In 1982, ABT Sportsline created the legendary and iconic wide-body GTI. Almost 40 years later, the 8th generation of the Golf is offered as standard in a wide range of sporty models, way beyond the regular Gran Turismo Injection. Alongside the GTI (245 HP / 180 kW / 370 Nm) and GTI Clubsport (300 HP / 221 kW / 400 Nm), the GTD (200 HP / 147 kW / 400 Nm) is available for diesel fans and the Golf R (320 HP / 235 kW / 420 Nm) is the ultimate compact sports car.
The most powerful beast of this bunch delivers as standard almost double the performance of the turbo-driven ABT Golf of the 80s (163 HP / 120 kW). However, the bar has been raised considerably over the last four decades – and as a result, many drivers still want more power. No problem. In the company’s 125th anniversary year, ABT Sportsline offers
a wide range of performance upgrades for the top models of the Golf family. The basis for each of these is the high-tech control unit ABT Engine Control (AEC).
The Golf GTI is boosted to unleash 290 HP (213 kW) and delivers a maximum torque of 410 Nm. The GTD delivers 440 Nm and 230 HP (169 kW). However, even the series GTI Clubsport has a few more horses under the hood than a performance-upgraded normal GTI. For this model,
ABT Sportsline offers the option of 360 HP (265 kW), with a maximum torque of 450 Nm. But if the Clubsport unleashes so much power, what about the Golf R? This car, with a performance upgrade to 384 HP (282 kW) and 470 Nm, will certainly put a smile on your face. Furthermore, ABT Sportsline will soon offer sporty suspension springs and a tailor-made exhaust system for this version.
Regardless of the selected platform, ABT Sportsline offers three attractive rim designs for the Golf GTI, GTD, GTI Clubsport and R. For example, the 19-inch ER-C in matt black. If you want to pull out all the stops with a 20-inch rim, choose the ABT FR in mystic black or Sport GR in glossy or matt black.
Both of the latter score highly with their diamond-machined accents. A comparison with the rims of a wide-body GTI from 1982 shows how much wheel dimensions have developed: Back then, it cruised along the autobahn, roads and boulevards on 13-inchers.
*The engine performance data is in accordance with the stipulations of EWG/80/1269. The process and dynamometer manufacturer have been certified and authorised by the vehicle manufacturer.
