Audi A4 Touring Car DTM '04

"A DTM machine incorporating racing technology from the Le Mans R8."

Through 2003, Audi had participated in the DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters, or German Touring Car Championship) by supporting a private team with its race car, the TT-R; but all that changed in 2004 when the company decided on a factory effort, running an A4. Under new changes in DTM regulations, only cars based on 4-door sedans with 4.0-liter V-8s were permitted to participate.

The DTM A4 inherited many components from the already-proven TT-R, but areas not bound by DTM regulations were completely redesigned. The 454 HP V-8 was mounted as far to the back as possible, and the driver's seat was moved back to improve front/rear weight distributions. Furthermore, racing technology acquired from the company's participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans was introduced where possible.

Six A4s were prepared, supplied to two teams. Team ABT Sportsline, which until 2003 had contested with the TT-R, and Team Joest, fresh from running the Audi R8 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. After going through a shakedown at the end of 2003, the A4 quickly placed 3rd in the first round of the 2004 season, and in the third round, Team ABT's drivers Christian Abt, Mattias Ekstrom, Tom Kristensen and Martin Tomczyk, brought the car's first victory. The charge continued even after 2004, with Audi recording three consecutive wins in 2005.