Earlier this year, ABT Sportsline launched the new
RS5-R Sportback in North America and now it is time for it to land in Europe as
well. The Bavarian tuner markets the Audi RS5 Sportback-based model as an
alternative to the limited-run ABT RS4+ Avant which is no longer available.
After all, it features five doors as well and the same generous powertrain
updates. It’s also equally exclusive, as only 50 examples will be made.
Compared to the RS5-R Sportback sold in North America,
the European version packs 20 extra horses for a total of 530 PS to be
exact. The peak torque produced by the 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine is
slightly lower though at 680 Nm.
The significant power and torque gains of 80 PS and 80 Nm over the stock Audi RS5 Sportback have been achieved
courtesy of the ABT Engine Control (AEC) unit, an ABT auxiliary water cooler
kit, the ABT exhaust system and the ABT air intake trim.
Besides the extra muscle, the RS5-R Sportback
benefits from suspension upgrades as well including ABT height-adjustable
suspension springs and ABT sports stabilizers on the front and rear axles.
These modifications ensure that the RS5-R Sportback is equally agile in corners
and on the straights.
Looks-wise, the European-spec RS5-R Sportback
benefits from the same aerodynamics package as the U.S. model. All the body
components are made of carbon fiber including the front lip, front flics,
grille frame, lip spoiler, and rear diffuser with its red RS5-R logo.
ABT also offers optional wheel arch vents featuring
carbon fins and a quad exhaust system with 102 mm (4 inches) diameter carbon
tailpipe trims. The exterior treatment is rounded off by 10×21-inch ABT Sport
GR wheels shod with 275/25 R21 performance tires from Continental.
Inside, upgrades include the partial leather seats
with RS5-R logo, gear shift carbon cover, ABT door sill strips, ABT integrated
entrance lights with RS5-R logo, and an “ABT RS5-R‚ 1 of 50” badge, among other
things. The ABT RS5-R Sportback will be available in Europe at the end of
July.
