Tuning definitely isn't that special anymore, especially German tuning. I remember picking up the latest mags to check out what lap times the latest supercharged AC Schnitzer Cooper S achieved or the new Brabus speed record.
But today, it's all about body kits and overpriced ECU updates. Basically, all the cars made in Germany are turbocharged and underlined, so you can go pretty much anywhere in Europe and ask for a 300 horsepower GTI.
ABT Sportsline is no exception, as the biggest VW Group tuner has graduated from making ugly body kits to no body kits at all. And while we can agree that the customers don't want to change their Q7 or GTI grille, they could at least develop a rediculous exhaust system or a crazy spoiler.
While his 2017 S3 sedan doesn't have much in the way of curb appeal, it does present an impressive amount of power, A45 AMG levels, to be precise. When it leaves the factory in Germany, this expensive bit of kit packs 310 hp and 400 Nm of torque (295 lb-ft).
Using one of its power kits, ABT can boost those specs to 400 hp and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft). While the new 2.5-liter turbo on the RS3 sedan packs 20 Nm more torque, they are matched for power. Considering both cars have 7-speed DSG-style gearboxes, all-wheel drive and the S3 is lighter, thy should be matched in a drag race.
Of course, not everybody wants to go that high, so ABT also offers a 370 hp mod for the same engine, which should be enough for most. The only custom bits on this particular S3 sedan are the wheels and the black-tipped exhaust mufflers. But we think you are better off sticking with the factory alloys, which are more tasteful.
But there's a small catalog of other available parts that includes stiffer anti-roll bars, ABT-labeled puddle lights (but you need to have the factory ones first), fender inserts and custom carpets.
