ABT Sportline has a thing for transforming Audis into bona-fide high-horsepower Autobahn stormers. But with the 2011 A8, things are a little different. As to not undermine the big sedan’s classiness, ABT has taken another route, one of simple and modest modifications. Called the AS8, this more powerful A8 TDI is the first of the tuner’s upcoming high-performance road “gliders.”
As ABT puts it, its engineers have “not changed the elegant glider into a racing car, but carefully into a confident and sporty automobile.” How so? It starts with the 4.2-liter turbo diesel engine, where a slight ECU retuning allows for 385 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque (standard issue is 350 horsepower/590 pound-feet).
Then there’s the ride. ABT’s diligent reworking results in a slightly lower air suspension that reduces the A8′s center of gravity without harming its plush stride. Lighter than stock 21-inch or 20-inch ABT CR alloys can be had under each corner. Subtle body enhancements are installed, too. Front and rear aprons, side skirts, and a three-piece trunk lid spoiler hint at its more powerful character.
Since it is the first vehicle, and development is still underway, the modifications are minimal. So you can expect some faster, more menacing A8s to arrive from ABT in the coming months. Stay tuned…
Source: ABT Sportline
