both?
A: I prefer a little bit of everything, but it all depends on the car. My old car was all show because the engine was a naturally aspirated 3.0 and I was very limited. As for the S5, there are a few superchargers in the works for it so we will see how it all plays out.
Q: And so which modification are you the most happy with?
A: If a hardwired Valentine 1 counts as a mod then I am proud of that. *laughs*
Q: Do you prefer to do the work yourself, or do you have a shop or specific person perform the work?
A: It depends on the work and skill level involved. If it's something big I have my shop do it, otherwise I work on the car in my garage.
Q: Describe your fondest memory of owning, modifying, or driving this vehicle.
A: I would have to say it was my drive home after picking the car up from the dealership. It took me about three and a half hours to get home in traffic. My max speed was about 40 MPH which was a tease but I still enjoyed the ride home. A few days before I got it I wasn't even expecting to be driving an S5 home from the dealership. Someone offered me an amazing deal for my old A4 which I wasn't even planning on selling. So, I sold it and picked the S5 up a few days later.
Q: What would be in your ultimate two-car garage, if money were no object yet you could only choose two vehicles?
A: A Veyron and a Reventon.
Q: What do your friends and family think about your passion for Audis?
A: My friends and family think I am crazy, mostly because of how often I change wheels.
Q: How does your love for cars and Audis affect your life, does it play a pretty big part?
A: My love for cars has played a big part in my life. I've learned a lot of new things and met a lot of new people. My passion for cars and my background in business has led me to my new business venture that I am currently working on.
Q: What brought you to Audizine, and how long have you been with us?
A: I was just browsing around Google after I got my A4 and ended up on AZ. I've been a member since '04.
Q: When you're not on Audizine, or out playing with the Audi, what do like to you do for fun?
A: I usually just hang out with friends or family, throw some spontaneous things in every now and then. I also like to browse the internet to learn new things and be up to date with all the latest trends.
Q: Have an interesting day job? Care to talk a little bit about it?
A: I am an entrepreneur and always looking for new business ideas. I'm currently working on a project that I can't get into detail about yet but I will be sure to let Audizine know when it launches!
Q: Any word of advice for your fellow enthusiasts, a bit of wisdom you'd like to impart on the masses?
A: Build your car with your own taste not someone else's. Also don't modify it if you are just going to leave it in the garage all the time. Drive it!
Q: And lastly do you have anyone you'd like to thank, any shout-outs?