Geneva Preview: ABT Sportsline to Show Light-Weight Audi R8 GTR With 600-hp
 

Germany's largest and best-known Audi/VW-tuner ABT Sportsline will display three finely-tuned new models, as well as an even more hard-core version of the V10-powered R8 5.2. Called the ABT R8 GTR, this German exotic is based off the modified R8 5.2 that ABT brought to Geneva last year, and boasts the same V10 under the hood, which has been tuned to 600-hp.

New for 2010, the GTR model will get an even more aggressive aero treatment, with most of the body panels made of carbon fiber. In fact, ABT has taken a light-weight approach with the GTR model, manufacturing the hood, front and rear bumpers out of carbon fiber, while the rear hatch has been replaced with a carbon fiber unit and the glass swapped out for light-weight plexiglass. Just 25 R8 GTRs will be built.

Along with this monster, ABT will display a more subtle R8 Spyder as well as the first modified version of Audi's new flagship A8.

Best known for its Volkswagen tuning, ABT hasn't neglected its core audience either and will show a new line of performance and aesthetic products for the very-new Golf R model. With 265-hp and a 0-60 mph time of 5.0 seconds in stock trim, we can't wait to see what ABT has in store for this hot German hatch.

AutoGuide will bring you live coverage of the ABT vehicles and of everything else at the Geneva Auto Show, starting March 2nd.

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