ABT Sportsline is dialing up its aftermarket upgrade for the Audi RS5 by offering an engine upgrade program that was previously exclusive only to the limited edition RS5-R package. The new power upgrade is part of a comprehensive tuning kit that also includes changes to the RS5’s aesthetics and suspension. The result is a high-performance coupé rocking carbon fiber bits with a new 2.9-liter bi-turbo V-6 engine that now produces 510 horsepower and an improved suspension that paves the way for optimized driving dynamics.

What makes the Audi RS5 By ABT Sportsline special

Creating aftermarket programs for Audis is old hat for ABT Sportsline. The world-famous German tuner previously developed an exclusive package for the Audi RS5, calling it the RS5-R package. Perhaps the program was popular among fans, or maybe there are other reasons involved, but ABT Sportsline doing Audi RS5 owners a solid by pulling out the engine upgrade program from the previously exclusive RS5-R package.

That’s right. You don’t have to get the full RS5-R package from ABT Sportsline to score the package’s impressive engine upgrade program. Everyone can now get in on the fun of having the RS5’s 2.9-liter bi-turbo V-6 engine with 510 horsepower and 501 pound-feet of torque. That’s more than good enough; that’s actually really impressive.

So how did ABT Sportsline arrive at these numbers? The tuner’s signature ABT engine control unit is the star of the show. It’s a software upgrade that can tune the RS5’s V-6 engine to produce more power and torque than what it’s carrying in standard guise. It’s not all about the ECU tune, either. ABT Sportsline also installed a water radiator kit and an air inlet cover to help support cooling of the engine. The German tuner also has own exhaust system on the menu. Customers are more than welcome to take full advantage of the increased output from the V-6 engine. There aren’t a lot of things that are better in life than to hear an amplified engine with more power at its disposal. Put the RS5 on Dynamic mode and the exhaust valves open to help register the kind of charismatic and intoxicating roar that has become a hallmark of ABT Sportsline’s tuning career.

Beyond the impressive power gains, the new ABT kit for the RS5 also includes a number of aerodynamic upgrades in the exterior of the coupé. There’s a lightweight carbon fiber rear spoiler that was put in place to stabilize the car when it’s running on full blast on the road. Wheel arch vents and a carbon fiber fin are also part of the exterior upgrades. Carbon fiber is also present in the interior of the coupé, particularly on the shift knob, dashboard, and the side and back of the sports seats.

A coilover suspension system with a special shock absorber setup doesn’t hurt, either. ABT developed the latter in collaboration with KW automotive, ensuring that only the best of the best are involved in this new program.

Somewhere along the way, ABT Sportsline’s new program for the Audi RS5 will get noticed in the real world. The engine upgrade program is the highlight of the entire kit, but it’s also just one piece — a big one, no doubt — of a comprehensive tuning kit that’s dedicated to the RS5. The German tuner didn’t indicate the cost of the program, but those figures are usually available through private inquiries.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2018 Audi RS5.

Read our full review on the 2019 Audi RS5 Sportback.