After the recent release of the new Audi Q8, it was surely only a matter of time before German tuner ABT Sportsline, the self-proclaimed “world’s biggest tuner for Audi and Volkswagen”, set about “reworking” the newest member of the Q family.
This 50 TDI is equipped with the firm’s “Power” performance package and updated engine control unit, upping the 3,0-litre V6 turbodiesel’s original 210 kW and 600 N.m outputs to 243 kW and 650 N.m respectively.
According to ABT, these upgrades provide Ingolstadt’s new flagship crossover with “maximum reliability and optimal power delivery”.
The most notable exterior upgrades are the black 22-inch ABT wheels that can be specified in either matte with a diamond-coated surface or gloss with a diamond-turned rim flange. To remind owners that this is no run-of-the-mill Q8, puddle lighting projects ABT’s logo.
According to the firm, while in the past it had avoided coupé-styled crossover projects, the new Q8’s sleek profile offered enough promise to be given the full ABT treatment.
Author: Marius Boonzaier
