It’s touring car time!
ABT Sportsline has been heavily involved in motorsports racing Audi and Volkswagen models to build upon their experience, which has translated into their products. For the 2012 DTM season, ABT Sportsline used the Audi A5 DTM model and in 2013, the team will be using the RS 5 DTM model, which has since translated into a new road-going super touring car – the ABT RS5-R.
“The RS5-R combines the results of all our motorsports and roadworthiness competences and skills. This car reflects all our know-how, down to the last detail”, says Hans-Jürgen Abt. The new ABT RS5-R isn’t about straight-line performance and astonishing power figures, it’s about athleticism and getting around a race track in the shortest amount of time possible.
All of the body work on the new RS5-R is made out of carbon fiber to reduce weight as much as possible. The ABT Sportsline team also installed a number of aerodynamic components aimed at generating downforce and improving high-speed stability so the new sports car can slice through corners with ease. A new front skirt with splitter and side flics keep things composed at the front axle while a set of new side skirts redirect air around the rear wheels. A new carbon fiber hood helps to dissipate heat and along with the carbon fiber door panels, helps to reduce weight even further. The rear features a large carbon fiber spoiler that keeps the rear axle planted to the tarmac.
In order to keep the new RS5-R sticking to the asphalt, ABT Sportsline fitted a set of their new ER-F forged wheels made from lightweight aluminum alloy. The wheels provide a high-strength, lightweight alternative to factory wheels and measure a wide 9.5 x 20 at the front and rear. Each wheel is equipped with grippy Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT tires in a 275/30 R20 size.
The 4.2-liter naturally-aspirated and high-revving V-8 engine was given a slight makeover with the ABT Power upgrade. A new set of stainless steel side exhausts that let out a furious roar ahead of the rear wheels helps to optimize backpressure and lend a motorsports look to the RS5-R. Output is pegged at 470 horsepower, allowing the sports car to accelerate to 62 mph in 4.3 seconds and reach an electronically-limited top speed of 188 mph (303 km/h).
Inside, things are minimalistic and designed for performance. The motorsports atmosphere starts with a set of new bucket seats with racing stripes and four-point harnesses. A red and black alcantara interior with carbon fiber panels and a steel roll cage give that race car touch while a carbon fiber and alcantara sports steering wheel with LED shift indicator light gives the driver even greater control.
ABT Sportsline RS5-R Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 4.2 liters
Number of Cylinders: V-8
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
Maximum Horsepower: 470 / 346 kW
-ABT Power
-Stainless steel side exhaust system
Performance:
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 4.3 seconds
Top Speed: 188 mph / 303 km/h (electronically limited)
Wheels and Tires:
Wheels: ER Sport Wheels Forged Alloy
Wheel Size: 9.5 x 20
Tires: Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT
Tire Size: 275/30 R20
Exterior:
-Carbon fiber body panels
-Carbon fiber front skirt with side flics
-Carbon fiber front splitter
-Carbon fiber hood with ventilation
-Carbon fiber door panels
-Carbon fiber side skirts
-Carbon fiber rear wing spoiler
Interior:
-Black and red alcantara
-Bucket seats with racing stripes
-Four-point racing harnesses
-Steel roll cage
-Carbon fiber and alcantara sports steering wheel with LED shift light
-Carbon fiber door panels
[Source: ABT Sportsline]
What track would you want to drive the new ABT RS5-R on? Leave a comment and let us know!
