This Wild Audi R8 ABT XGT Is Essentially a Race Car for the Road with Massive 630 HP

At a glance, the Audi R8 ABT XGT looks like something that escaped a pit lane rather than a showroom. That impression isn’t accidental. Developed by ABT Sportsline, the XGT takes the R8 platform and reshapes it into what is openly described as a race car adapted for public roads, rather than the other way around.

Exterior

Visually, the ABT XGT signals its intent immediately. Four colors are coming as standard, rare colors that make the ABT stand out from the crowd immediately; customers have the option to request a special paint finish to make the tuner match with the wheels, which are specially chosen: forged wheels 19 inches at the front and 20 at the rear, dressed in Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R Rubbers. The other evident part at the rear is the wing that is not only to be displayed, but its angle will directly affect the top speed of the sports car.

Interior

Inside, the XGT abandons conventional luxury almost entirely. The cabin is stripped out and fitted with a full roll cage, making its purpose unambiguous. ABT retained the same steering wheel used in the GT2 race car, further narrowing the gap between circuit and street. Despite this, certain concessions to road use remain.

Other tweaks inside also include a modified control panel with controls for air conditioning, electrically adjustable mirrors, central locking, and rearview camera. There is also a standard digital instrument cluster.

Complete Powertrain Information

ABT is a genius when it comes to mastery of power configurations and this ride at this particular location is not an exception. The tuner claims that the upgrades were completed after approximately 2 years but the outcome is mind-bending: 630 horsepower right there. The project is based on the GT2 platform with some modifications to the thermal control, software, braking system, and the fueling system. A new exhaust system was installed as well that makes it compliant with the emissions laws. The maximum speeds are 193 mph, according to the rear wing setting.

Pricing

TheAudi R8 XGT by ABT costs a whopping €598,000 or around $652,000.

Conclusion

The ABT XGT is not packaged as a rebuttal of the R8 as a sport utility car. Rather, it is more of a GT2 race car that has been well tuned to endure on the open roads. Its bare interior, rear-wheel-drive design, and uncompromising hardware place it in such a thin gray zone that legality is taken into consideration, comfort is obviously secondary.