Month: April 2021

Showdown in the hot Saudi Arabian desert: This weekend (April 3–4), the new Extreme E electric off-road racing series will kick off its first season in Al-Ula. The Desert X Prix marks the start of a total of five events that will take the nine teams to Greenland, the Amazon region and Patagonia, among other places. Among them: the ABT CUPRA XE team with its drivers Claudia Hürtgen and Mattias Ekström, who will be sharing the cockpit of the 550-hp e-CUPRA ABT XE1, just one spectacular aspect of the series.

The Desert X Prix will be held over two days with the qualifying heats on Saturday and the final races on Sunday. In each case, four or five cars will compete against each other in a direct duel on a circuit with an approximate length of ten kilometres. There will be a driver change at the halfway point in the race.

“We were one of the first teams to sign up, because we believe in the innovative concept of Extreme E,” says Hans-Jürgen Abt, Managing Partner of ABT Sportsline. “After many months of intensive preparation, it’s now getting serious and the adventure begins. It’s great that ABT is once again involved as a pioneer right from the very beginning.”

Claudia Hürtgen: “Even after 25 years, it feels like the first race”

Claudia Hürtgen summarizes her thoughts ahead of the season opener. “Even after 25 years in motorsport, it feels like it does before the first race,” says the only German driver in the field. She adds that formulating expectations is difficult. Hürtgen: “The car, the team, the race format and the surface, everything simply is new for us. We’ve prepared intensively and are now looking forward to the race finally getting underway.” For the Aachen native, who is one of the most successful racing drivers in Europe with successes in various touring and sports car championships, as well as several endurance races, among other things, the issue of sustainability also plays a major role alongside racing: “Of course, I’m a racing driver first and foremost and want to win races, but on the Extreme E tour, we are also learning in detail about many of the consequences of climate change.”

Mattias Ekström: “Extreme E is like a best-of of motorsport”

DTM, Rallycross or the Dakar Rally: Mattias Ekström has experienced and won a lot in his career. And yet, everything is different now. “I’m familiar with electric cars, races on sand and door-to-door battles, but I’ve never experienced everything together like this. Extreme E is therefore like a best-of of motorsport for me,” says the Swede, who is considered as one of the best and most versatile racing drivers in the world. He was part of ABT’s DTM team from 2001 to 2017. He celebrated two titles with them, and in 2016, he won the drivers’ title of the FIA World Rallycross Championship. For the past year, Ekström has been an ambassador for the CUPRA brand. “When the names CUPRA, ABT and Ekström come together, there is no need to discuss goals at length: We are all racers and want to fight for trophies,” says Ekström. And also to raise awareness. “Together with the Extreme E family, we want to show people where the world is suffering or has already suffered.”
Schaeffler and Stone Island join the team as new partners

A long-standing and successful partnership is entering its latest instalment: Automotive and industrial supplier Schaeffler is also accompanying its involvement in Extreme E together with ABT Sportsline. The two brands have already formed a successful team in the Formula E electric racing series since the championship was founded in 2014 and are now also combining forces in the DTM with the entry of a race car for Schaeffler brand ambassador Sophia Flörsch. Schaeffler’s logo is present on the e-CUPRA ABT XE1 and on the overalls of Claudia Hürtgen and Mattias Ekström, among other things.

Sporty and fashionable around the world: When the ABT CUPRA XE team travels to events in the desert, Greenland or Patagonia, they do so in style: Stone Island bedecks the entire team with clothing for the trips. The Italian leisurewear label stands for extensive research in the fields of fibers and fabrics, as well as innovative design. The brand has redefined the concept of sportswear and achieved cult status.

Fully electric: e-CUPRA ABT XE1 ahead of its race debut

This weekend, the e-CUPRA ABT XE1 will be presented for the first time in its final design and in real racing action. With its 400 kW (550 hp), the all-electric SUV accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds and masters gradients of up to 130 percent. The car was designed by Spark Racing Technology in France, while the standardized battery technology is supplied by Williams Advanced Engineering from the UK. The highlight: As a world first, the car is charged by a zero-emission energy source using hydrogen fuel cell technology. The system uses water and the sun to generate hydrogen, which can be used to charge all of the race cars independently from the grid. The only byproduct is water, which is used elsewhere on site.

Prominent competition: Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg and Jenson Button

The competition that ABT CUPRA XE will be facing could hardly be more illustrious: Reigning Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton and 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg have brought their own teams to the starting line. As is also the case for the 2009 F1 champion Jenson Button, who will also be behind the wheel himself. They will be joined on the grid by such well-known names as Carlos Sainz, Sébastien Loeb, Timmy Hansen and Johan Kristoffersson.

Racing for a Reason: The challenges of the Al-Ula region

Extreme E is not just about motorsport, it’s also about racing against climate change. The series and teams use each event to draw attention to particular challenges facing the region. The Desert X Prix takes teams to Saudi Arabia, home to the world’s largest contiguous sand desert, and there to the Al-Ula region. The terrain is breathtaking and at the same time unforgiving with its extreme conditions. The effects of climate change here include rising temperatures and more frequent and prolonged droughts, as well as deforestation, overgrazing and unsustainable water use. About 12 million hectares of productive land become infertile every year, due to desertification and drought alone.

Extreme E live on ProSieben MAXX with Daniel Abt as an expert

Extreme E has succeeded in attracting renowned television partners all over the world. For example, the BBC, Eurosport, FOX and Sky will broadcast the final races on Sunday. In Germany, ProSieben MAXX will be broadcasting live from Saudi Arabia on Sunday, April 4, starting at 12 noon. Daniel Abt will also be part of the broadcast as an expert. ABT partner CUPRA will present the broadcasts and accompany the commitment with a specially produced commercial under the slogan of: “Don’t limit your challenges. Challenge your limits”. A complete list of all channels can be found here: www.extreme-e.com

GridPlay: How the fans can support ABT CUPRA XE

The best starting position in the final could be a deciding factor – and that lies in the hands of the fans. From March 31 until 60 minutes after the start of the “Crazy Race” on Sunday, fans can vote twice a day via the Extreme E website or on Twitter using the hashtags “#GridPlay #ClaudiaHürtgen” or “#GridPlay #MattiasEkström”. Once the votes are aggregated, the team with the most fans gets to choose its starting position. An additional strategic element: The teams that do not reach the final also play an important role by passing on their votes to a team of their choice.

Happy Birthday: Number #125 as a tribute to the company’s anniversary

ABT will be racing with the number 125 this season. “Our company is celebrating its 125th birthday in 2021. We also want to celebrate this with the special number at our races all over the world,” says Hans-Jürgen Abt. ABT was founded in 1896 as a horse smithy in Kempten and is now in the hands of the fourth and fifth generations. “From horse-drawn carriages in the Allgäu winter to high-tech electric SUVs in the desert, that shows the impressive development of our company in over a century,” says Abt. Mattias Ekström has already been part of the ABT family for two decades. “I have raced with many different numbers in my career. My favorite, of course, will always be number one, because that shows that you have achieved something great in the previous season,” says the Swede. “To choose the number 125 for the birthday celebration year is a great idea and shows what a special meaning tradition has in the ABT family. Now, we also want to have something to celebrate at the races this year.”

Their great popularity has transformed the ABT Power Days into a firm tradition, dating back many years. From 29 April to 11 May this year, customers will once again be able to enjoy a 20 percent price saving that applies to all ABT Power and ABT Power S performance upgrades*. Particularly large savings can be made on premium models such as the current RS 6. Fitted with ABT Power S, instead of 600 HP (441 kW), it delivers a staggering 700 HP (515 kW). Alongside this particular highlight, performance upgrades are available for many other Audi, VW, Seat, CUPRA or Skoda vehicles. At the heart of every ABT Power performance upgrade is the specially developed ABT Engine Control (AEC) unit. The power upgrade from ABT Sportsline is characterised by its outstanding quality and comprehensive protection. Further information at: www.abt-sportsline.com/abt-power-days.

The promotion applies to vehicles that are under two years old. If you would like to benefit from it, visit the company’s headquarters in Kempten or any of over 100 participating ABT dealers throughout Germany. The only other condition: The product must also be installed there within the specified period. Appointments are available now and customers from Austria, Switzerland, Finland, Spain, Poland, Russia, Ukraine and South Africa are also eligible to take part in their respective countries.

A small excerpt from the whole range to awaken anticipation: With ABT Power S, the 4-litre diesel SQ8 with 435 HP (320 kW) is boosted to 510 HP (375 kW) and the Q5 2.0 TDI leaps from 204 HP (150 kW) to 235 HP (173 kW). A browse of the ABT Online-Configurator reveals a seemingly limitless range of “upgradable” vehicle models of all classes, group brands and body shapes, such as the Golf VIII GTI with the 2.0 TSI engine, which, thanks to ABT Sportsline goes from 245 HP (180 kW) to 290 HP (213 kW). Need more space? The most powerful VW T6.1 now delivers 226 HP (166 kW) instead of 199 HP (146 kW). A new addition to the range is ABT Power for the CUPRA Formentor, which reaches a peak power of 370 HP (272 kW). The standard model delivers 310 HP (228 kW). Another interesting vehicle is the Skoda Scala, which ABT Sportsline currently tunes as a special model for the Czech vehicle manufacturer. Of course, the extra power for the 1.5 TSI can be retrofitted as an option: Instead of 150 HP (110 kW), the data sheet then boats 190 HP (140 kW).

Sophia Flörsch will take part in the 2021 DTM. Together with automotive and industrial supplier Schaeffler, ABT Sportsline is fielding a third Audi R8 LMS for the 20-year-old German, who will be taking part this year alongside team-mates Mike Rockenfeller and Kelvin van der Linde. Sophia Flörsch will make her first appearance with the team during the DTM tests at Hockenheim at the beginning of April. The season opener is scheduled at Monza in mid-June.

“I’m really looking forward to competing in the DTM,” says Sophia Flörsch. “The partnership with Schaeffler and ABT Sportsline is great and makes me confident for my first season. I’m very proud to be given the chance to prove myself against such a strong field of drivers.” In recent years, Flörsch gained experience, points and trophies in various single-seater series and also completed a few laps in Schaeffler’s “DTM Electric Demo Car” at the 2020 DTM finale.

For ABT Sportsline, Sophia Flörsch is already the third woman with whom the team has competed in the DTM: In 2009, Katherine Legge drove for the team and in 2012, ABT fielded an Audi A5 DTM for Rahel Frey. A premiere: For the first time, ABT is also providing its driver with a female race engineer in the form of Laura Müller and a female team manager with Maike Frik. “We are very much looking forward to this joint adventure also in the DTM, working with Sophia and the cooperation with Schaeffler,” says Managing Partner Hans-Jürgen Abt. “We now have a DTM veteran, a rookie and a lady in the team, that’s really something motorsport fans can already look forward to.”

The entry of the third race car is made possible by the commitment of ABT partner Schaeffler. The two brands have already formed a successful team in the Formula E electric racing series since the championship’s inception in 2014 and now they are also working together in the DTM. “We are looking forward to the partnership,” says Matthias Zink, Member of the Executive Board for Automotive Technologies at Schaeffler. “For us as a pioneer in mobility, the DTM is passion in action and a perfect testing ground. We share Sophia’s enthusiasm for technology and see her as an important role model for all girls and women who pursue their goals with talent, commitment and ambition. Together, we will shape progress that moves the world on the race track and beyond.”

In early April, 1896, the local Bavarian newspaper contained a small article, barely a few centimetres high. It read as follows: “Johann Baptist Abt takes over blacksmiths and coachworks in Burgstraße, Kempten.” The blacksmith of yore has since developed in ABT Sportsline, the world’s largest automotive aftermarket and performance parts specialist for Audi and VW, one of the most successful international motorsport teams and an innovative electromobility pioneer. The family business is now celebrating its 125th birthday.

“Much has changed since the early days – the world, its people, the car, our perspective on things”, says Hans-Jürgen Abt. “One thing, however, has remained constant: Our passion for exciting new technologies, adventure and occasional unconventional methods.” The managing partner is the fourth generation, who is in charge of running the company with now 200 employees that has always been based in the heart of the Allgäu region. “An anniversary like always provides the perfect opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you. To my family, our employees all over the world, all of our partners in day-to-day business and motorsport, the fans on the race tracks and of course to our customers, who challenge and inspire us.”

The developments are always in tune with the times

Sporty cars were not yet on the agenda in 1896, but the “innovative blacksmith” was not short of creative ideas 125 years ago. Johann Baptist Abt developed a skid construction with which horse-drawn vehicles could be optimally converted to “winter operation”. Since then, exciting mobility themes have been a recurrent theme in the history of ABT and paved the way for the vehicle tuning division with its roots in motorsport that was founded in 1967. Here too, the family business is always at the cutting edge: Back in 1980, ABT marketed the first electronic performance upgrade. Bodywork components, rims, suspension and intricate customisation followed. Since 1991, the company has operated under the name ABT Sportsline and has its headquarters in the street named after Hans-Jürgen Abt’s father, Johann-Abt-Straße in Kempten-Leubas.

“The challenges facing our engineers and designers have changed over the years. Striking body conversions, gaudy colours – that was a long time ago. Then came elegant understatement, confident performance and high-quality customisation”, Hans-Jürgen Abt describes the transformation over the decades. The response from Kempten: increasingly daring and innovative technical and aesthetic concepts. These qualities also impress vehicle manufacturers: When the brands of the Volkswagen Group want to offer their customers something really special, they like to turn to the expertise and world-renowned reputation of ABT Sportsline. This applies to the numerous long-term cooperations with Audi as well as to the common activities with Skoda or the close partnership with the relatively young brand CUPRA.

In 2021, ABT Sportsline not only has a presence all over Germany, but in conjunction with its partners in over 60 countries worldwide.

Pioneer in Electromobility

The exciting electromobility sector has been a part of ABT Sportsline’s day-to-day business for over a decade – with involvement in Formula E on the racetrack as well with road vehicles. “We have always considered change as opportunity rather than risk”, says Hans-Jürgen Abt. The initial pilot projects led to the creation of ABT e-Line GmbH, which today operates as a premium partner of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, among others. The first major project in this configuration was the ABT e-Caddy. Next came the ABT e-Transporter, which is produced officially on the basis of the VW T6.1. Now the focus is on the future again: In conjunction with the university in Kempten, the ABT specialists are investigating fuel cells.

Internationally Successful Race Drivers

The company’s passion for motor racing began in 1950, when the then 14-year-old Johann Abt won a place on the podium on the grass track in Kempten in a DKW “Meisterklasse” with the starting number 7. The company founder’s grandson became a long-term winner with around 300 successes and in doing so, laid the foundation of one of the most successful international motorsport teams: ABT Sportsline. The highlights include the 1999 STW title with Christian Abt, the 2002 DTM title with Laurent Aiello and the victory in the 2017 Formula E electric racing series with Lucas di Grassi. In all three championships, ABT together with private partners prevailed as a private team against the competition of major manufacturers. As the works team of the brand with four rings, ABT Sportsline produced unparalleled results: Since the mid-1990s, the Bavarians together with Audi have won eight driver titles and seven team titles. At the time of the 125th anniversary of the company, two new motorsport projects are starting: In 2021, the ABT CUPRA XE Team competed in the brand-new offroad electric series Extreme E. Under their own direction, ABT also sends several Audi R8 LMS to race for victory and title in the 2021 DTM season.

Happy Birthday

The traditional “birthday” of ABT is April 1st, 1896: According to the Allgäuer Zeitung, Johann Baptist Abt took over the blacksmiths in Kempten on this day. 2021 is greatly influenced by the anniversary. For example, on the road: The new ABT RSQ8-R features a striking aero package and is strictly limited to 125 vehicles. A secret project based on a series that has continued to be a top performer at ABT Sportsline for many years. Along with ultimate performance, fans can look forward to a vehicular time capsule. Or on the race track: In the Extreme E Series, ABT will race with the starting number 125 in homage to the anniversary. And of course, ABT Sportsline’s birthday will be celebrated on all multimedia channels. Start it up with the birthday video:
https://www.abt-sportsline.com/company/history/125-years-of-abt/

ABT Sportsline is starting the new season of the DTM, which begins at Monza, Italy, in June, with a veteran and a rookie: Mike Rockenfeller, 2013 champion, will be racing together with South African DTM newcomer Kelvin van der Linde. As early as next week, the two drivers will be sitting in the cockpits of the two Audi R8 LMS cars fielded by the Kempten-based team during testing at Vallelunga.

“The combination of an experienced and successful DTM driver and a proven expert in the Audi R8 LMS is ideal for our commitment in the DTM,” says managing partner Hans-Jürgen Abt. “We know both guys well and respect each other. The chemistry is simply right.”

Mike Rockenfeller (37) returns to ABT Sportsline with the experience of a whopping 191 DTM races. He already competed for the team in the 2011 season and also celebrated his first-ever DTM victory during their time together. Two years later, he clinched the title. “ABT is a permanent fixture in the DTM, something special. They have always shown that they can race for the title and have unique motivation,” says Rockenfeller. “I think it’s really cool that we’re now competing together again. I’m excited about the new DTM season and think it’s going to be really good.”

Kelvin van der Linde is starting his first DTM season. The 24-year-old South African has been part of the Audi family for years and is also involved in the Formula E project. With the Audi R8 LMS, he has twice won the ADAC GT Masters, as well as various endurance races, including the 24-hour classic at the Nürburgring. “For me, competing in the DTM is a dream come true and I’m very grateful to be given this opportunity,” says van der Linde, who now lives just a five-minute drive from ABT Sportsline in Kempten. “I know the R8 LMS extremely well, so this exciting phase of the DTM is the perfect moment for me.”

Even though the DTM season is not scheduled to begin until June, preparations at ABT Sportsline are already in full swing. At a joint workshop in Kempten, Rockenfeller and van der Linde have already gotten to know their team of engineers and mechanics. On the agenda: defining all of the processes, determining the testing plans, swearing in to the common goals and, of course, a Bavarian snack with veal sausage. “Mike knows the DTM inside out after 14 years and Kelvin knows every little detail of the Audi R8 LMS, I believe that with this duo and our team, we will have a strong entry to compete with,” says Thomas Biermaier. For the CEO and Sport Director of ABT Sportsline, it is precisely this team spirit that plays a decisive role alongside the sporting qualities of his drivers. “You can already guess how high the level of competition will be in the DTM this year. We want to play a decisive role, win races and compete for the title. This is only possible with complete passion and teamwork, as we have been living at ABT for many years.”

A Puch G from 1995 with 170 HP (125 kW)? That can only be a W 463 with the 300 GE six-cylinder engine! But how did the civilian luxury version get into the Swiss Army? After all, it is well known that the armed forces prefer the rustic W 461 with its moderate power. Lorinser Classic from Germany can shed light on this mystery. “A while ago, we took on a larger batch of Puch Gs from the Swiss Army,” explains Marcus Lorinser. Since 2006, he has been the Managing Director of the company in Waiblingen, Germany, in the third generation. Some of these vehicles were sold on in their original state while others were turned into various restomods. “We always like to try something new,” explains Lorinser. After models with a new look and some even with special vehicle bodies, including a motorhome, it is now time for the first performance boost.

While the “Sportservice Lorinser” in-house tuning division is responsible for electronically boosting modern turbocharged engines, the elderly M 102 naturally aspirated engine required somewhat heavier tools. But this is where the benefit of having been a Mercedes dealership for several decades comes into play. Lorinser is also one of only 46 Mercedes-Classic Partners in Germany. This was an easy way to prove that Lorinser has not forgotten how to do a little traditional tuning. The capacity was increased from 2,297 to 2,900 ccm – practically top league for a four-cylinder engine. 54 horses were added to the original 116 HP (85 kW) of the engine, which now boasts an impressive 280 Nm. A 4-speed automatic transmission takes care of the gear changes. This allows for perfect cruising, while resting comfortably on the newly upholstered and recovered seats. The new wooden steering wheel completes the stylish interior.

Of course Lorinser Classic did not stop at the “inner values”, as a glance at the immaculate bodywork proves. It was painted in matt Arabian Gray, including the headlight bezels, and sports a completely new top made of black cloth. Any residue from former army maneuvers was blasted from the underbody with dry ice, followed by an application of sealant. After all, this prime example of an off-road vehicle has only 110,000 kilometers under its belt and the engine and many other parts are as good as new after the overhaul.

The former army vehicle also received a small, but stylish modernization makeover. In addition to LED main headlights with protective grilles, the mechanics installed a towbar which can handle an impressive 3.5 tons. Wheel spacers and fender flares in combination with 16-inch offroad steel wheels from DOTZ 4×4 give the vehicle a solid stance on the road. This is complemented by all-terrain tires from BFGoodrich. The many special features and the excellent condition of this low-mileage, one-of-a-kind car add up to a selling price of 64,500 euros. For those who already own a G and are interested in the comprehensive engine conversion: Including complete overhaul and a new catalytic converter unit, this should come to around 20,000 euros.

Details and order addresses at https://sportservice.lorinser.com/

Following the international success of its superb range of Suzuki 4×4 Weber carburettor replacements, Webcon is delighted to announce that it has now started production of the base adaptor assembly itself.

The adaptor (part number 9900430000) is suitable for the SJ413 1.3 and Vitara 1.6 8v models. It includes a UK designed and CNC manufactured base plate, along with gaskets, studs and bolts to allow fitment of not only the popular Weber 32/36 and 38/38 range of carburettors, but also the new Webcon Retroject throttle body.

9900430000 retails at £37.41 plus VAT.

Available directly from Webcon and from appointed Webcon dealers around the world.
For further details contact Webcon UK on +44 (0)1932 787100 or visit www.webcon.co.uk

Webcon has re-released its inlet manifold to enable a Weber DGV, DGAS or a Webcon Retroject Throttle Body to be fitted to the popular VW Golf 1.6 and 1.8 engines.

This is the simple way to upgrade the 1.6/1.8 engines to Weber carburation or Webcon Retroject
electronic fuel injection. The manifold can be ordered as part number MM0067 and retails at £278.25 plus VAT .

Available directly from Webcon and from appointed Webcon dealers around the world.
For further details contact Webcon UK on +44 (0)1932 787100 or visit www.webcon.co.uk

LED lights are becoming more and more popular on classic cars thanks to their increased – get-you-noticed brilliance, low current consumption and longevity.

Mini Spares now has LED side repeater lamps for all 1986on Minis and they are equally suitable for upgrading any other classic or kit car. They can be connected into the indicator circuit without a resistor being required.

Order as part number PRC9916LED at £7.20 inc. VAT each.

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

Out of sight doesn’t have to mean out of mind. You can have a constant reminder of your Mini right there on your work desk with this new mousemat from Mini Spares.

All the classic Minis are included including the Mini Van and the Moke.

Order as MOUSEMAT001 at just £2.50 inc VAT.

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