Become a Member: Get Ad-Free Access to All Our Content

2003 ABT AS8

In order to get maximum benefit from the skills of his engineers, the technical director of the Abt Sportsline GmbH has chosen the top model for the improvement, the A8. With its V8 supercharged engine and quattro four-wheel drive, this car provides an excellent starting point.

With 335 hp (246 kW), the A8 is already quite powerful, but for a company like Abt Sportsline, with its roots in motorsport, this figure is not enough. After installation of the Abt supercharger kit, the power unit delivers 450 bhp (331 kW) and lets the AS8 reach 174 mph (280 kph). The kit also includes a sensor-operated and water-cooled intercooler as well as exhaust temperature control. Other modifications are made to the air intake, fuel supply and injection systems.

In order to get the power of the Abt AS8 on the road in an effective and safe way, the car has been equipped with ninteen inch sports wheels and ContiSportContact-tyres. They work in tandem with the Abt sports brake system, specially designed for the highest requirements.

Developed in house, the Abt Level-Control (ALC), presents optimal comfort with lowered bodywork. When standing, the car is much lower than the regular production version. While driving, the bodywork is higher to achieve optimal driving dynamics. With a manual selector, the driver also has the possibility of individually adjusting the amount of lowering and adapt it to his or her driving style.

Abt Sportsline is also improved the styling of the A8 with front spoiler edges and a discreet spoiler on the rear of the car. Also at the rear, the Abt exhaust silencer with its four pipes also bears the signature of the company.

Story by Abt Sportsline GmbH

In Detail

submitted by Richard Owen
engine Supercharged V8
position Front Longitudinal
valvetrain DOHC, 4 Valves per Cyl w/2-Stage Variable Intake Manifold
fuel feed Electronic Sequential Injection
displacement 4172 cc / 254.6 in³
bore 84.5 mm / 3.33 in
stroke 93 mm / 3.66 in
compression 11.0:1
power 335.6 kw / 450.0 bhp @ 6500 rpm
specific output 107.86 bhp per litre
bhp/weight 252.81 bhp per tonne
body / frame Audi Aluminum Space Frame
driven wheels 4WD w/Torsen Centre Differential
front brakes Vented Discs w/ABS, EBD, ESP
f brake size mm / in
rear brakes Vented Discs w/ABS, EBD, ESP
r brake size mm / in
front wheels F 50.8 x 22.9 cm / 20 x 9 in
rear wheels R 50.8 x 22.9 cm / 20 x 9 in
steering Rack & Pinion w/Variable Assistance
f suspension Double Wishbones w/Air Suspension
r suspension Multi-Link w/Air Suspension
curb weight 1780 kg / 3924 lbs
wheelbase 2944 mm / 115.9 in
front track 1629 mm / 64.1 in
rear track 1615 mm / 63.6 in
length 5051 mm / 198.9 in
width 1894 mm / 74.6 in
height 1444 mm / 56.9 in
transmission 6-Speed Tipronic
gear ratios 4.171:1, 2.340:1, 1.521:1, 1.143:1, 0.867:1, 0.691:1, :1
final drive 3.317:1
top speed ~280 kph / 174.0 mph
drag 0.27 Cd