ABT Fine Tunes the New VW Polo, Gets Up to 130 Diesel or Gasoline Ponies

We don't know when (or if, for that matter) Volkswagen will drop a high-output version of its 1.4-TSI along with a GTI badge on the fifth-generation Polo, but until then, buyers can head over to ABT as the German firm launched a new tuning programme for the supermini. Under the hood, ABT's power kit boosts the output of the base version of the 1.6-liter TDI turbo diesel from 75HP to 90HP, the 90HP version to 110HP and the 105HP variant of the same unit, to 130HP. For the 1.2-liter TSI gasoline engine, ABT's programme lifts output from 105HP to 130HP.

ABT says that despite the power upgrades, fuel consumption and CO2 emission figures remain at the same level as the stock engines.

The tuning firm upgrades the chassis of the Polo with a new set of springs that drops ride height a few millimeters while buyers may also opt for a subtle aero kit that includes a carbon fiber roof spoiler and rear apron that houses twin tailpipes along with a set of 18-inch titanium colored alloy wheels and special decals.

For the interior, ABT's offerings are limited to an aluminum gearshift knob and specific floor mats. Pricing (and real-life photos...) are to be announced closer to the launch date later on in the year.

DUI: ABT Creates One-Off Audi A5 Convertible Special for Radeberger Pilsner...

DUI as in 'designing under the influence'... You see, some things in this life, such as asking a German tuner to create a one-off special for a German brewery, are just not meant to be. We understand that this is a promotional vehicle with Radeberger Pilsner's traditional black and gold color scheme but, well, let's just say that the photos speak for themselves. Anyway, aside from the ABT two-tone bodykit, chunky alloy wheels and logos, the special A5 Cabrio gets a red leather interior with Radeberger's name embroidered on the headrests and the floor mats.

ABT also equipped the A5 Convertible with a pair of LCD screens that are mounted on the back of the front headrests while another highlight is the drink cooler located under the center armrest.

Pop up the bonnet and you'll find a tweaked version of Audi's 2.0-liter TFSI that has received a series of upgrades boosting output to 275HP, up from 180HP. ABT says that the drop top A5 can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h (62mph) in 6.7 seconds and achieve a maximum speed of 271 km/h or 169 mph. The ride and handling are improved as well with brake and suspension upgrades.

The one-off ABT Radeberger Audi A5 Cabrio special will be raffled off in Germany sometime before the end of the year.

KTM Backs ABT Sportsline 300HP Power Upgrade for X-BOW

As well as backing up ABT Sportline's aftermarket performance kit for the X-BOW, KTM also released UK pricing for the upgrade that raises the 2.0-liter TFSI engine's output from 240HP to 300HP and maximum torque from 310Nm to 400Nm. The upgrade that is sold as an aftermarket package and can be retrofitted to all X-BOW models costs £5,300 (about €8,700) including VAT and fitting, and comes with a two year warranty.

Lifting the vehicle's power-to-weight ratio to 380HP per tonne, the ABT-prepped X-BOW launches from standstill to 100km/h (62mph) in just 3.5 seconds or 0.4 seconds faster than the 240HP factory model.

"X-BOW's racecar-inspired chassis and sophisticated aerodynamic package have always given owners the ability to go head-to-head with some of the world's most exotic machinery," said Jeff Lau, KTM's X-BOW Manager for the UK.

"This power upgrade will ensure that X-BOW owners seeking an even more extreme experience can do so in total confidence, building upon the quality assurance of the expert engineering and exquisite finish for which X-BOW is recognised."

ABT Does the New VW Golf GTI VI: 260HP and 300HP Versions

You knew it was coming: ABT Sportline's take on the sixth-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI. Building on the basic GTI, the German firm's engineers first turned their motorsport-honed attention to the car's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot that delivers 210HP in standard form. The craftspeople at ABT developed two performance kits for the new GTI, with the first adding the usual ECU and exhaust system upgrades that lift output to 260 horsepower.

In addition to these enhancements, the second kit adds a new turbocharger that helps boost power to 300HP allowing the car to accelerate from rest to 100km/h or 62mph in under 6.0 seconds. In comparison, the factory Golf GTI VI sprints from 0 to 100km/h in 7.2 seconds.

Helping to improve the GTI's handling is a set of lower, stiffer springs plus a high-performance brake system and newly designed 18- or 19-inch alloys wrapped in beefier rubber.

The German tuners also developed an appearance package for the GTI that takes the red pin stripe theme to a new level. The kit consists of a new grille, front bumper with LED daytime lights and a lip spoiler, side skirts, roof spoiler and a rear diffuser that houses two pairs of diagonally positioned tail pipes.

And finally, the tuning folks at ABT upgraded the GTI's interior with red accents on the steering wheel, the instrument gauges the dashboard and the door trims.

ABT said that pricing for the comprehensive sport package for the new GTI will be announced at a later date.