Thursday 11th September 2003

Beef up your A3

Abt Sportsline's new bolt ons for the Audi

---

Abt Sportsline has launched a range of products to enhance the performance, handling and appearance of the new Audi A3. As well as a bodykit, Abt has produced engine tuning upgrades, lowered suspension, alloy wheels and a sports brake system.

To develop the new A3 products, Abt has drawn heavily on the engineering talent that has helped to secure considerable success in the German Touring Car Championship (DTM – Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters). Last year Laurent Aiello claimed the DTM Driver's Championship in an Abt-Audi TT-R.

The first of Abt’s A3 engine management upgrades will be for the 2.0-litre TDi turbo diesel. Abt has worked closely with Audi engineers to significantly boost the standard engine’s power from 140 PS (138bhp) to a potent 170 PS (168bhp). 

For those looking to give their A3 a more aggressive look, Abt has created an full bodykit that includes a front spoiler extension, side skirts, deeper rear bumper and a neat rear spoiler. A set of 19-inch Abt sports alloy wheels finish the package.

New suspension springs, which lower the car by up to 40mm are also available. Abt is currently finalising the development of a bespoke exhaust silencer for the A3, together with a sports brake system featuring motorsport-derived steel flex brake lines.

All of Abt’s performance, handling and styling products for the new A3 are available from local Audi centres as aftermarket upgrades, or can be ordered as part of the purchase of a new A3.

[shadowninja]

From the rear it looks like a mini X5!!

Not sure about bodystyling that makes the car look taller. surely it should make the car look broader and more menacing?

[Podie]

The front end looks AWFUL..! Not good IMHO...

[PetrolTed]

Not sure the black bumper bit works...

[Podie]

PetrolTed said:

Not sure the black bumper bit works...

Agreed. It's made a simple design look "fussy"...

[plotloss]

Makes it look like another famous German...

[trefor]

Audis look awful with extra body styling. Audi know this, hence the subtle mods for their sports editions. Just look at some of the kitted A4s you see around for an example

The whole Audi desgin thing is smooth clean lines and understated power/performance/whatever. All you need to make an Audi look evil is slightly tinted windows (not all the way) and some big wheels.

[trefor]

PetrolTed said:

Not sure the black bumper bit works...

I think they're pre-empting the new Audi nose design which is coming on the new-soon-to-be-launched A6.

[Bodo]

plotloss said:

Makes it look like another famous German...

It has all the Max Muppet features though. I guess the typical buyer of this kit just wants something to bolt on

[Graham.J]

The front looks very Skyline-esque I think.





Still don't like it

[Fat Audi 80]

trefor said:

Audis look awful with extra body styling. Audi know this, hence the subtle mods for their sports editions. Just look at some of the kitted A4s you see around for an example The whole Audi desgin thing is smooth clean lines and understated power/performance/whatever. All you need to make an Audi look evil is slightly tinted windows (not all the way) and some big wheels.