Month: January 2021

Setting sights on a new decade: ABT Sportsline will be on the DTM grid in the 2021 season, so continuing the successful tradition of the Kempten-based German company that had begun in early 2000. The squad will be entering two Audi R8 LMS GT3 cars.

“The DTM has been part of ABT Sportsline for 20 years and we want this to continue to be the case,” says Managing Partner Hans-Jürgen Abt. “At the weekends, not only our fans but all 200 of our employees in Kempten shared our excitement, celebrations and suffering. This is where we’ve scored our greatest victories and have grown as a team. With our commitment, we want to send a message and join Gerhard Berger in writing the next chapter of this fascinating racing series.”

ABT Sportsline will be racing as a privateer team in 2021 and so return to its roots. The squad previously competed from 2000 to 2003 with an in-house development of the Abt-Audi TT-R against Mercedes-Benz and Opel – and in 2002, with Laurent Aiello, celebrated a sensational title win. ABT Sportsline has been the most successful Audi factory team between 2004 and 2020. In its DTM history so far, ABT has clinched 67 victories, 226 podium finishes, 76 pole positions and five drivers’ and teams’ championships, respectively.

“ABT’s name is simply part of DTM because the team has been helping to shape the series for two decades,” says DTM boss Gerhard Berger. “We are pleased that they continue to be committed to the DTM.”

In 2021, ABT will be fielding two Audi R8 LMS cars according to GT3 regulations. After the Audi TT (2000 to 2003), the Audi A4 (2004 to 2011) and the RS 5 (2012 to 2020), this will be the fourth base model of the Audi brand ABT will compete with in the DTM. The season opener is planned to take place at the end of May, to be followed by eight other race weekends in Germany and neighboring countries by early October.

More than 20 years ago, Audi began its quest for the “sporty compact” with the S3: In 1999 – three years after the A3 went into production – the then smallest model of the brand with the four rings was given a significant performance boost as the S version. At that time, the engine power rose from 101 hp (74 kW) to a provisionally remarkable 210 hp (154 kW). The following generation S3 8P, which was built until 2010, by then already put down 265 hp (195 kW) onto the tarmac. A maximum of 310 hp was then achieved in the 8V series from 2013. And what about the very latest S3 with the identifier 8Y? This echoes the performance data of its predecessor, and this is where ABT Sportsline comes into play. The company from Bavaria is carrying out a befitting power upgrade on the new S3 2.0 TFSI. In addition, the world’s largest automotive aftermarket and performance parts specialist for Audi and VW offers three rim designs and further options for both the interior and exterior.

The performance upgrade ABT Power*, which can be ordered from January 2021, improves the standard performance data of the current Audi S3 from 310 hp (228 kW) and 400 Nm to an impressive 370 hp (272 kW) and 450 Nm – a plus of 60 hp and 50 Nm. This is made possible by the high-tech ABT Engine Control unit. “We deliver the portion of extra power that the Audi S3 fans have been asking for,” confirms Managing Director Hans-Jürgen Abt.

But the German tuners not only offer increased performance, but also something for the eye. Three rim designs are available for the fast compact sports car. On the one hand, there are the 20-inch rims of the type SPORT GR in glossy black as installed on the illustrated vehicle. Also available in 20-inch is the classic 5-spoke design SPORT FR in mystic black. The 5-arm ER-C sports rim also perfectly emphasises the dynamic appearance of the S3. It is available in 19-inch and in the colours gun metal diamond polished and matt black.

The now more powerful S3 motor starts in style with the start-stop-switch-cap with the integrated and illuminated ABT logo. A stainless steel ABT exhaust system will be available for the rear from spring 2021: 4 endpipes in matt black with a diameter of 102 mm underline the vehicle’s athletic character. Then not only the power and look, but also the sound of the compact are perfect.

The ABT CUPRA XE team for the Extreme E adventure has been formed: Claudia Hürtgen will be racing in the new series alongside Mattias Ekström. The German has already completed the first days of testing together with her Swedish teammate and familiarised herself with the 400-kW all-electric SUV. Next week (17th to 19th December) the squad will participate in joint pre-season tests together with all other teams in Aragon (Spain) before the material and car will be loaded for shipping at the beginning of January.

“Even after 25 years in motorsport Extreme E is an all-new and exciting challenge for me that I’m very much looking forward to,” says Claudia Hürtgen. With successes in various touring car and sports car championships, several endurance races and other events under her belt, she numbers among Europe’s most successful female racing drivers. “What makes this competition special among other things is the fact that this is an all-new adventure for all entrants that we’re jointly embarking on.” The 49-year-old German gathered initial experiences in the electric cockpit during several test days. “I learn something new on every kilometre and try to handle each corner with greater perfection. Needless to say, it’s great to have such an experienced and open-minded teammate in Mattias who superbly supports me in this effort.”

For ABT CUPRA XE, as the team of the two partners is named for the racing series, Claudia Hürtgen is the perfect contender. “We met Claudia for the first time at a small shoot-out with several female candidates this summer and were soon convinced that she’d be the right choice – not only because of her strong performance in the cockpit, but also due to her professional cooperation, her precise feedback to our engineers and her overall demeanour. Claudia is simply a good fit for us,” says ABT CEO Thomas Biermaier.

Mattias Ekström is delighted about his partner with whom he’ll be taking turns with in the 
e-CUPRA ABT XE1 cockpit in the inaugural season of Extreme E. The spectacular racing car bears this name in its first season. “Claudia and I’ve occasionally crossed paths with each other in recent years, we know each other and get along well,” says the two-time DTM Champion, World Rallycross Champion and CUPRA ambassador. “It didn’t take long for her to impress the entire team and me as well. Claudia is an extremely quick learner and immediately adjusts to all requirements. Given that she’s joining us with just little experience in off-road racing, that’s even more impressive.”

Following the joint pre-season tests in Spain, at which ABT CUPRA XE will be meeting with its international competitors for the first time – including Lewis Hamilton’s and Nico Rosberg’s teams – the car and material will be prepared in Kempten. On 11th January the cargo will be loaded onto the floating paddock “St. Helena” heading for the Arabian Peninsula: on 20th and 21st March the first in five of the season’s races will be held in Al-Ula (Saudi Arabia).

The Mercedes S-Class has always set standards. With each generation, it raises the bar for the luxury segment a little higher. The latest W223 series would have seemed like pure magic to car testers in the 1970s. One thing has not changed since the W116 back then, though: The German vehicle tuner Sportservice Lorinser provides a little extra sportiness for the wheelhouse. While 16-inch wheels were literally the big thing around 50 years ago, the Lorinser LM2R alloy wheels today measure in at a gigantic 21 inches.

The design of the Lorinser LM2R with its large surfaces borrows from the 1990s style and yet looks highly modern. The organic, soft shapes are a feature element. The large center area has a clever arch which makes it appear as if suspended from the short mock double spokes – like a tent roof. With the recessed rim flange and the spoke ends, which appear as if split, the design pays homage to the present. Overall, the designers have created a very dynamic, powerful and lively one-piece wheel. The large surfaces contribute to the mighty appearance and give a luxurious and self-confident look to the wheel, which is available in “chrome”, “hyper silver” or “black”.

But the LM2R alloy wheel is only the prelude for more tuning elements planned by Sportservice Lorinser for the S-Class. Power boosts as well as different aerodynamics components are scheduled to follow soon.

Lorinser LM2R alloy wheel for S-Class W223

Design: one-piece, cast
Dimensions: FA 9J x 21 H2 ET32; RA 10.5J H2 ET37
Tire size: FA 255/35 R21; RA 285/30 R21
Paint finish: Chrome, hyper silver or black
Price: € 960/€ 990, incl. VAT

Fitting a twin choke downdraft Weber carburettor has been a popular entry-level tuning upgrade for Ford engines for decades and one used by Fords themselves on their performance models.

The Weber 32/34DMTL Manifold for Ford CVH engines has been out of production for many years; however, now Webcon is delighted to announce it is to be available again and should be ready for delivery by the time you read this.

The Webcon manifold features threaded ports to accept the original Ford connectors and switches, a hotspot with increased surface area for better carb heating and mounting posts for the linkage mechanism. This makes the Weber 32/34DMTL manifold an ideal fitment for Ford XR2 and XR3 models, as well and numerous other cars that used the CVH engine, such as Morgan 4/4 and Caterham.

Webcon’s Weber 32/34DMTL Manifold for Ford CVH engines can be ordered as part number MW9425 and retails at £284.66 plus VAT.

For further details contact Webcon UK on +44 (0)1932 787100 or visit www.webcon.co.uk

Mini Spares can supply a limited stretch duplex timing chain specifically for use in race and high performance ‘A’ Series engines as well as the MGB ‘B’ series engine.

The heavy duty, double row performance timing chain is part of the Mini Spares EVO range of performance engine parts and is the best chain available.

The chain has been produced under stringent quality controls and is made to precise dimensions for perfect engine timing. It is supplied with a removeable link, rather than as an endless chain.

Order as part number 2H4905EVO at £25.92 inc VAT.

For more details contact Mini Spares on
+44 1707 607700 or visit their website: www.minispares.com

The bulb holders that plug into the circuit board on the back of the Mk IV and Clubman gauge assemblies are quite small and so easily lost or damaged.

Fortunately Mini Spares can offer replacements as part number 13H5270 at just £3.52 inc VAT.

The image illustrates the square type. Later cars had a rounded type which can be ordered as part number YAJ10012, also at £3-52 inc vat.

Mini Spares can also supply the bulbs to fit these holders as part number GLB2132.

For more details contact Mini Spares on
+44 1707 607700 or visit their website: www.minispares.com

Are you looking for smooth, hesitation-free increased performance without having your BMW’s ECU remapped?

If so, M-Style has the latest range of Mosslemann iTronic Tuning Modules available for an array of BMW models, including:
BMW 330E G Series
BMW X5 B58 G Series
BMW 320i B48 G Series
BMW 850i N63 G Series
BMW 120i N13 F Series
BMW M6 Comp S63 F Series
BMW M5 S64 F90
BMW M4 Jahre Ed S63 F10

The iTronic is a highly advanced engine controller that works simultaneously with the original ECU and is highly recommended on new and recent BMW models. It is designed as an external module (tuning box) that can be installed and removed by the end-user, minimizing problems with factory warranty.

• Performance Increase
The Mosslemann iTronic will deliver a noticeable increase in performance, without putting the engine at risk.

• No Flat Spots
The software has been engineered to create a smooth power delivery that keeps going without hesitation right up to the red line.

Mosslemann is an expert on tuning BMWs and Minis and works on nothing else. Each and every remap has been thoroughly tested on its in-house dynamometer before being offered for sale.

In addition to the initial remap, Stage 2 and Stage 3 programs are also available to incorporate Mosslemann high-end performance parts.

Prices start at £713.00 inc. VAT but vary according to engine and model. Please enquire for the price for your vehicle. M-Style offers a fitting service for the iTronic at an additional £65.00 including VAT.

For further details e-mail info@mstyle.co.uk or call 0208 598 9115

M-Style is pleased to announce that it has Depo Angel Eye Headlights for the BMW 1 Series F20 and F21 models in stock. The complete, direct replacement lamp units feature projector headlights with LED angel rings.

The lamps are suitable for Pre-LCI F20 and F21 models that were originally equipped with halogen headlamps.

The lamps retail at £499.00 per pair with fitting in M-Style’s workshop at an extra £120.00. Prices include VAT.

For further details e-mail info@mstyle.co.uk or call 0208 598 9115

GAZ Shocks has just added the Porsche 996 to its list of applications for height and damper rate adjustable suspension units.

GAZ damper units allow damping adjustment while on the vehicle by means of easily accessible adjuster knobs on the body of the damper.

Shortened body and stroke lengths allow a -25 to -55mm ride height variation with a coarse acme form thread provided for ease of adjustment.

Each unit is plated in Classic Black Zinc to minimise corrosion and to ensure that the height adjusters will go on working for many years to come.

All units are individually tested before leaving the factory and covered by a two year warranty.

GAZ Coilover Units for the Porsche 996 can be ordered as GP9-5216 and retail at £135.00 each plus VAT.

For further details visit the GAZ website: www.gazshocks.com