New ABT AS3 based on Audi A3 Facelift

German tuner ABT Sportsline has released a tuning kit for the facelift Audi A3 hatchback. The tuner calls it ABT AS3 and it's more than just a cosmetic surgery. The tuned A3 follows in the footsteps of similar work undertaken by ABT on the larger Audi A5. The tuning focuses on both performance enhancements and visual upgrades to give the car more grunt than the standard hatch from Audi.

Under the hood, ABT takes the 2.0L TSI engine and winds it up to an impressive 240hp (179kW), rather than the standard model’s 200hp (147kW). Similar gains in performance are available for the other petrol engines in the A3 lineup, including a 35hp (26kW) lift to 160hp (120kW) in the 1.4L TSI engine, and a 50hp (37kW) lift to 210hp (157kW) in the 1.8L TSI unit. For the 2.0L turbodiesel A3, ABT can also lift power to a maximum of 190hp (142kW), along with plenty of torque.

To help control the extra power on the road, ABT is also offering custom made performance springs that lower the car by 35mm. When coupled with an upgraded braking system, the ABT AS3 should prove to be significantly more agile than the factory A3 on the road.

In terms of visual upgrades, ABT is offering a number of modifications, including a new bonnet, front grille, front bumpers, fenders and LED daytime running lights. The rest of the bodywork is made up of new side skirts, a front spoiler insert, fender inserts and a rear apron. ABT's recognisable four tailpipe unit gives the cars more presence. ABT AR or BR alloy wheels measuring 18 or 19-inch are recommended for the AS3.