ABT Sportsline Presents Discrete Tuning Package for 2011 Volkswagen Touareg

According to ABT, the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg should be tuned without diluting its distinct character. As a result, the Bavarian specialist concentrated on increasing the power of the German SUV, while keeping the exterior changes to a minimum.

“More power wouldn’t hurt with a car as diverse as this, but it was important for us that the tuning suited the characteristics of the Touareg”, the company’s general manager, Christian Abt, explained.

Tipping the scales at 2.5 tons, the Touareg is certainly no featherweight, so adding more power and torque to the mix is probably a good idea. Engineers developed the ABT Power kit for 3.0-liter diesel V6, which increases peak output from 240 hp to 282 hp. The second stage of the engine conversion is called Power S and delivers 310 hp.

Garnished with a similar power upgrade, the 4.2-liter V8 diesel also benefits from extra oomph, churning out 385 hp (+45 ponies) and an even more impressive 870 Nm (642 lb-ft) of mountain-moving torque (+70 Nm or 52 lb-ft).

As mentioned previously, exterior appointments are discrete as they are limited to a new front grille, rear wing and rear apron, alongside a 4-pipe exhaust system. ABT BR or CR wheels, which can be specified in various sizes up to 22 inches complete the finishing touch.

By Csaba Daradics

The new ABT Touareg – dates and facts
ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGY
Engine: 3.0 TDI, 2967 ccm, V6
Performance tuning: ABT POWER
Performance: 282 PS/207 kW (standard: 240 PS/177 kW)
Engine: 3.0 TDI, 2967 ccm, V6
Performance tuning: ABT POWER S
Performance: 310 PS/228 kW (standard: 240 PS/177 kW)
Engine: 4.2 TDI, 4134 ccm, V8
Performance tuning: ABT POWER
Performance: 385 PS/283 kW (standard: 340 PS/250 kW)
ABT AERODYNAMICS
ABT front grille
ABT rear spoiler
ABT rear skirt
ABT EXHAUST SYSTEM
ABT 4-pipe-exhaust-system
ABT SPORTS WHEEL TECHNOLOGY
ABT BR and CR up to 22 inch

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

ABT Powers Up the New Volkswagen Golf GTD Diesel to 190HP

Volkswagen Group tuning specialist ABT has set its eyes on the new Golf GTD offering a range of power and styling treatments. The GTD's 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine receives a 20-pony and 40 Nm increase to 190-horsepower and 390 Nm (288 lb-ft) of maximum torque trimming 0-100km/h (62mph) acceleration from 8.1 seconds to 7.1 seconds - always according to ABT. Top speed increases from 222 km/h to 230 km/h (143mph).

Other available performance goodies include a sport suspension that lowers the car's ride height by around 30mm and a new exhaust system with a throatier sound.

As you'd expect from ABT, the German tuner also offers a full bodykit which is similar to the one available for the GTI and includes a front spoiler, front grille, side sills, rear spoiler and a rear apron with an integral diffuser housing the quad tailpipes.

A set of 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in high-performance tires completes the package.

KTM Backs ABT Sportsline 300HP Power Upgrade for X-BOW

As well as backing up ABT Sportline's aftermarket performance kit for the X-BOW, KTM also released UK pricing for the upgrade that raises the 2.0-liter TFSI engine's output from 240HP to 300HP and maximum torque from 310Nm to 400Nm. The upgrade that is sold as an aftermarket package and can be retrofitted to all X-BOW models costs £5,300 (about €8,700) including VAT and fitting, and comes with a two year warranty.

Lifting the vehicle's power-to-weight ratio to 380HP per tonne, the ABT-prepped X-BOW launches from standstill to 100km/h (62mph) in just 3.5 seconds or 0.4 seconds faster than the 240HP factory model.

"X-BOW's racecar-inspired chassis and sophisticated aerodynamic package have always given owners the ability to go head-to-head with some of the world's most exotic machinery," said Jeff Lau, KTM's X-BOW Manager for the UK.

"This power upgrade will ensure that X-BOW owners seeking an even more extreme experience can do so in total confidence, building upon the quality assurance of the expert engineering and exquisite finish for which X-BOW is recognised."

ABT Does the New VW Golf GTI VI: 260HP and 300HP Versions

You knew it was coming: ABT Sportline's take on the sixth-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI. Building on the basic GTI, the German firm's engineers first turned their motorsport-honed attention to the car's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot that delivers 210HP in standard form. The craftspeople at ABT developed two performance kits for the new GTI, with the first adding the usual ECU and exhaust system upgrades that lift output to 260 horsepower.

In addition to these enhancements, the second kit adds a new turbocharger that helps boost power to 300HP allowing the car to accelerate from rest to 100km/h or 62mph in under 6.0 seconds. In comparison, the factory Golf GTI VI sprints from 0 to 100km/h in 7.2 seconds.

Helping to improve the GTI's handling is a set of lower, stiffer springs plus a high-performance brake system and newly designed 18- or 19-inch alloys wrapped in beefier rubber.

The German tuners also developed an appearance package for the GTI that takes the red pin stripe theme to a new level. The kit consists of a new grille, front bumper with LED daytime lights and a lip spoiler, side skirts, roof spoiler and a rear diffuser that houses two pairs of diagonally positioned tail pipes.

And finally, the tuning folks at ABT upgraded the GTI's interior with red accents on the steering wheel, the instrument gauges the dashboard and the door trims.

ABT said that pricing for the comprehensive sport package for the new GTI will be announced at a later date.

Factory Supported Audi R8 LMS to Compete at the 24h of Nurburgring

The competition is heating up for next month's 24-hours of Nurburgring as Audi has announced that it too will take part in the famed endurance race with four factory supported R8 LMS racecars, two for each of the ABT Sportsline and Phoenix Racing teams. The R8 LMS is a rear-wheel drive GT3 version of the German firm's mid-engined sportscar equipped with a 500HP-plus 5.2-liter FSI V10 that was developed by Audi's motorsport division for private customers and race teams alike.

"The 24 Hours is not only one of the biggest motorsport events in Germany," says Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. "The Nürburgring-Nordschleife is considered one of the world's toughest and most demanding race tracks. Similar to Sebring for the sports prototypes, it is superbly suited for revealing the final improvement potential of any new race car. This is exactly what we're planning to do at the 24-hour race before delivering the R8 LMS to customers, starting this fall."

The ABT Sportsline and Phoenix Racing teams will hit the 'Ring on May 23 with driver squads consisting of five current Audi "factory" drivers, four DTM Champions, four Le Mans winners and five drivers who have won the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring at least once.

Among others they include the reigning DTM Champion Timo Scheider, who – together with his DTM teammate Mattias Ekström and three-time Le Mans winner Marco Werner – will compete for Team ABT Sportsline, and three-times 24h Nurburgring winner Hans-Joachim Stuck, who will pilot one of the cars of the Team Phoenix Racing.

The Audi teams at the 24-hour race on the Nürburgring:

Audi R8 LMS #97 (ABT Sportsline)

• Christian Abt (D)
  
• Jean-François Hemroulle (B)
  
• Pierre Kaffer (D)
  
• Lucas Luhr (D)
  

Audi R8 LMS #98 (Phoenix Racing)

• Marc Basseng (D)
  
• Frank Stippler (D)
  
• Mike Rockenfeller (D)
  

Audi R8 LMS #99 (Phoenix Racing)

• Frank Biela (D)
  
• Marcel Fässler (CH)
  
• Emanuele Pirro (I)
  
• Hans-Joachim Stuck (A)
  

Audi R8 LMS #100 (ABT Sportsline)

• Mattias Ekström (S)
  
• Timo Scheider (D)
  
• Marco Werner (D)
  

ABT's Tuning Packages for the Audi Q5 SUV

The self-proclaimed world's largest tuner of VW Group vehicles, ABT Sportsline, has published new photos of its modified Audi Q5. The German firm offers various performance packages for the compact SUV with power and style treatments across the range of trims. On the outside, ABT's bodykit that includes front and rear aprons, rocker panels, new grille, a relatively large roof spoiler plus various alloy wheels (up to 22-inches in diameter) work to create an aggressive look for the German SUV.

For the interior, ABT's tuning program includes a series of accessories ranging from the decorative inserts made of carbon-fiber to a full leather trim.

The more important news is under the hood as ABT's "power-kits' boost the 2.0 TDI diesel's output from 140 to 170HP, the 3.0 TDI diesel's from 240 to 310HP and the 2.0 TSI gasoline engine from 211 to 240HP with a 275HP version following in the next few months.

The engine upgrades can be complemented by a sport brake system with 380mm disc and a sport suspension that brings the SUV closer to the ground.

ABT Releases Details on 510HP AS5-R Audi S5 Coupe

In spite of the fact that it's only a matter of time before Audi replaces the current S5 Coupe's normally aspirated 354HP 4.2-liter V8 with the new S4 / S5 Convertible's 333HP supercharged 3.0 V6 TFSI, ABT Sportsline has created the AS5-R using the current S5 as a base. Thanks to a series of modifications that include changes to the engine management and the insertion of an ABT Compressor, the AS5-R 4.2 V8's performance is increased by an impressive 156 HP to a powerful 510 HP.

This results to a 0-100km/h (62mph) time of 4.5 seconds (standard model: 5.1 sec) with the AS5-R continuing to accelerate up to its maximum speed of 292km/h or 182mph. Despite the significant increase in performance, the German tuner claims that consumption and tailpipe emissions still remain at the level of the series-produced vehicle.

ABT Sportsline fits the AS5-R with a new braking system with 380 millimetre disc diameter and an ABT Coil-over suspension system to help the S5 cope with the extra power.

The German tuning firm also sprinkles some extra aggression onto the body with a new front spoiler and grille, inner fender skirts, gill-shaped air inlets and a new rear skirt incorporating a 4-pipe rear muffler. The styling upgrades are completed with a "we-could-definitely-do-without-it" bi-colour paint scheme and a set of 20-inch BR alloy wheels.

ABT AS5-R: Modified Audi S5 with 510HP set for Geneva Debut

The Audi S5-based AS5-R from ABT Sportsline will be making its worldwide debut at next month's Geneva Show. ABT's tuning proposal for the most powerful variant of the A5 coupe includes an updated version of the current S5's 344HP 4.2-liter V8 engine that has been modified to produce an output of 510-horsepower. For the record, Audi is planning to replace the S5 Coupe's V8 with the recently introduced S5 Cabriolet's new 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine that develops 333HP.

ABT did not disclose any more information on the car, but aside from the engine-tune up, the AS5-R will also benefit from a new bodykit and larger alloy wheels along with a modified suspension and a more powerful braking system.

The German tuner's Geneva booth will also host the firm's latest creations including the ABT VW Sciorcco Coupe and the ABT Audi Q5 and R8.

ABT Sportsline Readying Modified KTM X-BOW with 300HP

As well as announcing the availability of KTM's unashamedly sportsbike-inspired X-BOW from its dealerships, VW Group tuning specialist ABT Sportsline, also revealed its plans to develop a more powerful version of the open-top road-racer. In standard form, the X-BOW is powered by a VW-sourced 2.0-liter TFSI engine with 240HP that launches the 790 kg / 1,742 lbs ultra lightweight sportscar from zero to (62 mph) 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds.

With the performance improvements that ABT Sportsline is working on, the 2.0 TFSI will deliver a hefty 300 HP. The German tuner said that it will provide more detailed information about the technical key data of X-BOW ABT version once the standard tests have been carried out.

In what concerns the availability of the X-BOW from its dealerships, as a large outlet partner, ABT Sportsline said that it will not only take on the sale of the car itself, but also all the service work on the vehicle.

Power to the People: ABT Tunes the VW Golf VI

If you're looking for a little more zest out of your 2009 Golf VI, then you might want to take a look at the new tuning packages from VW Group specialist, ABT Sportsline. The German tuner has introduced an array of cosmetic and mechanical upgrades for Volkswagen's latest generation Golf, including a power kit for the forthcoming GTI that boosts the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine's output from 210 to 240HP.

With ABT's power kit, the entry-level 1.4 TSI engine that delivers 122HP in stock form produces 170HP, while the more powerful 1.4 TSI with 160HP gains an additional 40-horsepower for a total output of 200HP. As for the popular in Europe diesel version, the 2.0 TDI delivers 170HP from 140HP.

Other mechanical modifications concern the sport-tuned suspension and the availability of two braking packages (345mm and 380mm brake discs).

As for ABT's aerodynamic bodykit, it consists of a front grill, front and rear aprons, side sills, rear wing plus quad exhaust tailpipes and 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels.

The new ABT Golf – Data and Facts

ABT POWER

Series: 1.4 TSI 122 HP ---- ABT Power: 170 HP

Series: 1.4 TSI 160 HP ---- ABT Power: 200 HP

Series: 2.0 TSI 210 HP ---- ABT Power: 240 HP

Series: 2.0 TDI 140 HP ---- ABT Power 170 HP

ABT AERODYNAMICS

ABT Front grill
ABT Front apron
ABT Sidebars
ABT Rear apron attachment
ABT Rear spoiler
ABT All-in package consisting of: ABT front grill, ABT front apron, ABT sidebars, ABT rear
apron attachment, ABT rear wing, ABT wing inserts, ABT wing enlargement

ABT SPORT WHEELS

ABT AR and BR; 18 and 19-inch; diamond turned or high-gloss polished.
Also available as a full wheelset with sports tyres.

ABT EXHAUST TECHNOLOGY

ABT 4-pipe exhaust

ABT SUSPENSION

ABT springs, lowering of the vehicle's centre of gravity
ABT Thread sports chassis

ABT BRAKES

ABT Braking system, brake disks 345 millimetres
ABT Sports braking system, brake disks 380 millimetres

ABT LaunchesTuning Package for VW Scirocco

*Updated with New Photos

ABT is one of the first tuners to get its hands on the new Volkswagen Scirocco which has just began arriving at the firm's European dealerships. The Kempten-based VW Group specialist has prepared an aggressive bodykit for the sport coupe that includes a new front bumper with a lip spoiler, side skirts with air inlets, a larger roof spooler, a rear skirt that incorporates a diagonally attached set of four tail pipes and a boot wing. The exterior package is complemented by new alloy wheels available in sizes 18 to 20’’.

To improve the coupe's handling, ABT has developed a new sport suspension that brings the Scirocco 30 mm closer to the ground. This particular package (combined with 19-inch alloys) will be available in Germany from January 2009 at a price of €5,990 or $8,300 US. Furthermore, the German tuner also offers a sport brake system.

Last but not least, ABT has developed power refinements for all the engines that are offered on the Scirocco. With the power kit, the 1.4-liter TSI’s output rises from 160 to 200HP, the 2.0 TSI’s from 200 to 240HP and the 2.0 TDI’s from 140 to 170HP.