ABT’s new limited run RS5 comes with 715bhp and a whole load of carbon

Audi Sport may have gone plug-in hybrid for the first time with the new RS5, but that hasn’t deterred German tuner ABT from breaking out the spanners. So, say hello to the RS5-R… and if the standard RS5 already looked aggressive, ABT’s visual tweaks make it look like it’d punch you straight in the face if you even dared to think about the M3 Touring.

Limited to just 130 units, the RS5-R is cloaked in a carbon bodykit that includes a front splitter, side skirts and a new rear bumper with a nod to a diffuser. There’s also extra vents in the front wheelarches, new mirror caps and a hefty rear wing for the Avant. Apparently that’s all available in either ‘gloss visible carbon or something called ‘matte carbon camouflage’. Right.

It’s not just a cosmetic makeover though, because the RS5-R also gets something called the ‘ABT Power S performance upgrade’ which raises the total system output from 630bhp to a whopping 715bhp. There’s also now 667lb ft of torque thanks to some massaging of the 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6, although ABT does say the top speed is still limited to 155mph.

Not enough? The modded Audi experts are also still working on an upgrade to 789bhp that should arrive – along with a special titanium Akrapovic exhaust – at some point in 2027.

Available for either the saloon or estate, ABT will also fit lowering springs and stiffer anti roll bars to your RS5, plus a set of 22in gloss black wheels. Inside there’s plenty of Dinamica fabric, carbon shift paddles and a few handy plaques to remind you that you’ve bought a limited edition thing.

Prices start at €62,000 (around £52k) for the saloon and €65,000 (£54k) for the Avant including taxes, although that doesn’t get you the donor RS5 of course.