ABT Sportsline Delivers 400hp Volkswagen Golf R Upgrade
ABT Sportsline has released a 400hp upgrade for the Volkswagen Golf R, fulfilling a long-standing wish among hot hatch fans after Volkswagen's own project stalled.
ABT Sportsline has launched a 400hp tuning package for the Volkswagen Golf R, answering demand for a high-output version that Volkswagen itself never put into production. The German tuner’s upgrade, announced in late 2017, delivers the headline figure many enthusiasts have wanted since the Golf R 400 concept appeared at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show.
The jump from the standard Golf R’s 310hp to 400hp is achieved entirely through ABT’s own engine management software. The company fits its bespoke ABT Engine Control unit, which recalibrates the EA888 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder. Torque rises to 368lb ft (499Nm), a substantial increase over the factory figure. No internal modifications to the engine are required, keeping the upgrade relatively straightforward for owners and dealers.
ABT also offers a set of chassis upgrades designed to help drivers make use of the extra power. Suspension options include new springs and anti-roll bars that lower the car by 20mm at the front and 25mm at the rear, or a height-adjustable kit that can drop the ride by up to 45mm. Six-piston brakes are available for improved stopping power.
Visual and wheel options
Styling tweaks are available to distinguish the ABT Golf R from standard models. Buyers can choose between ABT’s DR or ER-C alloy wheels in sizes up to 20 inches, with multiple finishes. The bodywork package includes side skirts, a rear diffuser and quad exhaust tips, with an upgraded ABT rear muffler completing the look.
No factory 400hp Golf R from Volkswagen
Volkswagen’s own plans for a 400hp Golf R were quietly dropped following the diesel emissions scandal. The concept shown in 2014 never reached showrooms, leaving the field open for tuners. ABT’s package now offers a route to the long-promised performance for owners unwilling to wait or turn to less established workshops.
For enthusiasts looking for a factory-style, high-output Golf R, ABT’s upgrade delivers the numbers and supporting hardware, with the reassurance of a major, well-known Volkswagen specialist behind the work.
