The interior is a little louder, with sport seats complemented by beautifully finished pedals and other cockpit baubles. But again it is the quality of the finish, more than the in-your-face visual impact, that shines through in Abt's products.
The new RS4, which will have around 420 bhp at its disposal and a second crack at that recalcitrant gearbox, effectively sounds the death knell for the AS400. But don't despair, as with the new, more powerful starting point to play with, Abt should be able to come up with a truly spectacular car. Will it be the world's ultimate multi-purpose driving machine? Who knows, but it should certainly be among the quickest. Boy racers beware.
DrivetrainLongitudinal front engine, all-wheel drive
Engine2.7-liter V6, dohc, twin turbocharged and intercooledAbt software, exhaust system
TransmissionSix-speed manual, Abt short shifter
SuspensionFully-adjustable Abt sport suspension kit
Brakes14.6-inch front rotors, 13.5-inch rear rotors
Wheels and tiresAbt Sportsline SP1, 8x19
ExteriorAbt grille, spoiler, side skirts, rear apron, rear skirt
PerformancePeak Power: 400 bhpPeak Torque: 368 lb-ft0-60 mph: 4.7 sec.