Volkswagen Group tuner ABT has got its hands on the practical Skoda Octavia VRS. And the result is a 290hp Golf R fighter…
Turning the Octavia VRS up to 290
A new ECU is behind the power increase from 255hp to 290hp. Torque is also improved, from 273lb ft to 302lb ft.
The 184hp diesel VRS can be boosted to 210hp, with torque up from 280lb ft to 310lb ft.
“Our auxiliary ABT Engine Control unit adds an extra 45hp to the already quite potent Octavia,” explains CEO Hans-Jürgen Abt. “This allows it to stand up even to much larger vehicles on the freeway.”
As for performance figures, nothing is stated. But with 290hp in your all-wheel-drive Octavia, you’ll be gnashing at the heels of Volkswagen Golf Rs and Seat Leon Cupras.
Putting the hammer down
Extra performance is all well and good, but power corrupts. To prevent that, ABT offers suspension springs to lower the car by 25mm at the front and 30mm at the rear.
An optional ABT anti-roll bar shore ups the dynamics of the VRS still further.
Mouth to match the trousers
It’s rare one gets a performance upgrade without some visual cues, so you can fit your VRS with ABT wheels.
Three options are available, with two in 18- and 19-inch versions, and a third in 20-inch size. The latter is probably only for those with a sturdy spine…