In 2021, vehicle tuner ABT Sportsline celebrates its 125th anniversary with the RSQ8-R, one of the fastest SUVs on the market, with 740 HP (544 kW) and 920 Nm. The enormous power is mainly reflected in its phenomenal acceleration: 0-100 km/h is now achieved in just 3.4 seconds rather than 3.8 seconds. The customer vehicle, painted in San Marino Blue metallic, is one of only 125 vehicles from a special series that has been launched for the anniversary. The aero package features carbon-fibre elements and is a rolling flagship for the skills of the design department at ABT Sportsline. It combines front skirt add-ons, front lip with add-on and mirror caps, side skirts, wheelhouse ventilation, fender extensions, a rear skirt add-on and a rear spoiler. The 23-inch High Performance GR wheels – tyre size 295/35 R23 – were completely painted in glossy black as an additional special feature by ABT Individual. These wheels usually always feature silver accents in the form of a diamond-machined finish. This example shows that ABT has an open ear for special requests, even for limited series.
However, almost all customers will be utterly satisfied with the performance. The 600 HP (441 kW) and 800 Nm production vehicle set a record for SUVs on the Nürburgring Nordschleife at the end of 2019. This can easily be topped by the exclusive special model with its 140 "extra horses" (103 kW). The high-tech ABT Engine Control* unit works in conjunction with a specially designed intercooler to provide maximum power and durability. The vehicle tuner, founded in 1896 as a forge in Kempten, Bavaria, also offers an optional top-speed increase to 315 km/h. For more lateral dynamics, the experts have made the complex air suspension even more sporty with the ABT Level Control (ALC). In comfort level, it is lowered by 25 mm; in dynamic level by 15 mm. The ABT exhaust system is made from stainless steel and its four 102 mm endpipe covers provide the right sound.
The interior can perfectly keep up with this brilliant impression. The ABT steering wheel upgrade, armrest and refined center console as well as the ABT seat refinement are just a few of the details. “We have really pulled out all the stops on this anniversary vehicle,” says CEO Hans-Jürgen Abt.