Audi AS3 Sportback by ABT Sportsline (8P, from 2004)

·November 26, 2004

What: AS3 Sportback by ABT Sportsline
Model Family: A3
Market / Zone: Germany at presentation. Wider availability undocumented in the Essen release
Conversion Supplier: ABT Sportsline, Kempten, Germany
Documented Appearance: 2004 Essen Motor Show, November 26–December 5, 2004
Year: 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
Number Produced: Undocumented
Model / Generation Code(s): 8P A3, 8PA Sportback, launch specification
Body Style: Five-door Sportback
Engine(s): 2.0 TDI in the Essen exhibit. ABT also announced upgrades for the 1.9 TDI and 2.0 TFSI
Transmission(s): Essen exhibit specification undocumented

SUMMARY

The ABT AS3 Sportback was an aftermarket conversion of the second-generation Audi A3 Sportback. For the 2004 Essen Motor Show, ABT exhibited a 2.0 TDI with revised engine management, lowering springs, SP1 alloy wheels and a body kit developed for Audi’s new five-door model. The diesel’s output rose from 103 kW (140 PS) to 125 kW (170 PS).

BACKGROUND & DEVELOPMENT

Audi gave the five-door Sportback its first public appearance in a parade at the Norisring DTM weekend in 2004. ABT was already developing its own treatment around the time of the Audi’s first drives and brought the AS3 Sportback to Essen later that year alongside its B7-based AS4 and C6-based AS6.

The Sportback was the first A3 to wear Audi’s Singleframe grille. That front end was original to the 8PA Sportback when it arrived in 2004. The earlier 8P three-door used a split grille at launch and adopted the Singleframe in 2005, ahead of the wider A3 update in 2008.

DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

ABT developed its own grille and front spoiler lip around the Sportback’s Singleframe front end. Side skirts carried the treatment along the flanks, with a rear wing, rear skirt and ABT emblem identifying the conversion from behind.

ABT also offered stainless steel rear silencers with a choice of two or four tailpipes. The Essen release listed both layouts as part of the program.

CHASSIS & MECHANICALS

The Essen exhibit used the 2.0 TDI, with ECU tuning raising output from 103 kW (140 PS) to 125 kW (170 PS). ABT also listed a 96 kW (130 PS) upgrade for the 1.9 TDI and quoted approximately 169 kW (230 PS) and 310 Nm for the turbocharged 2.0 TFSI.

ABT’s suspension springs lowered the Sportback by approximately 35–40 mm. The show car wore ABT SP1 wheels with Continental tires. Across the wider Sportback program, ABT listed seven wheel designs in sizes from 16 to 19 inches.

INTERIOR & EQUIPMENT

The cabin accessories included an ABT shift knob combining leather and aluminum and a set of ABT floor mats. The engine cover also carried an ABT emblem.

PRODUCTION & VARIANTS

ABT presented the AS3 Sportback as a tuning program with engine upgrades, body components, suspension, wheels and exhaust options. The 170 PS 2.0 TDI is the configuration documented at Essen. The 1.9 TDI and 2.0 TFSI figures describe other engine upgrades listed in the same release. ABT gave no production count or fixed allocation.