2010 Geneva Auto Show: ABT AS8

German tuner ABT Sportsline is obviously trying to get into the spotlight at this year’s Geneva Auto Show, and is presenting a modified Audi A8. Dubbed AS8, the car gets sportier, while maintaining its limousine essence. "With us this extraordinary vehicle doesn't lose its character, we underline it," states Hans-Juergen Abt the General Manager of ABT Sportsline.

The team behind the project improved the 4.2-litre turbo diesel of the standard car, raising the 350hp (257kW) up to 385hp (283kW). The torque of the engine has also been improved and it now stands at 880 Nm (up from the 800 Nm of the series’ standard). According to ABT, other versions will follow soon.

Exterior features include optical enhacements as the front spoiler, side sills, the rear aprons with the tailpipe cover and the three-piece rear spoiler.

"The fact that a touch of dynamism and aggressiveness does no harm to the luxury liner is shown in the details of the vehicle. The ABT AS8 has been optimised to meet the high demands of its drivers: ABT Sportsline has not changed the elegant glider into a racing car, but carefully into a confident and sporty automobile,” a company statement reads.

ABT Audi AS8 specs are resumed below:

• Engine: 4.2 TDI, 4134 ccm capacity
• Performance tuning: ABT Power
• Performance: 385 HP/283 kW (standard: 350 HP/257 kW)
• ABT front wing
• ABT side skirts
• ABT rear wing (three-part)
• ABT rear skirt with exhaust covers
• ABT CR wheel in 20 and 21 inches
• Available also as complete set of wheels with sports tires