Economical performance.
Diesel engined automobiles are oftentimes looked at as the more economical option compared to their gasoline counterparts. But Audi and ABT Sportsline are both looking to change that mindset with consumers. The new ABT AS7 is an example of this economical increase in performance that transforms the 3.0 TDI engine into a powerful but fuel efficient and reliable powerplant suited for everyday driving duties.
The frugal and torque-filled 3.0 TDI turbodiesel engines that Audi uses in the popular A7 model hold a great deal of potential. The German tuner developed a range of upgrade programs for each of the standard outputs for the diesel engine. Called the ABT Engine Control, the modification boosts the output of the 245 horsepower engine up to 300 horsepower; the 313 horsepower engine up to 360 horsepower; and the 300 horsepower 3.0 TFSI engine up to 420 horsepower. With the upgrade, the ABT AS7 can accelerate to 62 mph in as little as 5.1 seconds.
Backed with a powerful punch, the next focus for ABT Sportsline was the chassis and suspension. New suspension springs were installed and help to lower the ABT AS7 for a better center of gravity, while the ABT level control allows drivers to adjust the ride height for a specific situation. Customers can choose from two different sets of in-house alloy wheels in 20- or 21-inch diameters with corresponding sport tires for better grip. Behind each of the wheels sit the upgraded sport brake system that utilizes black-painted eight-piston calipers and 380 x 34 mm brake discs to stop on a dime.
ABT Sportsline chose to keep the exterior styling on the A7 functional but understated. Instead of large spoilers, fenders, and obnoxious LED lights, the German tuner installed a subtle front spoiler, a pair of side skirts to calm the airflow around the wheels, and a rear skirt with integrated quad exhaust pipes that match the exterior design.
The new ABT AS7 is currently available as a complete program of individual accessories from ABT Sportsline for the 3.0 TDI and 3.0 TFSI engines. Pricing has not been released.
ABT AS7 Specifications
Engine: 3.0 TDI, 2967 cc capacity
Performance Tuning: ABT POWER
Performance: 360 HP/265 kW (standard: 313 HP/230 kW)
Engine: 3.0 TDI, 2967 cc capacity
Performance Tuning: ABT POWER
Performance: 300 HP/220 kW (standard: 245 HP/180 kW)
Engine: 3.0 TFSI, 2995 cc capacity
Performance Tuning: ABT POWER
Performance: 420 HP/308 kW (standard: 300 HP/221 kW)
Wheels, Suspension, and Brakes:
Wheels: ABT Sportsline lightweight CR Sport Wheels alloy in 20- and 21-inch diameters
Suspension: Sport springs and ABT Level Control system
Brakes: Sport Brake System with eight-piston calipers in black with ABT logo and 380 x 34 mm discs
Exterior:
-Front spoiler
-Side skirts
-Rear apron with integrated exhaust pipes
[Source: ABT Sportsline]
Would you choose the diesel-engined ABT AS7 over the gasoline model? Leave a comment and let us know!
