A Closer Look at the 2013 ABT AS7: A Refined and Powerful Interpretation of the Audi S7
The sophisticated design of the Audi A7 has always been an attention grabber in the premium segment. The elegance of this "Sportback" model has been amplified in the form of the ABT AS7, a model that carries both the style and sporty characteristics one might anticipate. In a recent unveiling, ABT Sportsline, led by CEO Hans-Jürgen Abt, presented the AS7, promising an exhilarating fusion of a sports car feel with the everyday usability expected from an Audi. The “AS” in ABT AS7, as we are told, signifies an “astonishingly sporty” experience, a claim bolstered by ABT's rich history and expertise in motorsport and touring car tuning.
Power and Performance
The 2013 ABT AS7 is not just a stunning car to look at, but also a powerhouse on the road. Although the extensive tests were still in progress at the time of the release, the ABT AS7 has been declared to house a staggering 520 hp (382 kW) power, 100 hp (74 kW) more than the standard Audi S7. With a top speed of 290 km/h and a torque of 650 Nm, the AS7 is designed to deliver not only speed but also controllability, ensuring a thrilling yet manageable drive. In Hans-Jürgen Abt's words, the AS7 is a "powerful, torquey, but also easily controllable" car, offering the perfect balance between sporty thrill and comfortable cruising.
Enhanced Driving Experience
Ensuring that the sporty potential of the ABT AS7 is fully realized, the car has been fitted with 20 or 21 inches CR or DR alloy wheels, complemented by high-performance tires. This combination aims to optimize performance at high speeds. ABT also introduces the right suspension springs, promising an even sportier experience around curves. Alternatively, ABT Level Control, a lower air suspension setting, is also an option for those who seek a distinctive driving experience.
Expanding the ABT Family
For those who fancy the driving dynamics of a sports car but prefer the form factor of a limo or an Avant station wagon, ABT has something in the pipeline. A performance package for the S6, which can be seen as the faster sibling of the A6, is currently under development. More details about this intriguing addition to the ABT line-up are expected to be released shortly.
A New Benchmark in Sporty Luxury
With the unveiling of the 2013 ABT AS7, it's clear that ABT Sportsline aims to redefine the line between luxury and sporty performance. The AS7 isn't just an upgrade of the Audi S7—it's a thorough reinterpretation, maintaining the elegant aesthetics of the base model while injecting it with a dose of sportiness that is distinctly ABT. The ABT AS7 presents a compelling blend of power, control, and style, demonstrating that everyday usability and high-speed thrills need not be mutually exclusive.
