SEMA Update:
World's Largest VW/Audi tuner gets new US partner

November 5, 2008

Story & Photos Colum Wood

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GGI, the US distributor for German tuning brands Carlsson, Hartge and Sportec, held a party last night to introduce the latest company to join the tuning empire - ABT Sportsline. And they did so in style.

With a half a dozen modified luxury cars, amidst them sat a mysterious new vehicle kept under a silver sheet. Guessing the model, however, wasn't that difficult as the bright LED lights that highlight the front fascia of the Audi S5 could easily be seen right through the disguise.


ABT Sportsline might not be as common a name here in the US as local Audi tuners like APR or Stasis but the scale on which ABT operates is truly world class.

Located in Kempten, Germany ABT has a 110 year history and the company's office is literally an office tower. As an aftermarket tuner ABT gets much of its inspiration (and innovation) from its efforts in motorsports. In fact ABT runs two, two car teams in the German DTM series and recently clinched the 2008 championship.

ABT chose the S5 to display at the GGI Party at SEMA and it was certainly a hit. Rebadged the AS5, the car features a stylish aero kit, lightweight wheels and some basic performance modifications. Currently, back in Germany, ABT has another S5 torn apart and awaiting completion of a supercharger.