Four Rings Round Up is AGSV section where we feature various AGSV members and the Audis they drive.
This is a brief candid conversation piece where we provide everyone a glimpse into Audi Gruppe Silicon Valley’s community, focusing on its unique and diverse group of Audi owners.
We hope everyone will enjoy this ongoing monthly feature segment and continue to share the same love for the Audi brand and lifestyle.
Four Rings Round Up
Dual-Audi December
By: AGSV Staff
Some car enthusiasts discover their passion behind the wheel. Ryan Pham discovered his behind a workbench. During his time at 034Motorsport, hearing exhaust notes daily, dyno pulls, and the fluttering from turbos, Ryan learned what made Audis special. The engineering of these cars amazed him, and the more he worked with the cars, the more he realized he wanted one of his own.
That decision eventually brought him to his first Audi, which was a Nogaro Blue B5 S4. With the car, found his entry into Audi Gruppe Silicon Valley, joining in 2021. What started as curiosity quickly became a connection. He found a community that matched his energy, his passion, and his willingness to keep learning. Every meet, every cruise, every early-morning start added to that feeling.
Today, Ryan’s Audi journey continues through two very different builds - 2019 Audi S3 in Brilliant Black, and his 2018 Audi Q5. The S3 is the precision machine that reflects everything he learned in the performance world. It’s always evolving, and Ryan’s list of future upgrades shows just how committed he is to pushing it further, such as an upgraded intercooler, an Arashi GTX3076R turbo, open-source tuning, flex-fuel conversion, a StudioRSR cage, a Zestek steering wheel, and, of course, more seat time.
On the other side is the Q5, originally a practical daily that somehow turned into an accidental adventure project. Stock for now, but already destined for transformation. Ryan plans to lift it and fit it with smaller wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires. It’s the car he jokes he decided to “full send off-road,” but there’s truth in the fun. It’s the one that’s meant to be dirty.
Ask Ryan what AGSV means to him, and he without hesitation - Adventurous. Not just because of the drives or the destinations, but because every event brings something new, like new people, new knowledge, and new experiences. Nothing ever disappoints, and every moment adds another memory to his journey.
Two cars, two personalities. Ryan’s story is a reminder of what makes the Audi community special. AGSV is not just about the builds, but the roads, friends, and adventures that come with them. And for Ryan, those roads always lead back to AGSV.
[ 2019 Audi S3 ]
[ 2018 Audi Q5 ]
Ryan Pham
Daytona Drive October
[ Ashley Cardenas 2021 SQ8 ]
By AGSV Staff
Photos: Aaron Chen
This month, we’re excited to spotlight longtime AGSV member Ashley Cardenas. She has been a part of the club since the beginning days of Audi Gruppe Silicon Valley.
Ashley drives a sleek 2021 Audi SQ8 in Daytona Grey Metallic. This car represents her love for Audi’s blend of sportiness, luxury, and comfort.
“I’ve always loved the design and styling of Audis”, she says.
Ashley started out with the group from the AGSV beginning days and served as Admin for 2 years. She had a 2014 Audi Allroad that was set up with Vorsteiner Wheels on Air Lift suspension. After she sold her Allroad, she went to go venture the AMG platform. After the AMG, she was back in not only any Audi, but an SQ8.
“After leaving the brand for a while, coming back just felt like home.”
Her SQ8 is tastefully modded with lowering links, Vossen HF-3 wheels, and calipers powder-coated in Porsche Speed Yellow, with plans to add a rear diffuser and front splitter in the future.
When asked to sum up AGSV in one word, Ashley chose “friendship” — a nod to the lasting connections she’s made through the group.
“Cars come and go, but the friendships stick around."
Sepang September
[ Roger Valle 2016 RS7 ]
By AGSV Staff
Photos: Aaron Chen/ Ernesto Sto Domingo
For many Audi owners, selecting a particular model, trim, color, etc. is no easy task, as the brand offers a wide range of specs that makes one want to check off all the boxes. We met up with Roger Valle on a typical sunny Sunday Bay Area afternoon to share his thoughts on Audi specifically his meticulously kept 2016 Sepang Blue RS7.
Roger has been a AGSV member since 2017, that would make him part of the early years of AGSV. When asked what made him drawn to the Audi brand, his reply was simple. “I bought an Audi mainly for the way it drives. I wanted something that felt solid, responsive, and fun without sacrificing comfort. The Quattro and smooth handling just gave me way more confidence on the road compared to other cars I tested. Honestly, it made driving exciting again, not just something I do to get from point A to point B”
The RS7 has an extensive list of mods that will make any Audi enthusiasts heart race, some highlights are:
- DS1 Custom ECU tune
- CustomTCU tune
- ECS turbo inlets
- SRM Ethanol sensor
- Autotech HPFP pistons
- SRM LPFP lines
- CWA 150 upgraded coolant pump
- Area51 Titanium exhaust & mid pipes
Asked if he had future mods planned for the RS7, he said IF he doesn’t sell it, top on the list are:
- Engine rebuild
- A2A intercooler
- Custom single turbo exhaust manifold with 8x EGT and 2x lambda
- Garrett G40-1150 T4 twin entry ball bearing PSR turbo
As we wrapped up our session, we were curious, If he had to describe AGSV in one word what would that word be and why?
Roger didn’t take long to reply, “Inspiring. Being around people who share the same passion for cars pushes me to learn more, appreciate the brand even deeper, and enjoy the whole experience beyond just driving.”
Roger has been an integral part of Audi Gruppe Silicon Valley from its early years. Many have known him to be genuinely sociable, lending a helping hand not only to members of the Gruppe but as well as events for the Gruppe. He has a profound passion for Audi and it shows. AGSV is fortunate to have members such as Roger in this community along with many others.
With a nice symphonic start up from his Area 51 exhaust, Roger departed ways with us until the next AGSV meet.
