After seeing MTM's customization program for the new Golf GTD we know that Honda and Mugen don't have a monopoly on the modified hatchback market. As further proof, the German tuning house ABT Sportsline has just come up with a kit of their own for the diesel burning turbocharged Golf VI. Aside from giving the TDI hatchback a 50 HP kick in the pants with one of their ABT Power units, the Germans have also reworked the Golf's exterior to further suit their own brand of style.

The aero mods include a new front bumper with much more angular intakes as well as a set of stylish strips of LED driving lights. Out back the new rear diffuser makes room for ABT's signature quad tipped exhaust pipes while an oversized wing keeps things planted at speed. Finishing off the design, ABT is offering a few wheel and tire options with their sporty AR and BR models available in either 18 or 19 inches in diameter. The alternatively fueled 2.0 Liter power plant now makes a total 190 HP and a very diesel like 288 lb-ft of torque, and although it may not sound so impressive going from 0 to 60 MPH in 7.1 seconds isn't too bad for a diesel, and neither is a 143 MPH top speed. The best part about tuning a diesel is that when you are done you're still driving a green vehicle.

Press release after the jump.

Press release

Some affectionately call it the "racing tractor", as it combines sporty dynamism with enormous torque of 390 Nm. Rudolf Diesel would have had fun with the 190 HP (140 kW) strong “off-spring” of his invention. He would certainly never have thought it possible that the diesel engine could reach 100 km/h in a 7.1 second sprint. A top speed of 230 km/h and plenty of steam in all seven gears – that is how ABT Sportsline defines the 2.0 TDI in the new Golf GTD. This is because after its treatment in the Allgaeu the abbreviation now stands for “Gewinner Tanken Diesel – Winners tank diesel”. The Golf still retains, of course, its economical qualities, as the fuel consumption remains at the low level of the series diesel version.

It goes without saying that the world’s largest tuner of vehicles from the Volkswagen group also offers the popular bodykit which is tailor-made for the Golf VI on the compact diesel. The extra portion of sportiness impresses immediately: the front spoiler, front grille, side sills, rear spoiler, rear apron set and the typical ABT 4-pipe rear muffler suit the powerful appearance of the ABT Golf VI GTD. As an addition to the aerodynamic elements, ABT also recommends the sporty AR and BR wheels in 18 and 19 inch, which are available in combination with high-performance tyres. In order to ensure that the ABT Golf GTD guarantees maximum driving enjoyment in traffic as well as optimum safety even in threshold areas, the Allgaeu company has the ABT suspension springs on offer. They lower the centre of gravity of the Golf, so that the car lies even better on the street and even seems more powerful when stationary.

Save money with fun and plenty of benefits: the ABT Golf VI GTD is a versatile vehicle which knows how to impress in everyday life with superior reserves of power and low consumption. The fast car is therefore a “GreaT Diesel”

The new ABT Golf VI GTD – data and facts

ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGY

• Engine:                2.0 TDI, 1968 ccm cubic capacity
• Performance tuning:            ABT POWER
• Performance:                190 HP/140 kW (standard: 140 HP/103 kW)

          
ABT AERODYNAMICS

• ABT front grille
• ABT front skirt
• ABT side skirts
• ABT rear skirt
• ABT rear wing

ABT WHEEL TECHNOLOGY

• ABT AR and BR; 18 and 19 inch;

Available also as complete set of wheels with sports tyres.

ABT EXHAUST TECHNOLOGY

• ABT 4-pipe rear muffler

ABT SUSPENSION TECHNOLOGY

• ABT suspension springs, lowering the centre of gravity by approx. 30 mm

ABT AERO PACKAGE

• Consisting of front grille, front skirt, side skirts, rear skirt, rear wing, 4-pipe rear muffler, suspension springs and the AR 18 wheel set with tyres 225/40 R18.