Audi AS4 by ABT Sportsline (B7, 2004)

·November 26, 2004

What: AS4 by ABT Sportsline
Model Family: A4
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: 2005, 2006, 2007
Number Produced: Undocumented
Model / Generation Code(s): B7, Type 8E
Chassis / Matrix: PL46
Body Style: Four-door sedan
Engine(s): 2.0 TDI, upgraded from 103 kW (140 PS) to 125 kW (170 PS)
Transmission(s): Undocumented for the Essen exhibit

SUMMARY

ABT Sportsline presented its B7-based AS4 sedan at the 2004 Essen Motor Show. The exhibit combined a 170 PS version of Audi’s 2.0 TDI with ABT bodywork, a sport brake system and titanium-look SP1 wheels. It was one of three programs ABT brought to Essen for Audi’s newly introduced models, alongside the AS3 Sportback and C6-based AS6.

BACKGROUND & DEVELOPMENT

The AS4 appeared at the end of the season in which Audi’s works return to the DTM yielded the drivers’, teams’ and manufacturers’ championships. ABT’s Essen release drew a direct connection between its role in that campaign and its work on the new roadgoing A4. Dunlop also carried over from the racing program as the tire supplier for the AS4 exhibit.

Essen offered two distinct interpretations of the new A4. ABT showed its tuned diesel AS4, while quattro GmbH presented the gasoline-powered A4 DTM Edition design study that previewed Audi’s production special edition.

DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

ABT developed a grille and front spoiler lip for the B7’s Singleframe front end. Side skirts carried the treatment along the sedan’s flanks, while a rear wing and rear skirt completed the body package. ABT attributed improved aerodynamic loading and road holding to the additions but supplied no measurements. Four chrome tailpipes and an ABT rear emblem identified the conversion from behind.

CHASSIS & MECHANICALS

ABT recalibrated the 2.0 TDI’s engine management, raising output by 22 kW (30 PS) to 125 kW (170 PS). The company also reported sharper engine response. Its Essen specification included an ABT rear silencer and sport brake system. The release did not give a torque figure, acceleration time or top speed.

The show car wore 8.5 × 19-inch ABT SP1 wheels in a titanium-look finish with Dunlop tires. The release identified the wheel size but did not specify the tire dimensions.

INTERIOR & EQUIPMENT

An ABT shift knob was the cabin change identified in the Essen release. ABT also fitted an emblem to the engine cover.

PRODUCTION & VARIANTS

The 170 PS 2.0 TDI sedan is the AS4 configuration documented in the 2004 Essen material. ABT gave no production count or fixed allocation. The release provides a record of the show car and its equipment, rather than a complete catalog of B7 AS4 applications.