Eurotuningnews.com

Last year, ABT Sportsline introduced its first performance upgrade* for a plug-in hybrid vehicle: The combustion engine of the Audi Q5 with the 55 TFSI e quattro, which boasts a system performance of 367 HP (270 kW) and 500 Nm, has been boosted to deliver an impressive 425 HP (313 kW) and 550 Nm. Now the Kempten-based company has taken on another popular and established engine generation – the 1.4 TSI e.

The 1.4 TSI e is used, for example, in the extremely dynamic Cupra Formentor VZ E-Hybrid. In this variant, the Formentor has a system performance of 245 HP (180 kW) and 400 Nm. With the newly developed ABT Power New Generation performance upgrade, ABT Sportsline now makes it possible to increase the power of the petrol engine from 150 HP (110 kW) and 250 Nm to a remarkable 180 HP (132 kW) and 290 Nm. The Spaniard’s spec sheet now boasts a system output of 275 HP (202 kW) and 440 Nm. Impressive hybrid power, which is also available analogously for stable mates Leon E-Hybrid 180, Skoda Octavia RS and Golf VIII GTE. This upgrade is also available to owners of the Audi A3 45 TFSI e. There is also the 1.4. TSI s in various models with a lower system performance (204 HP/150 kW) depending on the electric motor – ABT Sportsline also offers an increase in performance for this version.

We mentioned previously that as a hybrid, the 1.4 TSI has a wide range of applications. Need more examples? The Skoda Superb iV, VW Passat GTE and Arteon GTE can also benefit performance-wise from the ABT Power New Generation from the Bavarian company. In these three examples, the engineers increase the performance of the petrol engine from 156 HP (115 kW) and 250 Nm to 180 HP (132 kW) and 290 Nm. The system output for the three cars is boosted from 218 HP (160 kW) and 400 Nm to 234 HP (172 kW) and 440 Nm.

As always, the world’s largest tuner of automotive aftermarket and performance parts specialist for vehicles from the Audi and VW Group also offers visual enhancements, such as sporty and classy rims. For all vehicle models and combination options, visit the ABT Configurator.

With a 14-point deficit, Kelvin van der Linde is second in the standings going into the eagerly awaited DTM finale at the Norisring (both races from 1 PM CEST on Saturday and Sunday, live on SAT.1 and on ran.de). Nevertheless, the South African, who lives near Kempten, perhaps has a decisive advantage in the title fight: of the four teams fighting for the prestigious drivers’ title, ABT Sportsline has the most experience at the Norisring.

The 2.3-kilometre short city street circuit between Dutzendteich and Max Morlock Stadium only has four corners. Nevertheless, the track is considered as one of the most difficult on the DTM calendar. Traction is just as important as maximum braking performance, good top speed as well as optimum handling in the chicane. The bumps, which change every year, also play a decisive role. And no other DTM race track puts so much strain on the components over the race distance.

Technical Director Florian Modlinger and his crew know exactly what is important at the Norisring and which adjustments they have to make, even though the Audi R8 LMS is competing on the street circuit for the first time and has completely different requirements to the racing cars that ABT Sportsline has previously used in the DTM at the Norisring.

The team has contested 25 DTM races at the Norisring since 2000, scoring twelve podium finishes and winning the DTM’s most prestigious race three times so far – on track even four times.

The first Norisring victory in 2002 is particularly unforgettable: Throughout the race, Laurent Aiello, in the Abt-Audi TT-R developed by ABT Sportsline, fought a gripping duel with “Mister DTM” Bernd Schneider in the factory Mercedes. In the last corner, Aiello managed the decisive overtaking manoeuvre to the cheer of the fans.

It was to be 14 long years before an Audi won another home race at the Norisring. Once again, the winning team was ABT Sportsline, and twice: Edoardo Mortara won on Saturday in 2016, Nico Müller on Sunday.

In 2013, Mattias Ekström had crossed the finish line as the winner and had the many Audi fans in the stands cheering. However, the Swede was retrospectively taken out of the classification due to the famous “water bottle gate” and there was – for only the second time in the history of the DTM – a race without a winner.

Ekström was always extremely strong at the Norisring, stood on the podium eight times for ABT Sportsline, but was never able to fulfil his big dream of winning at the Norisring.

For Kelvin van der Linde, this weekend is about a different dream: he wants to secure the drivers’ title at the first attempt in his first DTM season.

The mood at Team ABT Sportsline changed with the weather at Hockenheim: bright sunshine on Saturday was followed by gloomy clouds on Sunday.

On Saturday, the most successful active DTM team achieved a dream result: Kelvin van der Linde took his fourth win of the season and the maximum possible points score from pole position. He thus drew level with championship leader Liam Lawson in the Ferrari. The successful day for Team ABT Sportsline was completed by Mike Rockenfeller who, after a technical problem in qualifying (defective sensor), stormed from 17th on the grid to third and overtook Liam Lawson on the last lap.

Sunday started similarly well: Kelvin van der Linde again secured the three extra points for pole position. The South African, who lives near Kempten, thus took over the sole lead in the standings again. Mike Rockenfeller qualified sixth and thus also had a good starting position.

But the second race turned into a nightmare for Team ABT Sportsline: during Mike Rockenfeller’s compulsory pit stop, one of the mechanics suffered injuries to two fingers on his left hand. He was taken to the hospital in Ludwigshafen where he underwent surgery.

Kelvin van der Linde was without a chance in the second race with 25 kilograms of success weight on board his ABT Audi R8 LMS. After a contact with Liam Lawson, he collected twice a time penalty of five seconds. Finishing tenth, the ABT driver only scored just one point and is 14 points behind Liam Lawson in second place in the standings ahead of the finale at the Norisring next weekend.

Sophia Flörsch drove from 19th on the grid to twelfth on Saturday, narrowly missing out on points. On Sunday, she had to retire after a collision with Esmee Hawkey.

Lucas di Grassi finished 15th in his first DTM race. On Sunday, he had to retire his ABT Audi R8 LMS shortly before the end of the race due to a technical issue with the power train.

For many years, the fitment of a trio of Weber 40DCOE carburettors has been the performance modification of choice for the discerning Triumph TR6 owner; it may be to replace the power reducing carburettors fitted to the US models, or to replace the troublesome fuel injection system on the Euro spec models.

Webcon has superb quality manifold sets to suit both engines and these are supplied complete with full linkage sets appropriate for both left hand drive and right hand drive models.

The TR6 manifold sets are suitable for Weber DCOE carburettors and will also accept DCOE flange throttle bodies if a modern EFI conversion is being undertaken.

The manifold sets are available as below:

US 125bhp models Port Spacing 17mm MT3810 £699 plus VAT
UK 150bhp models Port Spacing 23mm MW0089 £699 plus VAT

or with 3 x genuine Weber 40DCOE carburettors as complete performance kits as below:

US 125bhp models Port Spacing 17mm PTR303 £1837.50 plus VAT
UK 150bhp models Port Spacing 23mm PTR302 £1837.50 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

During the 1970s and 1980s many high performance cars (such as the Ferrari 308, Citroen SM and Aston Martin V8) were fitted with the Weber DCNF carburettor and many of these applications used a custom made cast aluminium air horn.

This air horn has been out of production for many years, but now Webcon has made them available once again.

Part number 5284800100 is supplied as a complete kit including a cork gasket, mounting screws and washers and is available from stock at £56.14 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

The straight elbow heater valve was originally fitted to BMC’s ‘A’ series cars such as the A40 Farina. Many were also fitted to Minis when the angled type was not available, but later it was the straight type that became unavailable.

Now, Mini Spares can offer customers both straight and angled valves. The Mini Spares angled valve (ADU9102MS) was promoted earlier this year. Now the straight type is available too; it is made from the original tooling so is much better quality than the cheaper repro items available elsewhere.

Straight Type Heater Valves: order as 13H5506 at £28.80 inc VAT

The straight valve will fit nearly all 1275cc engine but it would be wise to check for clearance on some 998cc engines if the original metal rocker cover is not used. Also note that the straight valve does not use the original 53K1016 screw to hold the cable but needs a choke cable type trunnion which Mini Spares can supply as AUE34.

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

Many Mini owners will be planning an overhaul during the winter so the time is right to take a look at this handy tool.

Mini Spares has a Flywheel Locking Tool that bolts where the starter motor fits to secure the flywheel in place during the removal of the flywheel bolt/crank pulley etc. An assistant to hold it in place is no longer a requirement.

The tool will prevent the flywheel from turning without causing any damage at all. It’s certainly a better solution than an old screwdriver jammed in place!

Order as part number TOOL25 at £22.86 inc. VAT

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

M-Style can now offer the latest in the V1 range of airboxes – the kit for the BMW F40.

Leading filter manufacturer Pipercross, has teamed up with Arma Speed, a firm well versed in carbon fibre product development, to produce this range of direct replacements performance air induction kits. Each air box has been specially designed to fit within the space vacated by the factory air box, thus ensuring a straightforward installation process.

Compared to other well-known cotton filters, the Pipercross filter element can be used for a far longer period before cleaning is required. It has also been shown to improve fuel economy, power and torque outputs and comes with a lifetime warranty for road use.

The low maintenance and long lifespan aspects of a Pipercross filter are the result of the multi-layer foam that is used in all Pipercross filters. The outer core is a coarse foam designed to trap larger particles, the middle core is medium foam designed to trap most particles and the inner core is fine foam which will trap the remainder of the particles. This design ensures an exceptional level of engine protection under all conditions.

Complete induction kit: £1,050.00 inc. VAT

This induction kit comes with all the required fitting components and is suitable for DIY fitting. However, M-Style can, if required, offer a fitting service at its specialist workshop at £80.00 inc. VAT.

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

Winter’s almost here and by now most classics will be tucked up in their garages undergoing a seasonal refurb.

So it’s just the time to remind everyone about GAZ adjustable GT dampers for the VW Beetle 1300 and 1500.

GAZ fully adjustable GT dampers enable the damping bump and rebound rate to be adjusted to suit the conditions, load and driving style. The adjustable damping rates can be altered by means of an easily accessible knob on the side of the units.

GAZ can set these dampers up for general road use or for serious classic racing if that’s your preference.

GAZ dampers feature a zinc plated body and protective plastic sleeve to keep them looking good and working well for long into the future.

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

GAZ rear dampers for the 1300 & 1500 Beetle can be ordered as GT6-2303 at £63.70 each + VAT and front dampers are part number GT6-2302, also at £63.70 each + VAT.

These part numbers will fit 1300 & 1500 Beetles from 8/1965 to 1979 and all Karmann Ghia models with a swing axle. (1302 and 1303 models use a different part number – also available from GAZ)

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

GAZ Shocks can now offer a height and damper rate adjustable suspension kit for the Porsche 996.

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 easy 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 £173.25 each plus VAT.

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