ABT is celebrating its 125th birthday in 2021 and is doing so in the ABT way. The tuner has announced a limited-edition Audi RSQ8-R that crams enough power under the bonnet to make a Ferrari blush. ABT does it with a host of hardware and software upgrades while taking the crossover’s styling up a few notches with a carbon-fibre-rich body kit. ABT said it’ll produce just 125 examples of the super crossover.
The tuned crossover’s most compelling feature is its powertrain. Audi sends the RSQ8 out from the factory with 600 bhp (441 kilowatts) and 590 pound-feet (800 Newton-metres) of torque powering all four wheels, which is plenty. ABT ups that to 730 bhp (544 kW) and 678 lb-ft (920 Nm) of torque. The tuner achieves those numbers by installing its engine control unit, which works in conjunction with a new intercooler, building off its 700-bhp upgrade for the model. The additional power unlocks a higher top speed – 195 miles per hour (315 miles per hour).
Gallery: ABT Audi RSQ8-R
The RSQ8-R gets a visual upgrade, too. At the back, ABT installs its exhaust system with 4.0-inch (102-millimetre) quad exhaust outlets. An aero package adds several carbon-fibre body parts: wing/fender extensions, rear skirt add-on, mirror caps, wheelhouse vents, rear spoiler, and more. The crossover also gets 23-inch ABT High Performance HR wheels with 295/35 R23 tyres.
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Inside, ABT again works its magic to set the crossover apart. The tuner starts with the steering wheel, replacing it with its own upgrade. ABT also adds its own start-stop switch cover and shift knob cover. The door sills receive “1 of 125” as an announcement of the crossover’s exclusivity to passengers. Then there’s the required badging, branding, and logos throughout, and the floor mats – the Ringo of interior car accessories. Those looking for the untamed Audi crossover shouldn’t miss out on the ABT RSQ8-R
SUV with unique signature – Intriguing limited ABT RSQ8-R with aero package delivers 315 km/h
In 2021, ABT Sportsline will celebrate its 125th birthday. To increase the anticipation of the anniversary even more, there is now exactly one ABT RSQ8-R for each of these years. This strictly limited model is the ultimate expansion stage of a vehicle, which with 600 hp (441 kW) and 800 Nm in production trim, has already set a Nordschleife record for SUVs. A short time later, ABT Sportsline upped the ante with a performance upgrade* to deliver 700 hp (515 kW) and 880 Nm right off the bat. Of course, the exclusive special model can even beat this. Here the high-tech control unit ABT Engine Control works in conjunction with a specially designed intercooler, resulting in 740 hp (544 kW) and 920 Nm. The world's leading tuner for vehicles from Audi and VW offers an optional top speed increase to 315 km/h. Until recently, this tempo range was clearly considered the territory of super sports cars. The rare RSQ8-R also knows how to make its presence felt acoustically. This is guaranteed by the stainless steel ABT exhaust system. With its four 102-mm end pipes, it also makes a visual statement.
However, the ABT RSQ8-R does not only display its special status by means of striking details. The aero package is a rolling flagship for the skills of the design department at ABT Sportsline. It comprises the following individual carbon fibre elements: Front skirt add-ons, front lip with add-on, mirror caps, side skirt add-ons, wheelhouse ventilation, fender extensions, rear skirt add-on and rear spoiler. High rollers in the literal sense are the weight-optimised 23-inch flow-forming ABT High Performance HR wheels with 295/35 R23 tyres.
The sporty, upgraded interior presents itself at the highest level. This is demonstrated, for example, by the ABT steering wheel upgrade, the start-stop-switch-cap and the shift knob cover. Further elements are the revised armrest and center console as well as the ABT seat refinement. Door sills with the lettering "1 of 125", floor mats with the model logo as well as special plaques, lettering and logos testify to the Bavarians’ love of detail. Thus the ABT RSQ8-R presents itself as a vehicle which is strictly limited and has an almost unlimited potential. For further information, visit: www.abt-sportsline.com/limited-editions/abt-rsq8-r.