Audi AS8 ABT performance saloon

Although Audi’s 2011 A8 is no slouch and far from being unattractive, it hasn’t stopped German tuning guru’s ABT trying to improve an already excellent package. With ABT releasing pictures and specifications we can now see how to make a good car better.

ABT chose the popular 4.2-litre TDI V8 model as their base for the conversion. Even though in standard trim the A8 Diesel manages to push out a very respectable 350 horsepower, with 590 pound-feet of torque, ABT decided that this wasn’t enough. To turn the luxury cruiser into a more sporty option the tuners have squeezed out an extra 35 hp bringing it up to 385, whilst boosting the torque figure to 649 lb-ft. While we can assume that the top speed could exceed the normal limitations on 155 mph, the 0-60 time has been dropped to five seconds flat.

Of course having this extra power is nothing if you cant shout about it, and ABT realise this by kitting out the AS8 with a new front spoiler and deep splitter, chunkier side skirts and a sculpted rear apron that incorporates the new tail pipes. To add to this a boot spoiler overlooks the rear and ABT’s own design CR 21-inch alloys keep the car rolling down the road.

If your not convinced with the looks of Audi’s latest large saloon take a look at Autoblog for more tasty looking pictures and give us your opinion.