The Sportback monster will pack quite some power under its good and while it’s been available for quite some time, ABT just decided to give it some attention and to make it one of the fastest Sportback cars on the road as today.
When Audi introduced the first-ever RS5 Sportback back in March 2018, the automaker decided to prioritize the U.S. And Canadian markets over Europe. Why? It happened as a result of the Ingolstadt-based marque saw more potential in North America where the Audi RS4 Avant is unfortunately not available. Since then, the hot hatch has reached the old Continent, so it comes as no surprise ABT is currently providing its aftermarket package for the euro model also.
Interestingly, the tuner isn’t extending the first run of 50 examples planned for the Audi RS5-R, which implies North Americans and Europeans will need to fight to get one of the remaining vehicles. ABT isn’t saying how many are still on the market, however, if you act quickly, you’ll likely be able to purchase one. It gets identical upgrades because the U.S.-spec model, with an aerodynamic body kit, finished in shiny carbon fiber lending the Sportback a more aggressive look.
Those willing to go all out can even order carbon fiber front canards, though some would say that’s a touch too much for an Audi RS5. At the rear, the pair of oval exhausts you’ll notice on the standard Audi model has been replaced by the tuner’s quad setup with chunky carbon fiber tips housed in a new diffuser additionally bathed in carbon fiber.
Rounding off the list of changes on the outside are ABT’s black 21-inch wheels and a refined spoiler lip on the tailgate. Inside, there’s a lot of carbon fiber to be found, such as on the shift knob cover, door cards, and even on the seats. The tuner also will throw in its branded door sills and entrance lights sticking out the ABT emblem.
Needless to mention, the highlight of the whole package is that the upgraded twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 engine, that has been pushed from 444 to 530 HP and from 442 to 509 pound-feet of torque (600 to 690 Newton-meters).
ABT backs the upgrade kit with a four-year / 100,000-mile (161,000-km) warranty and mentions the new body bits and items, as well as the custom rims, won’t void the factory warranty. Of course, it’s a distinct story if you opt for the engine upgrade.
