ABT works its tuner magic on the Audi RS Q3

The new Audi RS Q3 debuted last fall, introducing us to an enhanced ‘evo’ version of its EA855 2.5 turbo-five engine. The mill shed 26 kilos (57 lbs) and gained impressive amounts to power. Even so, ABT Sportsline found a few things to improve upon.

In its latest stock version, the engine churns out 400 hp (298 kW) and 480 Nm (356 lb-ft) of torque, taking the bulky SUV from zero to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in breezy 4.5 seconds. The speed limiter clamps down on acceleration starting at 250 km/h (155 mph), but you can pay to unlock 280 km/h (173 mph).

The Kempten-based tuner shop proposes upgrading the car with its in-house designed ABT Engine Control module. Once installed, the new ECU raises the output to 440 hp (328 kW) and 520 Nm (384 lb-ft) of torque. As a result, the SUV concludes the standard sprint in 4.3 seconds and maxes out at 285 km/h (177 mph).

Customers may also opt for any of the four available 20-inch ABT wheel sets and one 21-inch set.

In the end, the ABT RS Q3 rivals the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S launched just a couple months ago (2.0l, 421 hp / 313 kW, 500 Nm / 369 lb-ft, 4.3 s, 270 km/h). On an even more impressive note, it runs close to ABT’s own Audi SQ8 (4.0l diesel, 520 hp / 380 kW, 970 Nm / 715 lb-ft, 4.45 s, 250 km/h).