ABT has chosen a familiar weapon to begin its 130th-anniversary celebrations: an Audi RS6-based special edition with serious numbers and a very small production run. Called the RS6-LE 800, the car is capped at 30 examples worldwide and serves as the first of three anniversary models the company plans to unveil in 2026.
The choice is not random. ABT traces its roots back to April 1896, when the business started as a blacksmith’s shop on Burgstraße in Kempten. Johann Baptist Abt later took over the forge and coachbuilding operation, and the family name stayed attached as the company evolved with the automobile itself. Near the end of the 19th century, the founder already saw where horseless transport was heading. In 1920, his son entered a partnership with Horch and Audi, a link that still defines the firm’s story. Later came Johann Abt II, more than 300 races, the official launch of the tuning division in 1967 under the Auto-Abt name, an early performance package for the VW Golf I in 1974, and one of the first electronic performance upgrades in 1980.
So yes, this anniversary car has a long shadow behind it.
Its starting point is the ABT RS6 Legacy Edition from 2023, itself created as a nod to 20 years of RS6 history and the model’s V8 identity. Only 200 of those were built. That car already delivered 760 hp, wore a full carbon aerodynamics package, and carried “1 of 200” numbering. The anniversary model goes further through the ABT POWER R upgrade, lifting output to 800 hp and 980 Nm. Depending on the original engine version, that means a jump from either 441 kW (600 hp) or 463 kW (630 hp) up to 589 kW (800 hp), while torque climbs from 800 Nm or 850 Nm to 980 Nm. ABT credits the result to its turbocharger, intercooler, and oil cooler package.
The visual treatment leans heavily on Neodym accents. Or rather, it commits to them almost everywhere. The RS6-LE 800 rides on 22-inch ABT HIGH PERFORMANCE IR22 forged wheels in satin matte gold, while Neodym details reappear in the RS6-LE 800 logo, multiple ABT logos, and decorative carbon inlays. Exterior hardware includes ABT front blades, front apron inserts, a front grille topper, a front bonnet insert in gloss visible carbon, wheel arch vents with “RS6-LE 800” badges, mirror cap toppers, side skirts, a rear apron insert, rear apron toppers, a decorative strut, and an ABT rear wing with aeroblades.
There is substance underneath, too: ABT coilover springs, ABT sports stabilizers on both axles, and a stainless steel exhaust system with four 102 mm tailpipes. Inside, the steering wheel gets Alcantara and gloss visible carbon shift paddles, while the gear selector cap uses the same carbon finish. Buyers can also spec gloss visible carbon trim pieces with a Neodym particle pattern for the dashboard and seat frames. The front seats carry ABT and RS6-LE branding, the door sill plates read “RS6-LE 800,” Dinamica Soul is used in the entry areas, and even the start-stop button cap, boot mat, and floor mats continue the theme.
Each car also receives an anniversary coin called “130 Years of ABT.” As for cost, the RS6-LE 800 package is priced at €108,000 including 19% VAT, while installation adds €13,640 including 19% VAT, plus TÜV inspection. ABT says two more anniversary vehicles will follow later this year.
ABT 130th Anniversary – Photo Gallery
