Dissecting the 2015 ABT Audi A8: A Blend of Power and Elegance
In a noteworthy homage to the past, ABT Sportsline, the globally recognized tuner for Volkswagen Group vehicles, recently unveiled a comprehensive upgrade to the Audi A8's third-generation Facelift variant. A celebration of two decades since the Audi A8 made its impressive mark on the German premium class, the upgraded model manifests an intriguing interplay between raw power and the reserved grace expected from a high-end limousine.
Design: A New Take on Elegance
The 2015 ABT Audi A8 embodies a unique aerodynamic package that marries elegance with a sports car's vivacious spirit. The eye is immediately drawn to the dynamically curved front spoiler, a discerning design choice that disrupts the vehicle's formerly rigid front, adding a touch of vibrancy. Redesigned side skirts give the Audi A8 a daring edge, transforming the ordinarily reserved silhouette into an assertive statement. To further emphasize the car's newfound vigour, ABT Sportsline incorporated a curved rear skirt near the exhaust, an addition that accentuates the intriguing configuration of the four tailpipes. A quirky detail worth noting is the slightly differing geometry of the inner outlets, which subtly lends to the overall visual appeal.
Performance: Power Enhancement for the New Generation
While the visual enhancements are certainly worthy of praise, the true essence of ABT Sportsline's upgrade lies beneath the Audi A8's hood. ABT's "New Generation" power upgrades make use of a distinct control unit and software, specifically engineered for modern high-tech engines, ensuring optimal performance. The upgrade pushes the envelope with the 4.0 TFSI petrol variant, pushing 435 hp and 600 Nm up to a noteworthy 540 hp and 720 Nm. Diesel variants haven't been overlooked, with the 3.0 TDI receiving a boost from 258 hp and 580 Nm to 300 hp and 640 Nm. The monstrous V8 diesel variant has been elevated to truck-like proportions, pushing the initial 385 hp and 850 Nm to an astounding 430 hp and 920 Nm.
Handling: A Stride Towards Perfection
While the Audi A8's handling was already considered exemplary, the 2015 ABT Audi A8 introduces an electronic lowering module, the ABT Level Control, which further enhances the vehicle's manoeuvrability. The module reduces the car's height by 25 mm, both front and rear, thus not only improving its cornering capabilities but also amplifying its overall aesthetics. This adjustment has the added benefit of accentuating ABT Sportsline’s alloy wheels. The showcased model, for instance, is fitted with ABT DR in "Gun-Metal" with a machine-relieved well, available in 20'' and 21'' sizes and an alternative "mystic black" colour. For those seeking a twist, the ER-C variant is also available in 19'' and 20'' sizes with "silver bullet" and "Gun-Metal" finishes.
Final Thoughts: A Fitting Celebration
With the 2015 ABT Audi A8, ABT Sportsline has successfully paid tribute to a classic, while seamlessly blending sportiness with the sophistication expected of a limousine. It’s not just an upgrade; it's a reinterpretation that pushes the boundaries of what we've come to expect from the Audi A8, proving that even after twenty years, this iconic model can still surprise us, evolve, and continue to make its mark in the German premium class.
