ABT's Audi RS3 Is A 500-HP Super Sedan

400 hp not enough for you in the Audi RS3? ABT has a solution.

German tuner ABT Sportsline is renowned for extracting more power out of fast Volkswagen Group vehicles. For its latest tuning project, ABT has focused its attention on the Audi RS3. In standard spec, the RS3 is certainly no slouch and is considered a sleeper sedan thanks to its turbocharged 2.5-liter engine producing 400 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. But for ABT, that clearly wasn’t enough. The tuner’s new ABT Power R package extracts an extra 100 horses from the 2.5-liter unit, bringing the total output to 500 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque.

That’s a substantial increase by any measure. To achieve this, ABT installed a new in-house ECU and added a new intercooler and stainless-steel exhaust system to crank up the power. As a result of these mechanical upgrades, ABT’s modified RS3 will hit 0-62 mph in 3.7 seconds and go on to a top speed of 186 mph, whereas the standard car achieves the same sprint in 4.1 seconds and is limited to 155 mph or 174 mph with the optional Dynamic Plus package. The aftermarket specialist has also added new suspension springs and anti-roll bars, upgraded brakes that “bring the car to a stop in no time,” and new alloy wheels available in either 19 or 20 inches.

Everyone will also know you’re not driving a standard RS3 thanks to ABT’s optional aerodynamics package, which adds a new front lip, grille add-on, rear skirt set, and fender inserts, giving the sedan a more aggressive appearance. The German tuner also fits an “acoustically appealing” ABT muffler system with two 102 mm double pipes finished in black chrome. As for the interior, buyers can have the RS3 fitted with ABT-branded seats, carbon fiber trim and a special plaque mounted on the dashboard.

Aston Martin’s SUV Could Adopt The DB11’s 500-HP V8

A hybrid version could also pack 700 horsepower.

It’s no secret that Aston Martin will make its first foray into the SUV segment in 2021 to rival the Lamborghini Urus and Ferrari’s upcoming SUV, but there have been conflicting reports about the SUV’s potential powertrains. Initially, it was believed the production version, rumored to be called the Varekai, will get an all-electric powertrain like the DBX Concept unveiled back in 2015.

These plans were reportedly put on hold after Aston Martin announced its new Lagonda sub-brand will launch an ultra-luxurious SUV to rival the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. After all, launching two similar electric SUVs at the same time would have likely caused confusion. However, a new report by Autocar suggests an all-electric DBX could still be on the cards after the Lagonda SUV debuts in 2021.

Before that, the DBX will be offered with a range of gasoline and hybrid powertrains. Just a few days ago we reported it could adopt an AMG-sourced inline-six engine based on comments from Aston Martin’s CEO Andy Palmer. While Autocar’s report confirms that the DBX’s conventional engines will come from the company’s technical partnership with Daimler, it’s now understood the DBX will use the same AMG-sourced twin-turbo V8 that powers the DB11 and Vantage. In the DB11, this unit produces 503 hp and 498 lb-ft of torque.

A more powerful hybrid version will also be available, which according to Autocar is likely to be the “73 AMG”-spec system that will add around 200 hp of electrical boost, bringing the total output to 700 hp. It isn’t yet known if the DBX will also get Aston Martin’s V12, but this would only produce around the same power as the hybridized V8. V12 versions of the DB11 and DBS Superleggera will also be electrified to help meet tougher emissions regulations.

In terms of the design, we know Aston Martin's SUV will have similar styling to the DB concept, albeit with some design changes since it will be a four-door model. It will also be built on a completely new platform.

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