ABT Sportline reveals 385hp AS8 based on 2011 Audi A8 TDI
ABT Sportline has released the AS8, a tuned version of the 2011 Audi A8 4.2 TDI, with a power increase to 385hp and a revised exterior package.
ABT Sportline, the well-known German tuning house, has developed the AS8, a bespoke performance and styling package for the 2011 Audi A8 4.2 TDI. As the first in ABT’s intended line of high-performance luxury saloons, the AS8 aims to combine enhanced power with discreet visual upgrades. The modifications are designed to appeal to drivers who appreciate both the comfort and refinement of the A8 and the added excitement of increased performance.
Overview of the 2011 Audi A8 by ABT Sportline
Engine and Performance Enhancements
The heart of the AS8 is its upgraded 4.2-litre V8 TDI engine. ABT Sportline has focused on ECU recalibration and turbocharger adjustments to extract more power from the diesel unit. As a result, the engine’s output rises from the standard 350hp to 385hp. Torque is also significantly increased, with a peak of 880Nm compared to the factory figure of 800Nm. These improvements translate to a claimed 0-60mph time of 5.0 seconds, which is notably quick for a large, diesel-powered luxury saloon.
The AS8’s torque figure places it among the most powerful diesel saloons available at the time of its release. This upgrade gives the car strong in-gear acceleration, making it well-suited for motorway cruising and overtaking. ABT has not announced any changes to the standard quattro all-wheel-drive system or the eight-speed automatic transmission, indicating that the modifications are concentrated on the engine rather than the drivetrain. There are also no published figures for revised fuel economy or emissions, so buyers should expect similar consumption to the standard A8 4.2 TDI.
| Specification | Standard A8 4.2 TDI | ABT AS8 |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 350hp | 385hp |
| Torque | 800Nm | 880Nm |
| 0-60mph | 5.5 seconds (approximate) | 5.0 seconds (claimed) |
| Drivetrain | Quattro AWD | Quattro AWD |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
Exterior Modifications and Wheel Options
ABT has equipped the AS8 with a subtle yet effective bodykit. The package includes a redesigned front bumper, deeper side skirts, and a discreet rear spoiler mounted on the bootlid. At the rear, an air deflector and quad tailpipes provide a visual hint of the car’s enhanced performance. The overall look is intended to reinforce the A8’s road presence while maintaining its luxury saloon character.
- Redesigned front bumper for a more assertive appearance
- Deeper side skirts to enhance the car’s profile
- Discreet rear spoiler positioned on the bootlid
- Air deflector and quad tailpipes at the rear
- ABT CR alloy wheels available in 20- or 21-inch sizes
Despite the performance focus, the modifications are restrained, avoiding the aggressive styling cues often seen on full sports models. ABT’s stated intention is to highlight the A8’s elegance and refinement, rather than to radically alter its identity.
Market Position and Competitors
The AS8 occupies a unique position in the luxury saloon segment. It sits above the standard Audi A8 4.2 TDI in terms of both power and visual presence, but it does not go as far as factory-developed performance models in terms of overt styling or chassis changes. This approach is likely to appeal to buyers looking for discreet performance, combining the comfort and luxury expected from an A8 with a significant boost in power.
At the time of its launch, there was a growing trend among tuners to offer high-powered diesel saloons. Models like the AS8 catered to drivers who wanted both pace and refinement, without the high fuel consumption of petrol-powered sports saloons. The AS8’s upgrades make it competitive with other tuned luxury diesels, offering a blend of subtlety and strength that is rare in this segment.
ABT Sportline’s Approach and Other Projects
ABT Sportline has a long history of tuning Audi vehicles, often focusing on enhancing performance while preserving the core character of each model. For the AS8, the company’s philosophy was to underline the A8’s elegance rather than to transform it into a pure sports saloon. This is reflected in both the restrained bodywork and the nature of the performance upgrades.
- AS8: Enhanced A8 4.2 TDI with subtle styling and power increase
- SQ5 TDI: Similar performance package for Audi’s SUV
- Other Audi models: Tailored packages focusing on output and driving dynamics
These projects demonstrate ABT’s commitment to providing tailored enhancements for Audi’s luxury and performance models, responding to the demands of buyers who want something beyond the standard factory offerings.
Summary
The 2011 Audi A8 by ABT Sportline (AS8) delivers a significant increase in power and torque, paired with subtle but effective exterior upgrades. The car remains true to its luxury roots, offering enhanced performance without sacrificing the comfort and refinement that define the A8. For buyers seeking a discreet yet powerful diesel saloon, the AS8 stands out as a compelling option within the segment.
