Originally founded by Johann Abt under the banner of Auto-Abt in 1896 before adopting its current monicker in 1991, ABT Sportsline is a world-renowned German race and tuning shop that draws on its extensive experience in high-level racing to deliver track-derived takes on Audi and other VW-owned models. For its latest endeavor, however, ABT has taken its MO to its logical conclusion with the debut of the brand’s all-new ultra-high-performance ABT XGT road-legal race car.
Born out of over two years of testing, the ABT XGT is based on Audi’s R8 supercar, though is a far-cry from the already-capable V10 donor, having been bestowed with a slew of upgrades borrowed from ABT’s Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters experience. Built entirely by hand, the XGT features a DTM-style bodykit with an all-new vented hood design, a new front splitter and multiple front canards, new side skirts, a central roof scoop, a rear diffuser, and a massive rear wing — all of which are crafted from carbon fiber. Fortified via a full internal roll-cage, the inside of the XGT splits the difference between standard supercar cabins and gutted race-spec interiors, and features Alcantara race seats, a carbon trim and dash package, a central control center, a digital race display, and the same steering wheel found in ABT’s DTM racer. Creature comforts such as a backup camera and air conditioning have also been added to the XGT.
At the heart of the ABT XGT is the R8’s 5.2-liter V10 engine, which has been tuned to make 640hp. When coupled with the road-legal racer’s 3,086-pound curb weight, the V10 is able to propel the vehicle to a top speed of 192.6mph. Perfectly encapsulating ABT’s “From the racetrack to the road” slogan, the ABT XGT also benefits from a paddle-shifter-controlled seven-speed S-tonic gearbox, as well as an adjustable state-of-the-art race-spec suspension package. Despite its unmistakably track-ready appearance, ABT Sportsline’s XGT manages to boast full road-legal status, as well.
Limited to only 99 units worldwide, the ABT Sportsline XGT Audi R8 Street-Legal Race Car is available for order now through longtime ABT partner Scherer Sport. Offered with a host of configurable options, the ABT XGT has been priced starting from €599,200 (~ $657,750).
