Autoblog

ABT gets its hands all over the KTM X-Bow

Noah Joseph — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 18:58:00 EST

Click above to view the ABT X-Bow in high resolution

Think of the most extreme vehicles on the road, and if you're brushed up on your adventurous automobiles, the KTM X-Bow should come to mind. Made by the Austrian motorcycle manufacturer and looking something like a Transformer caught between car and robot modes, the X-Bow is about as extreme as they come. So ABT has decided to tinker with it a bit.

The result of the German tuning firm's poking and prying is a boost to the 2.0-liter TFSI mill from the standard 240 horsepower, which was good enough to propel the lightweight track-day special to 60 in 3.9 seconds, up to 300 horsepower, which should be enough to tear your face right off. Now if you're thinking that the X-Bow is already in such high demand that ABT isn't likely to get its hands on one, think again: the tuning house will act as the X-Bow's official sales and service agent. Hilarity, in the form of wicked tail-slides and curb assaults, should ensue.

Gallery: ABT KTM X-Bow

[Source: ABT Sportsline]

ABT gets its hands all over the KTM X-Bow originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ABT Scirocco heads to Essen

Alex Nunez — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 14:04:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the ABT Scirocco

So, the Essen Motor Show is coming up. For those of you unaware, it's basically a Euro SEMA. All the tuners will be there, showing off stuff that's both decent and dreadful, proving that yes, Europeans can do bad taste as well as anyone this side of the Atlantic. ABT is entirely capable of serving up either dish, but in the case of their Scirocco, they manage to stay on the better side of decent. You know the drill: body kit, wheels, suspension, brakes. They have power upgrades, too -- bumping the wee 1.4 TSI to 200 horses, and the 2.0 TSI to 240. Unfortunately, a look 'round back indicates that this whole stacked-tailpipes thing recently adopted by Lexus and Ferrari is on its way to becoming a fad. We love this shade of green, which looks to be the same as that used on the original VW IROC concept, but ABT's car wins because it doesn't have a face that looks like it was inspired by something on a Pokemon card. Still interested in reading more? The PR's pasted after the jump.

Gallery: ABT Scirocco

[Source: ABT Sportsline]

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ABT Scirocco heads to Essen originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Nov 2008 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2008: GGI Tuning to carry Abt, including hot Audi AS5

Frank Filipponio — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 14:12:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Tuners, Coupe, Audi

Click above for high-res gallery of the Abt AS5 available from GGI Tuning

We've talked about Abt Sportsline's sweet range of upgraded VW and Audi offerings before, but now we have some additional good news. As you probably know if you're reading this blog, Abt offers lots of mods for the A4 and A5, including relatively subtle body kits, new wheels, a sport suspension, a freer-flowing exhaust system, and a variety of power upgrades. You really can't go wrong when you start with such good rolling stock, but some tuners manage to botch it anyhow. In the case of the Audi A5, the manufacturer already does a pretty good job with the upragdes when it turns it into an S5, but Abt goes a step or two further with pretty good results.

The Abt AS5 is one hot sports coupe, even in a refrigerator white that might seem uninspring at first glance. The one we saw here at SEMA was actually over at the Hlton. It popped up during one of the afterparties that always makes this such a fun show to attend. In this case it was at the GGI European Tuning bash where the shop was announcing their new distribution deal with the German tuner. GGI European Tuning is already the exclusive North American importer for Carlsson, Hartge and Sportec, but now they can add Abt Sportsline to the marquee. It's already one of our favorite coupes, so knowing it might be easier to get a nicely modded version in the States makes us even happier.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: GGI Tuning to offer At AS5

SEMA 2008: GGI Tuning to carry Abt, including hot Audi AS5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 Nov 2008 14:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ABT wraps Audi R8 and Q7 in carbon fiber-look vinyl, Alero is next

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Audi

Click above for a high-res gallery of ABT's line of wraps

Last month, Autoblog's long-term fleet (AKA our daily drivers) grew by one when we picked up a thoroughly reworked, late-model German sedan. It's a masterpiece of modern engineering, complete with the amenities ~~our spouses have~~ we've grown accustomed to (heated seats) and over $20,000 in modifications to the engine (new turbo, Inconel manifold), suspension (Ohlins) and brakes (Alcons, anyone?).

But there was a problem. It's coated in our least favorite color: Brilliant Red. Thankfully, ABT Sportsline has an option that doesn't involve a full re-spray.

The German tuning firm has partnered with the Kempten Company to create a "foil" for the A4, A7 and R8, which coats the Audis in a high-tech synthetic material that matches the weave of carbon fiber. Judging by the images ABT offered, the application of the "foil" is seamless, matching every crease and curve to the T.

While the idea of a faux-carbon fiber wrap for our rides reeks of poseur, we're seriously considering a matte black treatment for our new purchase. If anyone knows of a firm based in the Bay Area to do the work, drop us a line in the comments. And if you know of anyone in Ohio, maybe we can persuade John to get his Alero coated in olive and black camouflage.

Gallery: ABT Sportsline Carbon Fiber-look Foil

Continue reading ABT wraps Audi R8 and Q7 in carbon fiber-look vinyl, Alero is next

ABT wraps Audi R8 and Q7 in carbon fiber-look vinyl, Alero is next originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Oct 2008 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ABT Sportsline tweaks the Audi Q5

Alex Nunez — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 11:07:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, SUV, Europe, Audi

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the ABT Q5

Every time a new Volkswagen or Audi is released, German tuner ABT Sportsline can be relied upon to come up with performance and appearance packages to enhance them. The latest ride to get attention is the Audi Q5, and as you can see in the renderings ABT sent out, the body kit helps matters, because the showroom-trim Q5 is actually pretty vanilla-looking. The new visuals are backed up by a modified suspension, 20" wheels, more braking power, and performance upgrades for each available engine. Depending on which mill is nestled underhood, horsepower in the ABT-tuned Q5 ranges from 240 horsepower for the 2.0 TFSI all the way up to 310 horses for the 3.0 TDI with the Power S package.

Gallery: ABT Sportsline Audi Q5

[Source: ABT Sportsline]

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ABT Sportsline tweaks the Audi Q5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 24 Aug 2008 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: Abt Audi R8

Alex Nunez — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Performance, Europe, Audi

Click images for hi-res gallery

Last night, we showed you updated photos of Audi's A4 and A5 as reworked by Germany's Abt Sportsline. Tonight, we have a similar set of new shots from the same tuner, only this time the subject is the Audi R8, a car that doesn't need a whole lot of work to begin with. Abt leaves the engine alone, instead supplying a sport suspension, a brake upgrade, and new 20" wheels.

On the visual side, the car gets carbon fiber skirts and rear spoiler, along with replacement front and rear clips that tone down the oversized factory grillework on both ends. The front openings are now angled and feature colored CF inserts. Matching colored pieces are added to the sideblades and the rear end, too. The new rear bumper cover incorporates a diffuser-style bottom, smaller vents, and diagonal outlets for the exhaust tips. Pretty good stuff, if you ask us, and if the colored elements don't float your boat, you can probably go for a more standard look. Assuming you have an R8 for them to work on, that is.

[Source: Abt Sportsline]

Gallery: Abt R8

Pics Aplenty: Abt Audi R8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Feb 2008 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: Abt AS4 and AS5

Alex Nunez — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 19:56:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupe, Sedan, Europe, Audi

click either image for high-res galleries

We touched on Abt Sportsline's range of upgrades for the current VW and Audi offerings during last year's Essen Motor Show. Unfortunately, we only had drab-looking photos back then, and frankly, the dark backgrounds didn't do much to liven up the looks of the cars.

Since then, Abt has seen fit to produce complete photo sets that show off the company's modifications far better than the earlier images. The available mods are spelled out here, but in both cases, Abt can transform the A4 or A5 with a subtle body kit (especially when compared to some other tuners), new wheels, a sport suspension, a freer-flowing exhaust system, and a variety of power upgrades. In a perfect world where we could have the Euro-spec diesels, we'd happily opt for the Abt-tuned 3.0 TDI. In both cars, it packs 300 horsepower and a stout 442 lb-ft of torque. Yeah, we could get around just fine with that. Check out the new photos in the galleries below.

[Source: Abt Sportsline]

Gallery: Abt AS4

Gallery: Abt AS5

Pics Aplenty: Abt AS4 and AS5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Jan 2008 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Roundup: Abt Sportsline at the Essen Motor Show

Alex Nunez — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 18:51:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, SUV, Europe, Supercars, Audi, Volkswagen, Misc. Auto Shows

Click image for a gallery of Abt's Essen roster

German tuning house Abt Sportsline brought everything and the kitchen sink to the Essen Motor Show, and rather than present it piecemeal, we figured we'd put the whole megillah out for you in one shot. From A4 to Touareg, the latest hardware from VW and Audi has been worked over with appearance and suspension mods. Most boast notable power upgrades as well. Yes, we'll even revisit the (unfortunately) red-and-green-trimmed Abt R8, which we first talked about last week. If you're looking for a Christmas-themed supercar, or if you're a really nostalgic New Jersey Devils fan, it might just fit the bill.

Follow the jump for the rundown on all things Abt at Essen.

[Source: Abt Sportsline]

Gallery: Abt Sportsline: Essen 2007 Lineup

Continue reading Roundup: Abt Sportsline at the Essen Motor Show

Roundup: Abt Sportsline at the Essen Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Dec 2007 18:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bus a Move: Abt T5 Sport Plus package for VW Multivan

Alex Nunez — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 08:02:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Minivan/Van, Europe, Volkswagen

Click image to enlarge

To celebrate the 60th birthday of the VW Bus, Abt Sportsline has worked some of its black magic on the T5 Multivan's TDI powerplants. The Abt-enhanced 1.9 TDI produces either 110 or 130 horses, while the tuned 2.5 TDI offers up either 160 or 195 HP. Torque increases by an unspecified amount in all applications as well. To complete the package, Abt recommends you add its upgraded springs, new wheel/tire combo, full body kit, and sport muffler. Euro buyers who want to blow out the candles and salute the 60 years of the Bus in style can begin doing so on December 31.

[Source: Abt Sportsline via Carscoop]

Bus a Move: Abt T5 Sport Plus package for VW Multivan originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Oct 2007 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Abt Sportsline's 310-horsepower Audi S3

Alex Nunez — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 18:05:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Audi

Click image for gallery

The latest Deutsch treat from Abt Sportsline is a tuned Audi S3. As you're all well aware, there is no S3 here in the US, nor is there a plan to sell one. The US doesn't even get the 3-door A3 that the S is based on, anyway. European drivers will be able to hand their cars over to Abt Sportsline, which will juice up the potent 2.0 TFSI to an impressive 310 horses and 309 lb-ft of torque. Abt also upgrades the suspension and fits a sport exhaust and handsome 19-inch wheels. Understated looks, legit power, and deft handling are what Abt stirs into the pot with this S3, and that combo's usually a recipe for fun. Unfortunately, it's one Americans can't taste-test. Too bad, as the car's 5.4 second 0-62 time and 160 mph top end sound delicious.

[Source: Abt Sportsline]

Gallery: Abt S3

Continue reading Abt Sportsline's 310-horsepower Audi S3

Abt Sportsline's 310-horsepower Audi S3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Aug 2007 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Abt Sportsline announces Audi A5-based AS5

Alex Nunez — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 16:04:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Audi

Click image for photo gallery

On the heels of its latest creation the Abt TT Roadster, Abt Sportsline has released the first renderings of its forthcoming AS5 coupe. Based on the hot new Audi A5 powered by the European-market 3.0 TDI engine, the AS5 gets all the thing's you'd expect from a tuner like this: updated bodywork, a new wheel/tire package, a choice of engine upgrades, a new exhaust system, and more.

The AS5's new aero kit is typical of the work Abt has done before, with tastefully inplemented skirts and spoilers, along with a rear diffuser and fender-mounted side extractors. Quad exhaust outlets lend musclular looks and sound to the after portion of the car, and the TDI will be upgradeable to power levels of 272 or 300 horsepower. Sport suspension and brake upgrades will also be made available, and owners can top everything off with a two-tone paint scheme if so desired. We're very curious to see how that looks in the metal.

[Source: Abt Sportsline]

Gallery: Abt AS5

Continue reading Abt Sportsline announces Audi A5-based AS5

Abt Sportsline announces Audi A5-based AS5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Jul 2007 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Abt tricks out Audi's TT Roadster

Alex Nunez — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Performance, Audi

Click image for high-res gallery

Abt Sportsline strongest ties to the Audi TT date back to when they ran a race version in the 2002 DTM series. Outside of racing however, Abt is known for its work modifying and tuning cars that sport the interlocking rings, and with the arrival of the TT Roadster from Audi, they're back on the case with a suite of appearance and performance upgrades.

For starters, Abt's new aero kit tastefully muscles up the open-top 2-seater with new skirts and spoilers -- de rigeur for a tuner like this. The obligatory wheel/tire upgrade is also available in 19" and 20" diameters. A sport exhaust with quad outlets gives the TT's rear a more serious visual and aural presence, while underhood, go-fast measures can be taken regardless of what engine the car's equipped with. Abt's regimen for the 3.2L six-cylinder involves the addition of a supercharger that helps boost output to 355 horsepower -- enough to propel the TT ragtop from 0-62 mph in five seconds flat. The standard 2.0 TFSI powerplant is not ignored either, with tuning packages that offer everything from a modest bump to 240 horses to an even more serious kit that offers a robust 300 hp.

Full details from Abt are in the press release after the jump, and a gallery of the hot little roadster can be found below.

[Source: Abt Sportsline]

Gallery: Abt Sportsline TT Roadster

Continue reading Abt tricks out Audi's TT Roadster

Abt tricks out Audi's TT Roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Jul 2007 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tuner Tuesdays: Audi TT by Abt Sportsline

Alex Nunez — Tue, 19 Sep 2006 13:24:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Audi

German tuner Abt Sportsline has released the details of its rather extensive tuning program for the new Audi TT. Three levels are available: TT-R, TT-Sport, and TT-iS.

The TT-R is the monster of the group, generating 355 horsepower and making the run to 62 mph in 5.1 seconds. ABT is light on the details regarding how it gets the power number up there, but we'll assume it's primarily through supercharging, since that's how they get 310 horsepower out of the 3.2L TT-Sport.

The 2.0-liter TT is not in any way neglected, either. In TT-Sport trim, the car generates 270 hp -- a substantial increase over the stock 200. With the TT-iS (intelligentSport), Abt has modified the engine management system to provide a performance bump commensurate with the grade of fuel used. When running on the highest grade of gasoline, max power is 240 horses. In addition to that, they offer a gearbox mod that increases the car's fuel economy.

Naturally, Abt Sportsline offers suspension and exhaust upgrades that complement their go-fast engine tweaks, and finally, what tuner car would be complete without the requisite body kit and wheel/tire upgrade? New skirts all around, a fixed rear wing, quad exhausts, and a set of 19" alloys complete the picture, as seen in the attached photo illustrations.

Abt took special care to make this new TT as good a performer as possible because it has a history to live up to. You see, it was their Audi TT that won the 2003 DTM championship. If the TT-R and its sporty bretheren are any indication, Abt engineers needn't worry about sullying their rep as TT performance mavens.

(Rear view, press release after the jump)

[Source: ABT Sportsline]

Continue reading Tuner Tuesdays: Audi TT by Abt Sportsline

Tuner Tuesdays: Audi TT by Abt Sportsline originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Sep 2006 13:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oil Burning Badass: Abt AS7

Alex Nunez — Wed, 26 Jul 2006 07:02:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, SUV, Europe, Technology, Audi

Click image to enlarge

Abt Sportsline has prepared a version of the Audi Q7 they call the AS7. Based on the Euro-market 3.0 TDI version of Audi's new ute, the AS7 gets a host of visual refinements that set it apart from its other bretheren on the "streets of tomorrow," as well as the requisite tweaks to coax more power from the engine.

A subtle body kit enhances the SUV's already muscular appearance, incorporating new skirts all around and more pronounced fender extensions. A contrasting coat of orange paint highlights the changes to good effect. An orange trim ring around the Audi's signature grille and orange badging complete the two-tone scheme. You know a tuner ride's going to have a fresh set of rims, and the one-piece 20" or 22" Abt Sportsline AR wheels filling the openings look great. The final visual touches are a new rear wing and a pair of double-barreled exhaust tips peeking through the revised rear skirt.

As for the engine mods, Abt massages the 3.0-liter diesel to produce 272 horsepower -- an increase of 39 over the stock engine's output -- and a very healthy 426 lb ft of torque. No performance numbers are provided on the Abt site, but with that much torque, the driver's highly sophisticated seat-of-the-pants instrumentation is sure to feel the added punch. Hot looks, usable power, and diesel efficiency? That'll work. Sign us up!

(Additional photos, press release after the jump)

[Source: Abt Sportsline]

Continue reading Oil Burning Badass: Abt AS7

Oil Burning Badass: Abt AS7 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Jul 2006 07:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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