The folks over at ABT Sportsline have upgraded the outgoing Volkswagen Golf R, handing the all-wheel-drive hot hatch more power and a lower stance.
In mid-2018, the R-badged version of the seventh-generation Golf gained a petrol particle filter in Europe (in order to meet the new WLTP regulations), which saw its peak power drop slightly, from 228 kW to 221 kW (in South Africa, meanwhile, the Golf R was recently upgraded from 213 kW to the full-fat 228 kW).
Fitting the German tuner’s “ABT Power Boost” package hikes peak power to 257 kW, while also increasing maximum torque from the stock 400 N.m to 440 N.m. ABT will furthermore add a new exhaust system, which culminates in quartet of dark-chrome tailpipes, each boasting a diameter of 102 mm.
ABT also offers either new suspension springs or a proper height-adjustable suspension package, along with an anti-roll bar kit. Regardless of which arrangement is fitted, the Golf R benefits from a more aggressive stance (and improved dynamics, according to the Kempten-based firm).
In addition, various alloy wheel designs are available, offered in 18-, 19- and 20-inch sizes.
So, when is the new Golf 8 R due? Well, in March 2019, a report out of Germany suggested the latest version of the Golf flagship would be uncovered late in 2020 (with sales starting early in 2021) boasting around 245 kW.
