2004 Abt AS400 review

Abt AS400 review:

The Audi A4 of the Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline is presenting one of the most powerful and exclusive car from their history: AS400. The new Abt AS400 is equipped with a 2.7 litre V6-Bi-Turbo-engine and has 400 HP (294 kW), 290 km/h top speed and 4.7 seconds from 0 to 100.

The new Abt AS400 keep its suitability for daily use as a sport station wagon and will be launched on the market in a small series of 25.

“With the new AS400 we want to and will set new standards in the field of high performance vehicles'', says Managing Director Hans-Jurgen Abt.''The vehicle is a combination of Audi quality control and the large technical know-how of Abt Sportsline when tuning such a car''.

Incorporated into the design of the AS400 is the experience gained from decades in the tuning business. Under the bonnet the 2.7 litre V6-Bi-Turbo-engine providing a maximum torque of approximately 368 ft lbs (500 nm). Via the permanent all-wheel-drive Quattro system, the concentrated power of 400 hp (298 kw) is transferred to all four wheels which are equipped with 18 inch titanium coloured Abt sport wheels. The sport brake system and the sport suspension kit are responsible for safety and optimal control on every road.

As for all Abt tuning projects, Christian Abt signs himself responsible for the development. For the technical Manager of Abt Sportsline and Audi works driver in the DTM, the AS400 is the highlight of the year: ''Normally no road vehicle is good enough for a race track. However the AS400 is a special case: With the power, acceleration and the sportive handling you really have the feeling qualifying starts any minute.''

An interesting design with its new front grill, front spoiler and side skirts as well as rear skirt and rear wing the AS400 looks like a sport car. The 4-pipe stainless-steel exhaust system is not only responsible for the right sound, but proves its Kempten origin when admired from the probably most often seen perspective of the Abt AS400. The trend is continued inside with Abt entrance panels, instrument clusters (speedometer up to 320 km/h), aluminium pedals and foot rests as well as further details.

The Abt AS400 is available for 94 900 Euro (inclusive Value Added Tax) at Abt Sportsline in Kempten or one of the more than 100 Abt partners in Germany. Also Abt Sportsline offers a power upgrade to 450 HP (331 kW). Additionally an Abt sport brake system and Abt sport wheels SP1 in 19 inch-size are available as optional equipment.