What's the news?

German tuning company ABT has worked its magic on the Audi A5 Sportback, resulting in the new ABT AS5. A fresh body kit, alloy wheels and performance tweaks make the AS5 stand out from the standard car.

Exterior

The new AS5 has been fitted with an ABT front splitter, side skirts and a new rear bumper; through which a quad-exit exhaust system can be seen. Bespoke lightweight alloy wheels come in either 19- or 20-inch forms, and are fitted with performance tyres as standard. ABT sports suspension lowers the car by up to 50mm, meaning the new alloys sit nice and snug inside the AS5's wheel arches.

Interior

The AS5 features the same high-quality interior found in the standard A5 Sportback. No specific details have been released, but we would expect a few options boxes to have been ticked for ABT's version.

Mechanicals

As normal, Audi's standard engines have all been uprated for the AS5. Both the 1.8- and 2.0-litre TFSI engines have been tweaked, but the one we're most interested in is the top-spec 3.0-litre unit. Thanks to ABT, this engine now chucks out 380hp - an increase of over 100hp - and a meaty 500Nm of torque. For those who need to achieve better economy, both the 2.0- and 3.0-litre TDI units have had the ABT treatment, the latter producing 300hp and 570Nm of torque.

As well as the new suspension, ABT has also fitted sports brakes.

Anything else?

Pricing details and UK availability have yet to be announced.

James Giddings - 28 Jan 2013