Squeaking some performance out of the hot hatch.
ABT Sportsline and Hans-Jürgen Abt have been at the forefront of Volkswagen and Audi tuning for quite some time. Their knowledge and success with the German automobiles has now found its way into the new third-generation (Typ 8V) models and feature a range of diesel and gasoline tunes along with some special exterior enhancements.
The new ABT A3 models wear a bolder, more aggressive exterior style thanks to a new body kit. The front fascia wears a new grille with four vertical bars and a new spoiler between the two lower air intakes with integrated fog lights. A new pair of side skirts visually accentuates the sculpted lines that run along each door and are complemented by new fender inserts. The rear is also more dynamic with the addition of a new roof spoiler for downforce and skirt set that incorporates the new ABT Sportsline quad tailpipes.
As part of the exterior package, the ABT A3 can be fitted with ABT CR or DR alloy wheels in 18- and 19-inch diameters with sport tires for better handling. The upgraded fitment on the ABT AS3 is complemented by new sport springs that lower the center of gravity and provide better dynamics through turns.
Arguably the most exciting aspect of the new ABT A3 upgrade program is the engine tuning range that encompasses both gasoline and diesel variants. The 2.0 TDI with 150 horsepower stock can be outfitted with an ABT Power tune that improves output to 180 horsepower while its more powerful 184 horsepower factory sibling gets a boost to 210 horsepower. The smaller 1.4 TFSI gasoline engine sees an increase from 140 horsepower to 170 with the ABT Power tune, while the top-of-the-line 2.0 TFSI goes from 220 horses to a whopping 280 after the upgrade.
The new ABT A3 upgrade program may not be an all-out upgrade program, but it provides owners with a variety of upgrades that make driving more enjoyable. Official pricing for the ABT AS3 and other ABT Sportsline upgrades has not been released.
ABT A3 Tuning Specifications
Engine: 2.0 TDI
Upgrade: ABT Power
Maximum Horsepower: 180 HP (150 HP stock)
Engine: 2.0 TDI
Upgrade ABT Power
Maximum Horsepower: 210 HP (184 HP stock)
Engine: 1.4 TFSI
Upgrade: ABT Power
Maximum Horsepower: 170 HP (140 HP stock)
Engine: 2.0 TFSI
Upgrade: ABT Power
Maximum Horsepower: 280 HP (220 HP stock)
Additional Engine Upgrades: ABT rear tailpipes
Wheels, Tires, and Suspension:
Wheels: CR Sport Wheels or DR Sport Wheels alloys in 18- or 19-inch diameters
Tires: High-speed sport tires
Suspension: ABT sport springs
Exterior:
-Front spoiler
-Front grille
-Side skirts
-Fender inserts
-Rear skirt
-Rear spoiler
[Source: ABT Sportsline]
What is your favorite part of the new ABT AS3 upgrade program? Leave a comment and let us know!
