autoevolution
 

ABT Sportsline Cupra Ateca Tuned To 350 PS

Even though ABT Sportsline is specialized in all things Audi, the tuner decided to work on the Cupra Ateca too. Scheduled to premiere at the 2018 Essen Motor Show, this go-faster crossover is much obliged to deliver 350 PS (345 horsepower) and 440 Nm (324 pound-feet) from 2.0 liters of displacement.
ABT Sportsline Cupra Ateca 11 photos
Photo: ABT Sportsline
ABT Sportsline Cupra AtecaABT Sportsline Cupra AtecaABT Sportsline Cupra AtecaABT Sportsline Cupra AtecaABT Sportsline Cupra AtecaABT Sportsline Cupra AtecaABT Sportsline Cupra AtecaABT Sportsline Cupra AtecaABT Sportsline Cupra AtecaABT Sportsline Cupra Ateca
The numbers are impressive in comparison to the bone-stock engine, which develops 300 PS (296 horsepower) and 400 Nm (295 pound-feet) of torque. The ABT Cupra also happens to be quicker to 100 km/h (62 mph) by 0.2 seconds, making the run in 5.0 seconds flat with the help of launch control.

Top speed has been raised to 255 km/h (158 mph), representing an increase of 8 km/h (5 mph) over standard. The tuner is also happy to lower the Ateca with a set of springs that enhance driving performance. For that extra bit of visual drama, the 20-inch ABT Sport GR alloy wheels do the trick nicely.

ABT Sportsline hasn’t tinkered with the rest of the vehicle, leaving the seven-speed DSG transmission and 4Drive all-wheel-drive system as they came out of the factory. But given time and depending on demand, we’re certain that more extreme products will come out of Kempten, Germany.

Including value-added tax, the Cupra Ateca starts at 42,850 euros in Germany. A lot of money for a compact crossover that isn’t even premium, but given the Volkswagen Golf R oily bits, we guess that SEAT did well as far as value for money is concerned.

For reference, the Golf R comes in at 43,200 euros for the hatchback, making it more expensive than the Cupra. Even in comparison to the Audi SQ5 and Porsche Macan S, the Ateca makes a lot of sense from a financial standpoint.

There’s not much else like this thing in the segment, but the challenge ahead of Cupra is the badge. While SEAT fans are aware what Cupra stands for, the general public might need further convincing that SEAT has taken performance seriously.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Mircea Panait
Mircea Panait profile photo

After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories