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
Cool Blue November
[ Howie Chen 2025 RS5 Competition ]
By: AGSV Staff
Photos: Howie Chen
This month, we’re turning the spotlight on one, Howie, who brings serious performance and style to the roads of Silicon Valley in his 2025 Audi RS5 Competition Sportback finished laid out with Ascari Blue Metallic.
“I’ve been part of AGSV for a little over two years now, ever since I bought my 2023 A5 Sportback. But when the B9 generation RS5 dropped, I couldn’t resist making the move to my dream daily”, Howie says.
For Howie, the Audi brand represents more than just premium engineering - it’s an identity.
“I’ve owned cars from several brands, but Audi really resonates with me - the design, the community, and of course, Quattro. There’s just nothing like the confidence and control Audi’s AWD system delivers when you’re pushing through more technical roads.”
The RS5 Competition package leaves little to be desired straight from the factory. With coilovers, an upgraded exhaust, and a TCU tune, all included, Howie says it’s “hard to think of what more I’d even want to change.” Most of his modifications so far have been OEM+ or protective upgrades such as a full-car STEK clear PPF kit and a refinished set of non-Competition RS ‘flagpole’ wheels serving as a winter setup.
Future plans might include aftermarket brakes or a tune once the warranty period passes, but as he puts it, “It’s tough to see this car as a project build when Audi already nailed it so perfectly out of the box.”
Beyond the cars, it’s the community that keeps Howie engaged.
“What I like most about AGSV is how chill and welcoming it is. Car culture can sometimes get a bad rep for being tribal or clout-driven, but our club has this great balance — laid back and inclusive, yet full of passion and high-quality builds that really inspire.”
As Howie sums it up, “What I look for most in any car club is a genuine love for driving and real automotive enthusiasm. AGSV absolutely delivers on that.”
From his first A5 to his dream RS5, Howie’s journey embodies what Audi Gruppe Silicon Valley is all about - community, craftsmanship, and the joy of the drive.
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.
