A Glimpse into the Past and Future: ABT's 40th Anniversary VW Polo
In commemorating four decades of the compact car icon, Volkswagen Polo, ABT Sportsline has unveiled a rendition that is not just a throwback, but a show of how far the VW Polo has come. The 2016 ABT VW Polo 40 Years Edition is a testament to the evolution of this enduring model, bringing together an enticing mix of past nostalgia and the performance sophistication of the present.
Paying Tribute to the Past
The original VW Polo, which rolled off the production line 40 years ago, packed a modest 40 horsepower and was, by today's standards, rather spartan. The 70s were not exactly the golden era of automotive luxury, and the Polo was no exception. However, it held its own, offering commendable safety features and ride comfort, which were fairly innovative at the time. While ABT's anniversary edition respects the spirit of the original, it's a far cry from the Polo of old, sporting upgrades that are a testament to modern engineering prowess.
A Modern Powerhouse
ABT's 40th-anniversary model takes the Polo V's performance to a whole new level. Leveraging 'New Generation' performance upgrades centered around a specially engineered control unit, the ABT edition Polo V offers up to 230 hp (169 kW), a significant improvement from the serial version's 192 hp (141 kW). This power output, accompanied by a peak torque of 360 Nm, would have put it in the league of the Porsche Turbo of the 70s. CEO Hans-Jürgen Abt fondly reminisces, underscoring the leaps and bounds made in the automotive industry. The 1.2 TSI variant is also given a boost, with an output of 140 hp (103 kW) and a torque of 220 Nm, leaving a lasting impression on any enthusiast.
Sporty Handling and Stylish Design
ABT doesn't stop at raw power. To complement the robust performance figures, the front axle has been lowered by 25mm and the rear by 30mm, using the finest sport-type springs. This setup provides enhanced cornering abilities, ensuring that the Polo can handle the extra power with grace and agility.
Meanwhile, the aesthetic updates keep up with the times. Moving away from the steel wheels common in the 70s, the ABT VW Polo boasts 18-inch alloy wheels, fitted with 215/35 R18 tyres. Buyers can also choose from a range of wheels in different colours, namely ER-C, Z, and DR. The car's exterior has also been spruced up with a carbon-look rear attachment, a stylish rear skirt set, and a powerful dual mid-pipe exhaust system. The three-door model gets an exclusive bicolor carbon wrap set, adding a modern edge to the classic design.
An Interior Revamp
The interior of the 40th-anniversary edition stands as an unrecognisable leap from the 1975 Polo. The 2016 model banishes the cardboard door panels of old, replacing them with high-quality materials and intricate design. It also does away with the once ubiquitous, but now obsolete, choke and open trays. The ABT edition welcomes in a new era with integrated entrance LEDs, bearing the ABT logo, and specially designed floor mats, underscoring the Polo's 40-year journey.
Decades of Evolution: A Final Word
The 2016 ABT VW Polo 40 Years Edition offers a fascinating insight into the journey of the VW Polo. From a modest compact car of the 70s to a modern, performance-oriented vehicle, this anniversary edition showcases the vast strides made in automotive technology over the past four decades. ABT Sportsline has done a commendable job of amalgamating the Polo's past with its present, creating a car that truly celebrates 40 years of the VW Polo.
-Ed
2016 ABT VW Polo 40 Years Edition
