ABT Sportline’s latest project is aimed at the base Audi R8 model, specifically at its 5.2 liter V10 engine that produces 540 horsepower. The aftermarket company’s new power package enables the V10 engine to give out an extra 70 horsepower to its current output. With ABT’s power package, the R8 will be almost as powerful at the Plus trim, but will cost much less.
Though the tuner does not give specific details on how they gave the R8 an additional 70 horsepower apart from “optimizing the motor management”. What we can see is that the ABT Sportline gave the R8 a new set of forged black 19-inch alloy ER-F wheels, which are probably even lighter than the original set. But customers can choose even larger wheels, the 20-inch GR rims as an option.
If the new 610 horsepower engine is good enough for you to handle, you can bring your new R8 home with that. But ABT Sportline is glad to give your R8 more upgrades including a pair of body kits that are named “Street” and “Race”. These body kits come with a range of aero tweaks from the front skirt, the new rear panel and the rear skirt. For an extra powerful ride, ABT Sportline can give you a new stainless steel exhaust system that adds 20 horsepower. If you’re curious, this power upgrade costs €7,386, without installation. But there are a lot more than can be done.
For a much lighter car, you can opt for the Race kit, as this will take off 110 pounds from the car, while adding blades up front, on the side, and the wheelhouse vents. With the diet it went through, as well as the extra power it had been given, the R8 will need better handling as well. So ABT gives it an upgraded suspension with the new height-adjustable springs that have sport stabilizing bars on both the front and the rear axle.
Looking at the ABT Sportline-tuned R8, it definitely has a more aggressive look that’s much better than the factory design. Best of all, it has deeper front intakes that add to its solidity.
The German tuner can give this upgrade to the coupe and the Spyder models. However, the R8 with the power upgrade will still be more affordable than the higher trim. By ticking more upgrade options, expect prices to go much higher than a proper Plus model. So it is up to you whether you will get a Plus model, or a base trim R8 with ABT’s power upgrade combined with some exterior tweaks.