News Source: topspeed.com

The Volkswagen Golf  is one of VW’s cornerstone models. I don’t think anybody will dispute that, given the model’s been around for seven generations. The Golf has been and continues to be loved by millions of Volkswagen  fans all over the world. You might even say that ABT Sportsline  falls into that group. The German tuner’s affection for the Golf is well documented, so it comes as no surprise that ABT has once again turned its attention to the Golf.

Actually, the Golf R is the subject of ABT Sportsline’s latest program. You all know what that means, right? Expect plenty of power under that hood. In the interest of full disclosure, ABT did not disappoint. The program also has the traditional aerodynamic upgrades, as well as a new set of wheels.

You can always count on ABT Sportsline to add aerodynamic components to its project vehicles. The Volkswagen Golf R VII is no different. Take a close look and you’ll notice that certain elements of the front section have been upgraded, including the front grille, the headlight covers, and the mirror covers. In addition to the front modifications, ABT also added in new side skirts.

Those are a fancy set of wheels, if I do say so myself. ABT Sportsline actually went with its own collection for this program, fitting the Golf R VII with a choice of 18-, 19-, or 20-inch wheels in either ER-C, DR, or CR designs.

The real highlight of ABT’s Golf R program are the engine upgrades, as the German tuner is offering two iterations of its noted ABT POWER New Generation system.

The first engine update brings the output from the sport’s hatch 2.0-liter TSI engine to an impressive 365 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, an nice increase from the standard output of 290 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Those are decent improvements, but not the best that ABT has to offer.

The big-daddy of the upgrades is courtesy of the ABT POWER S New Generation system. Not only does the name come with that always imposing "S" designation, but it also gives the Golf R 394 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque.

Company CEO Hans-Jurgen Abt remarked that the latter optimization came with optimized ABT Engine Control software and a newly installed sport catalytic converter.