According to ABT, the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg should be tuned without diluting its distinct character. As a result, the Bavarian specialist concentrated on increasing the power of the German SUV, while keeping the exterior changes to a minimum.

“More power wouldn’t hurt with a car as diverse as this, but it was important for us that the tuning suited the characteristics of the Touareg”, the company’s general manager, Christian Abt, explained.

Tipping the scales at 2.5 tons, the Touareg is certainly no featherweight, so adding more power and torque to the mix is probably a good idea. Engineers developed the ABT Power kit for 3.0-liter diesel V6, which increases peak output from 240 hp to 282 hp. The second stage of the engine conversion is called Power S and delivers 310 hp.

Garnished with a similar power upgrade, the 4.2-liter V8 diesel also benefits from extra oomph, churning out 385 hp (+45 ponies) and an even more impressive 870 Nm (642 lb-ft) of mountain-moving torque (+70 Nm or 52 lb-ft).

As mentioned previously, exterior appointments are discrete as they are limited to a new front grille, rear wing and rear apron, alongside a 4-pipe exhaust system. ABT BR or CR wheels, which can be specified in various sizes up to 22 inches complete the finishing touch.

By Csaba Daradics

The new ABT Touareg – dates and factsABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGY Engine: 3.0 TDI, 2967 ccm, V6 Performance tuning: ABT POWER Performance: 282 PS/207 kW (standard: 240 PS/177 kW) Engine: 3.0 TDI, 2967 ccm, V6 Performance tuning: ABT POWER S Performance: 310 PS/228 kW (standard: 240 PS/177 kW) Engine: 4.2 TDI, 4134 ccm, V8 Performance tuning: ABT POWER Performance: 385 PS/283 kW (standard: 340 PS/250 kW) ABT AERODYNAMICS ABT front grille ABT rear spoiler ABT rear skirt ABT EXHAUST SYSTEM ABT 4-pipe-exhaust-systemABT SPORTS WHEEL TECHNOLOGY ABT BR and CR up to 22 inch

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________