German Tuner ABT Sportsline has revealed its 'astonishingly sporty' version of the Audi A7 called the ABT AS7. Said to embody all the know-how that the Volkswagen Group tuner possesses, the AS7 is a 180mph executive coupé-cum-hatchback designed for tearing up the autobahn.

ABT describes the car as a 'chic sports car' but while the tag many seem a little far-fetched for a model designed primarily for ferrying occupants up and down the autobahn there is no arguing with the figures. No information is available on the work done on the S7's 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine but ABT says that its car has 'at least 520hp', which is 100hp more than is offered by Audi. Torque has risen by a similar level, from 550- to 650Nm. Considering the standard S7 can complete the 0-62mph sprint in 4.7 seconds the ABT AS7 should knock a few tenths off that.

ABT Sportsline head honcho Hans-Jürgen Abt reckons that: "You should be able to feel that you are actually sitting in a 'sports car' all the time. But the car also has to be comfortable and suitable for everyday use." Two styles of alloy wheels are available in both 20- or 21-inch sizes and suspension springs have been tuned to give a 'sporty but luxurious feel'. For those that wish ABT can provide its Level Control system that will lower the air suspension further.

Next up for ABT Sportsline is the related S6 saloon and Avant models that will undoubtedly offer similar performance as the AS7. Exact specifications will be released shortly.

Paul Healy - 27 Jul 2012