In its 15-year history, Autobahn Designs (ABD Racing) has built more than 20 company-owned project cars, many of which have been featured within these pages. The company's R32 and 1.8T Golfs come to mind, as well as older creations including the memorable Drag Pickup and the Safari Golf.
In 2003, ABD bolstered its Audi product line and introduced an impressively tuned Audi S4, followed by an RS6. Inspired by the RS6's bold looks and brute performance, the company set out to build its own version of the celebrated car based on a 2001 A6 Quattro platform. Enter the ABD Racing R6.
At a glance you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference between the R6 and RS6. Each mirrors the other remarkably well with muscular fender flares and identical trim. Even with close inspection you'll find the R6 is visually identical to its genuine counterpart and for good reason. The car was fitted with factory RS6 sheet metal. From the A-pillar forward, everything is RS6, including the fenders, bumper, hood, grille (with custom R6 badge), headlamps and radiator support. The rear received similar treatment, including fenders, bumper, trunk lid and spoiler. A pair of RS6 side skirts nicely completes the body package. It's important to note that the hood and fenders are constructed from aluminum, unlike the heavy, standard steel A6 units. The rear fender flares were meticulously sectioned in, leaving the rest of the stock quarter panels undisturbed. These chores, in addition to the remaining paint and body work, were left to master craftsman Bernt Karlsson.
As similar as this car is to the real deal, those familiar with the RS6 will see subtle differences such as the exterior color, as well as Hella smoked taillamps. "We were naturally going for an authentic look, but also wanted to incorporate some of our own personalization," said ABD's Dave Anderson. This explains the brilliant silver paint (not offered on the RS6) and the blackened sunroof glass.
Mechanically, things under the hood aren't so similar. Both cars do feature twin turbos, but the R6 uses a 2.7-liter V6, the same engine found in the previous generation S4. Although it isn't evenly matched with the RS6's massive 450-bhp, 4.2-liter V8, the highly tunable 2.7 is a tough contender. Tweaked for all of its reliable power, the crew at ABD found an estimated 100 bhp on top of its stock 250-bhp rating. Torque is equally impressive, said to also be in the 350 lb-ft range. Most of the additional power is achieved through a GIAC-tuned ECU, accounting for roughly 80 percent of the power gain.
Other mods include an ABD Racing LAN Pipe Fresh Air intake system and a complete Supersprint stainless-steel exhaust with dual chrome tips. GIAC also handled a transmission chip upgrade to more precisely match shift points with the engine's new powerband. Last, ABD Racing carbon-fiber engine covers were placed to polish up the bay.
The suspension is based on Eibach Pro Kit sport springs with front and rear Eibach sport dampers. The package firms up the ride and lowers the overall stance attractively. An ABD Racing upper tie bar was also installed for increased lateral support.
Large BBS RS-GT2 multi-piece (20x9.5) wheels, shod with Michelin Pilot Sports (225/30-20) fill each corner. Braking was improved with the use of a Brembo big brake kit, utilizing 355mm front rotors, ABD Racing cross-drilled discs in the rear and Mintex Red Box pads.
Since it's so impressive in stock form, it's difficult to enhance an Audi interior. Still, the cabin received a mild makeover with black leather bolstered seats accented with light grey suede inserts. Each headrest features embroidered ABD Racing logos. Accessories include ABD aluminum foot pedals, ABD logo floor mats and ABD stainless-steel doorsills.
After our shoot, I had the opportunity to take the car down a few of my favorite canyon twisties. The R6 performed confidently and predictably. Most pleasing was its swift acceleration, easily its best performance attribute. Hard in the throttle, the turbos spool almost instantly, providing little lag. As a result, acceleration is smooth with immediate power delivery.
Though two-cylinders shy, the tuned 2.7T, along with its inherent performance characteristics, makes no apologies. That said, the R6 not only looks the part, it also acts it.