Making a good thing even better.
Earlier this year, ABT Sportsline unveiled its 370-horsepower MKVII Golf R. The new, all-wheel drive hot hatch had it all from a tuned engine to new wheels and was a quick hit. Now, they’ve managed to make it even better by upping the power thanks to some new-generation ECU tuning and other goodies.
The new Mk VII Volkswagen Golf R by ABT Sportsline sees its stock 2.0 TSI turbocharged inline-four cylinder engine get a healthy boost of power, even compared to the first tuning upgrade from ABT. “To top our previous uprating to 370 hp, we have not only optimized the ABT Engine Control software but also installed a sport-type catalytic converter,“ said CEO Hans-Jürgen Abt.
The factory 295 horsepower, 280 lb-ft. of torque output benefits from the ABT Power S New Generation control software for the ECU, but also a new high-flow catalytic converter with the ABT exhaust that includes a cat-back exhaust engine in four 101 mm tailpipes. This helps up the output all the way up to 395 horsepower and 354 lb-ft.
While the main focus was the engine, the rest of the ABT Sportsline Volkswagen Golf R is still quite entertaining to drive. The suspension is modified with a height-adjustable kit that lowers the overall ride height from 10-40 mm at the front and 20-45 mm at the rear for a better center of gravity. The factory wheels can be swapped out for ABT ER-C, DR, and CR alloy wheels with sizes ranging from 8.5 x 18, 8.5 x 19, and 9.0 x 20 with corresponding sport tires for added grip.
On the outside of the Golf R, the ABT Sportsline team added on a few visual upgrades that helps to differentiate it from others if the newly-tuned engine doesn’t already. A new front grille is flanked by headlight covers to create a more aggressive fascia. Mirror covers and side skirts decorate the body of the car, while a new tailgate add-on integrates the larger quad tailpipes.
The lone interior modifications from ABT Sportsline inside the Golf R are new floor mats and an integrated entrance light.
All of the upgrades featured on the ABT Sportsline Volkswagen Golf R are currently available as a complete package or individual accessories. Customers can also opt for the ABT Power New Generation tuning module with 370 horsepower instead of the ABT Power S tune.
ABT Sportsline Volkswagen Golf R Specifications
Engine: 2.0 TSI, 1984 cc capacity
Performance Tuning: ABT POWER S New Generation
Maximum Horsepower: 395 hp / 400 PS (Serial: 295 hp / 300 PS)
Maximum Torque: 354 lb-ft. / 480 Nm (Serial: 280 lb-ft. /380 Nm)
Engine: 2.0 TSI, 1984 cc capacity
Performance Tuning: ABT POWER New Generation
Performance: 365 hp / 370 PS (Serial: 295 hp / 300 PS)
Maximum Torque: 339 lb-ft. / 460 Nm (Serial: 280 lb-ft. /380 Nm)
Wheels, Tires, and Suspension:
Wheels: ABT ER-C, DR, and CR
Wheel Sizes: 8.5 x 18, 8.5 x 19, and 9.0 x 20
Tire Sizes: 225/40 R18, 225/35 R19, and 235/30 R20
Suspension: ABT height-adjustable kit (lowering 10-40 mm front, 20-45 mm rear)
Exterior:
-ABT front grille
-ABT headlight covers
-ABT mirror covers
-ABT side skirts
-ABT tailgate add-on
Interior:
-ABT floor mats
-ABT integrated entrance light
ABT Sportsline Volkswagen Golf R Gallery
Source: ABT Sportsline
Is 400 horsepower enough for the new ABT Sportsline VW Golf R?
