Anyone talking about suspension optimization usually thinks of shorter springs. Those who want an even better performance choose a set with matching shock absorbers. “Although this is already called a complete solution, it isn’t actually complete until the matching sports stabilizer bars have been installed,” explains Managing Director Hans-Jürgen Abt. ABT Sportsline offers this important component in a high quality for many Audi and VW models ranging from the TT to the Passat.
Unlike a lowering kit, the sports stabilizer bars are invisible in daily use. They do however contribute significantly to a more dynamic handling by reducing the rotation around the longitudinal axis; the so-called swaying. And this is how the clever trick works: Stabilizer bars are usually torsion-bar springs which connect the left and right suspension side of an axle. Due to the stiffer set up and the reduced deformability of the stabilizer bar, the outside wheel in the curve is not compressed as much as with the standard stabilizer bar. As a result, the vehicle leans less to the side and the lean angle is reduced. Other positive effects are felt when turning the steering wheel and in the distribution of wheel loads. All vehicles are equipped with stabilizer bars ex works, these however are dimensioned with other objectives in mind.
In total, the sports stabilizer bars provide the following benefits:
- Reduced leaning angle when driving through curves or when changing the steering direction abruptly
- Improved handling thanks to reduced swaying tendency
- Lower tendency of the vehicle to understeer
- Undiminished suspension comfort when both sides are compressed
- Lower load on the outside wheels in a curve.
Thanks to their dimensions and design, sports stabilizer bars from ABT Sportsline are perfectly suited for VW and Audi models. Made from spring steel, they have precision-forged ends and maintenance-free bearings made from a special composite material, which guarantee precise wheel control.
Regarding the individual setup, the customer has complete freedom of choice in terms of stabilizer bars. He or she can use them either with the standard springs and shock absorbers, together with other ABT Sportsline components, or with any other aftermarket suspension.