ABT XGT: The Road-Legal Supercar Turning Heads with Its Race-Inspired R8 LMS GT2 Design
by AutoExpert | 24 November, 2023
ABT Sportline pays homage to the Audi R8 with its road-legal ABT XGT, a supercar that infuses the track's adrenaline into every drive. It's not just another R8; it's a wider, more aggressive beast with the same oversized aero components as the R8 LMS GT2, priced at $650,000 and capped at 99 units.
At first glance, the ABT XGT sets itself apart with its formidable stance, wrapped in street-legal Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires mounted on 19-inch front and 20-inch rear center-lock forged wheels. Customization is key, offering four exterior colors, endless personalization, and an exclusive heritage livery.
The interior retains its racing roots with a motorsport-style center console, roll cage, and racing steering wheel. For everyday usability, ABT includes amenities like a reversing camera, handbrake, central locking, a new digital instrument cluster, and air conditioning controls.
Safety and legality are paramount; ABT conducted crash tests and made necessary adjustments to meet noise regulations and exhaust requirements. The fuelling system is compatible with regular gas stations, courtesy of the production-spec Audi R8.
Under the hood, the 5.2-liter V10 sings with 630 HP, transmitted through a seven-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch transmission to the rear axle, with a top speed of 193 mph, adjustable based on the rear spoiler's setting.
The ABT XGT's two-year development journey was thorough, with extensive test drives on famed tracks like the Nürburgring Nordschleife, Sachsenring, and Hockenheimring, aiming to preserve its racecar essence. DTM pros Kelvin van der Linde and Ricardo Feller, alongside ABT's DTM Team, were integral to its tuning.
As ABT opens orders for the XGT, the anticipation suggests these 99 specimens will be spoken for quickly, reflecting the undiminished allure of race-inspired supercars.