Abt Sportsline has opened the UK order book for its all-new Abt Touareg VS10, the world’s most powerful diesel 4x4 road car. Based on Volkswagen’s diesel-powered Touareg V10, the new car offers a significant uplift in power (373bhp compared to the standard Touareg V10’s 303bhp), a stylish new bodykit and a revised suspension system to deliver a more sporting drive.

Complementing the boost in horsepower is a major increase in torque – up from the standard V10’s 553 lb/ft (750Nm) to an awesome 634 lb/ft (860Nm) at just 2,000rpm. The extra power is supplemented by improved throttle response, giving the car a more sporting character and eager acceleration throughout the rev-range.

As one of the UK’s most powerful road cars, the all-new Abt Touareg out-punches many of its high-performance 4x4 rivals, including the BMW X5 4.6is (347bhp, 354 lb/ft), Mercedes ML55 AMG (347bhp, 376 lb/ft) and Porsche Cayenne S (340bhp, 310 lb/ft).

Improved handling

Abt’s newly developed air suspension system, Abt Level-Control (ALC), ensures that the Abt Touareg’s mighty performance is matched by enhanced on-road dynamics. In its standard setting, the Abt Touareg sits approximately 30mm lower than the production Touareg – offering an impressive balance of comfort and nimble handling.

When in ‘Sport’ mode, ride height drops a further 10mm and the shock absorbers are stiffened to further aid stability when cornering at speed. For that ultimate kerbside presence and to aid entry/egress, ALC allows the Abt Touareg to sit 60 millimetres lower than the standard Touareg before the engine is fired.




Looking the part

In creating the new off-roader, Abt Sportsline has placed considerable emphasis on developing a range of styling enhancements that give the car a subtle yet purposeful new look.

The standard Touareg’s key body panels are retained, but the Abt version gains a new front grille, deeper front and rear bumpers, side skirts and a discreet rear spoiler. To highlight the performance potential, the new Abt gains a four-pipe exhaust. A set of Abt 22-inch SP4 wheels completes the visual package, replacing the standard Touareg V10’s 18-inch rims.

The complete Abt Touareg VS10 costs £64,460 – this price includes all engine management changes, suspension modifications and styling upgrades listed above. Individual Abt Sportsline products for the Volkswagen Touareg start from just £340 (including fitting, paint and VAT) and can be purchased from local Volkswagen centres or from Abt Sportsline (tel: 01625 507350).