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The AutoGuide News Blog is your source for breaking stories from the auto industry. Delivering news immediately, the AutoGuide Blog is constantly updated with the latest information, photos and video from manufacturers, auto shows, the aftermarket and professional racing.

06/07/2011 | By: Jason Siu

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Famed tuner ABT Sportsline has now taken their turn with the new Volkswagen Beetle, putting plenty of blood, sweat and tears into refining the fun automobile. As the world’s largest tuner of Volkswagens, it’s natural to see ABT Sportsline adding some spice to the agile and fun Beetle, which ABT has nicknamed Speedle. Unfortunately exact specs on the power upgrades haven’t been finalized yet, but ABT did release the power gains they expect to make from the various models.

For the 1.2 TSI, ABT hopes to increase power from 105-hp to 140-hp, while the 1.4 TSI will see gains of about 50-hp from 160-hp to 210-hp. The 2.0L turbocharged model will see around 230- to 240-hp from the factory 200-hp figure. The diesel models will remain “economically-conscious” as ABT says, taking the 1.6 diesel to 125-hp from 100-hp and the 2.0 TDI to 170-hp from 140-hp.

Complementing the inevitable power upgrades that ABT will be releasing is the aerodynamic package that can be seen in the photos. ABT spices up the Beetle’s form by adding on a front spoiler, rear skirt insert, rear skirt set that includes a rear muffler and oval exhaust pipes and side skirts. The aerodynamic kit does a great job in accenting the natural curvy lines of the Beetle while giving it a nice and fresh look to it. ABT will also be offering their 19-inch DR wheels for the Beetle with your choice of high-performance tire options.

No pricing was announced from ABT.

GALLERY: ABT Sportsline VW Beetle

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29/06/2011 | By: Jason Siu

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The largest Volkswagen and Audi tuner in Europe has intelligently set their eyes on the young and rapidly growing automotive market in China. With China’s exponential growth in the auto industry for the past couple of years, the aftermarket is growing too, despite China trying very hard to restrict vehicle modification. As Audi and Volkswagen continue to focus on this market, ABT Sportsline will now have their presence known in Beijing with their largest showroom outside of their headquarters in Kempten.

In collaboration with their partner CATC and their largest dealer, ZRF, ABT Sportsline is poised to target the close to the 18 million people that live in the Beijing area. Showroom operator ZRF is a Beijing company that holds claim to the oldest Audi and Volkswagen dealer in China.

The showroom spans an impressive 21,500 square feet and will always house at least four complete vehicles. Sales staff will be more than happy to show customers ABT’s product range of accessories, such as sporty lightweight wheels. It’ll be interesting to see how this plays out and how quickly the other major aftermarket manufacturers will follow ABT Sportsline into China.

GALLERY: ABT Sportsline China Grand Opening

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17/05/2011 | By: Jason Siu

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Audi‘s answer to Mercedes‘ CLS has been growing in popularity and now certain aftermarket tuners are offering enthusiasts options for the A7 much like Brabus has for the CLS. One of the major Audi tuners, ABT Sportsline, is now offering a styling kit and performance upgrades for various A7 models, enhancing horsepower and aesthetics to fulfill the search for a sporty, yet luxurious, driving experience.

Starting with the exterior, ABT presents a subtle front and rear lip that is matched by their side skirts, giving the A7 a sportier appearance than factory, while the rear-end houses the quad-tipped exhaust quite nicely,

The big news comes from ABT’s offering of performance upgrades for the 3.0 TFSI and 3.0 TDI models with various stages. For the diesel powerplant, ABT offers their ABT Power package and Power S, depending on what your needs are. For those just searching for a minimal power increase, the ABT Power package will increase horsepower from the factory 245-hp to 282-hp. For those searching for even more, the Power S package offers new turbochargers from ABT and brings horsepower up to 310-hp. For the 3.0 TFSI owners, ABT can increase your horsepower to 410-hp, up 110-hp from the factory 300-hp figure.

Finishing off the package is a selection of 19- to 21-inch wheel offerings from ABT, complete with tire packages. Those looking for a more aggressive stance can pick up ABT’s Level Control which allows the owner to lower the air suspension on the A7.

Official press release available after the break.

GALLERY: ABT Sportsline Audi A7

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07/03/2011 | By: Jason Siu

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ABT Sportsline perhaps stole a part of the show at Geneva with their R8 GT S, their take on Audi’s R8 Spyder. Featuring a beautiful chrome red exterior, ABT Sportsline clearly aimed to grab the attention of the public with the contrasting carbon fiber components and the overall sinister red-and-black theme throughout the vehicle.

The chrome red wrap is clearly the highlight of the entire project, but you can’t look past the carbon fiber body kit that truly transforms the Spyder into a memorable machine. The body kit not only gives the R8 a whole new look, but it lightens the load by swapping in a new front, rear, side skirts, rear wing, air scoops, bonnet, mirrors and windscreen frame cover – all in carbon fiber.

ABT Sportsline’s R8 Spyder boasts 620-hp, about 20% more than the stock version. On the inside, ABT also offers carbon fiber steering wheel, red carbon fiber on the center console, shift gate and door panels.

No pricing was announced.

GALLERY: ABT Sportsline Audi R8 GT S

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18/10/2010 | By: Jason Siu

ABT Sportsline has teamed up with their North American Distributor, GGI European Tuning, to release 25 limited edition Audi R8 GT R‘s to the public. The official North American debut will take place at this year’s SEMA Show. The popular Volkswagen and Audi tuner, ABT Sportsline, has taken the 5.2L FSI R8 to a whole new level, pushing horsepower from the factory 525-hp to an astonishing 620-hp in their GT R variant.

It sports a top speed of 202 mph with a 0-62 mph acceleration in a mere 3.2 seconds. It’s not all about horsepower and engine performance however. ABT tosses in their Sports suspension package with fully adjustable dampers specifically developed for the R8 GT R. They have also modified the ceramic brake system with new brake pads to enhance braking performance. All four corners have been outfitted with new ABT CR wheels and at the rear is a lightweight exhaust featuring ABT’s Titanium special coating. All this combines to a curb weight that is 220 lbs less than the factory model.

AutoGuide will be on hand to deliver full coverage of the 2010 SEMA Show and all of ABT’s cars starting November 2nd. Until then, check out our complete SEMA Preview here.

GALLERY: ABT Audi R8 GT R Debut in Geneva

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GALLERY: ABT Audi R8 GT R

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16/10/2010 | By: Jason Siu

We’ve seen some really clever stuff coming out of online video production these days, but Audi-tuner ABT Sportsline may have just taken the prize for innovative design and viral marketing.

For those that remember the “Choose Your Own Adventure” books, the concept is similar – just in an interactive and virtual environment. Essentially ABT Sportsline did a series of YouTube videos with each one offering a decision that seamlessly links you to the next video. The result? You get to control good ‘ol Carolin Winter as she makes a decision on which personalized Audi A1 to purchase.

There are three results that ABT is showcasing through these videos, the Klecks, Aloha and High Voltage. Through a series of step-by-step decisions ranging from speaking to the receptionist or sneaking past her (cleverly using an ABT AS5 for discrete cover), to enjoying an espresso or venturing forward to the three modified Audi A1s from ABT Sportsline.

We thought it was a pretty clever way to market their modified Audi A1s to the masses, and if anything, it’s pretty entertaining to control the fate of a young female. Get your mind out of the gutter please.

Check out the video after the jump:

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30/08/2010 | By: Jason Siu

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ABT Sportsline has been tinkering around with Audi‘s newest TT-RS for a while now, debuting a power package back in September 2009 that helped put down 420-hp from the roadster. An 80-hp increase from the factory 340-hp, most would think that would be enough to keep everyone happy. But ABT Sportsline wouldn’t be ABT Sportsline if they didn’t find a way to break the 500-hp mark.

The Power S Package is now available to the public and includes an ECU retune, upgraded intercooler and upgraded ABT turbocharger. Details are a little scarce on what size turbo ABT is using, but they did disclose that 501-hp is the mark that they’ve achieved with the package. No pricing has been revealed either, but we’re guessing if you want it bad enough, you’ll get it anyways.

GALLERY: ABT Sportsline Audi TT-RS

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03/07/2010 | By: Jason Siu

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Well well, ABT Sportsline didn’t waste any time on this one did they? Even though Audi just released the 2011 A8, ABT already has a fantastic tuning package available for it. The German Audi-tuner says their A8 is a sports car in a classy outfit and we can’t help but to agree.

Let’s start with the exterior where ABT has transformed the luxury sedan with a subtle front spoiler, side skirts and three piece rear wing. There is also a new rear diffuser with exhaust covers. All of the exterior accessories are much like ABT Sportsline’s other aesthetics for other vehicles: mild and subtle. Nothing over the top, which is expected especially on the A8 sedan. ABT also offers a selection of 20- or 21-inch wheels.

Under the hood, ABT also pushes out 35 additional horsepower (350 to 385) and raises torque from 590 ft-lbs to 650 ft-lbs on the 4.2-liter turbo-diesel. There’s no word yet on tuning options for the 500-hp W12.

Overall, it’s a nice, clean and simple option for those with A8s looking to enhance their vehicle without going too crazy.

GALLERY: ABT Sportsline Audi A8

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Check out the press release after the break.

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03/03/2010 | By: Colum Wood

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Leave it to Germany’s largest and most popular Volkswagen tuner to take something as cool as the brand new Golf R and make it even better! With VW’s 4MOTON all-wheel drive and a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder the Golf R is already seriously badass, but ABT has tuned the 2.0 TFSI engine to 310-hp, allowing for a 0-62 mph time of just 5.2 seconds.

ABT has also launched a new front bumper for the car and the company offers either 18 or 19-inch wheels.

We’re certain ABT will deliver even more goodies for the most hard core Golf yet, but until then, feel free to browse through the gallery below and say a prayer that the Golf R might make its way to the U.S. some day.

GALLERY: ABT Sportsline Golf R

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Official release after the jump:

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01/03/2010 | By: Colum Wood

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There’s an embargo on all the details surrounding ABT Sportsline’s G8 GTR supercar, but we were able to snap some photos of the wild machine uncovered a day ahead of its official debut at the Geneva Auto Show.

What we do already know about the car is that it makes 600-hp from it’s 5.2-liter V10 engine and is far lighter than its factory stock counterpart thanks to copious amounts of carbon fiber. The aerodynamics include a massive rear spoiler and adjustable front splitter (making it even more capable when on track duty). It also features a brand new wheel design, in an ultra light forged alloy.

And really, once you’ve seen these photos, what more is there to say but… Damn!

GALLERY: ABT Sportsline Audi R8 GTR

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