Abt, the largest worldwide customiser of Volkswagen Group vehicles, introduce their sixth-generation re-working of the Golf, one which delivers a sporting body kit worthy of matching a host of Abt performance and further upgrades. The new Abt Golf VI is available in a number of 'greener' powerplants. Hans Juergen Abt, managing director of the German firm, throws about the term 'downsizing' and is keen to point out that the upgrade incorporates VW's 1.4 TSI unit, available in two stages of expansion for optimum fuel efficiency and performance. The standard 122 hp 1.4-litre is expanded to 160 hp while customers wishing to stretch the 'little engine' out further have the option of a 200 hp version - producing almost as much power as the series 2.0 TFSI powerplant but consuming less fuel. But if 1400cc is a little too conservative, then Abt have it covered: the 2.0 TFSI gets upgraded from 210 hp to 240 hp, with a more frugal offering in the form of a 30 hp-hiked 2.0 TDI model with 170 hp. But the Abt upgrades span beyond the hood. Abt will happily fit vehicles with their Abt threaded suspension or sports springs, both of which are recommended for optimum power handling. Abt braking and sports braking systems provide deceleration suited to the performance hikes. 'An outstanding basis' for Abt, the sixth-gen new Golf also gets the full treatment by designers for a sporting but 'elegant' look. The enhanced presence is achieved via new front grill, new aprons front and rear (the latter with integrated 4-pipe exhaust), rear spoiler and perhaps principally the huge 18 or 19 inch alloys, available diamond-turned or high-gloss polished. Press Release ABT Sportsline at Essen Motor Show The new ABT Golf VI - Volkswagen for individualists "If you wish to experience value for money in the compact class, you won't be able to ignore the new Golf VI", gushes Hans-Jürgen Abt. The managing director of the world's biggest customiser of vehicles in the Volkswagen Group is very taken by the new version of the Wolfsburg "evergreen": "The new Golf is an outstanding basis for our designers and technicians - and they've already succeeded in creating five awe-inspiring predecessor series." For the ABT Golf VI, the Kempten company developed a sporty visual package perfectly geared to ABT's increases in performance and vehicle components. „Our Golf shows that driving fun and ecological points of view do not exclude each other," said Hans-Jürgen Abt, and highlighted the 1.4 TSI, which is available in two stages of expansion: the standard 122 HP (90 kW) become 160 PS (118 kW), and the more powerful version produces a proud 200 HP (147 kW) for the road instead of only 160 HP (118 kW). The "little" direct injection engine therefore produces almost as much as the next bigger series aggregate, the 2.0 TSI, but uses less fuel. "The magic word here is "downsizing", Hans-Jürgen Abt explained. However, for extremely power-starved fans the Allgäu company is also offering a power package for the 2.0 FSI: 210 HP (154 kW) will then become 240 PS (176 kW). The economically sensible alternative for regular drivers is the 2.0 TDI, which ABT Sportsline has given a powerful 170 HP/125 kW (standard: 140 HP/103 kW). In order for the power to be perfectly put into practice, ABT springs or the sporty ABT threaded suspension are recommended. ABT braking systems and ABT sports braking systems provide performance-related deceleration. But a real ABT does not just have to drive racily, but also look like it. For the Golf VI the designers developed a body kit that gives the hit model a dynamic and at the same time elegant look: front grill and apron make the car look more present, while the sidebars also make the ground look closer than it is. At the back, the rear spoiler and rear apron attachment, in which the slanted 4-pipe exhaust is integrated, become the central elements. 18 or 19-inch AR and BR rims round off the appearance. Of course, the elegant wheels are also available in combination with the matching sport tyres. One thing is certain: with the new ABT components, the Golf VI rolls stylishly into the spotlight. The newbie is a real highlight, because this is the sixth time that the ABT's have produced a Volkswagen for individualists. ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGY ABT POWER Series: 1.4 TSI 122 HP/90 kW ABT Power: 170 HP /125 kW Series: 1.4 TSI 160 HP /118 kW ABT Power: 200 HP /147 kW Series: 2.0 TSI 210 HP /154 kW ABT Power: 240 HP /176 kW Series: 2.0 TDI 140 HP /103 kW ABT Power: 170 HP /125 kW ABT BODYWORK ABT Front grill ABT Front apron ABT Sidebars ABT Rear apron attachment ABT Rear spoiler ABT All-in package consisting of: ABT front grill ABT front apron ABT sidebars ABT rear apron attachment ABT rear wing ABT wing inserts ABT wing enlargement ABT SPORT RIMS ABT AR and BR; 18 and 19-inch; diamond turned or high-gloss polished. Also available as a full wheelset with sports tyres. ABT EXHAUST TECHNOLOGY ABT 4-pipe exhaust ABT CHASSIS TECHNOLOGY ABT springs, lowering of the vehicle's centre of gravity ABT Thread sports chassis ABT BRAKES ABT Braking system, brake disks 345 millimetres ABT Sports braking system, brake disks 380 millimetres
