Check out this Volkswagen ‘Arteon R’

By now, you’re probably familiar with ABT’s portfolio. The southern German tuners of VW products (so, roughly everything) are probably one of the best among the independent tuning houses – notwithstanding our perennial torch for Ruf – and their job on the Arteon is actually pretty damn desirable. 

Cleverly, ABT has let the svelte lines of the VW Arteon shine through, unfettered by clumsy aero appurtenances. Whoops, sorry. Slipped into design speak for a second there. The Arteon’s a very pretty thing, though, considering its remit, and ABT's sensibly left well enough alone.  

OK, the wheels are a little bit too big for the brake discs (and, y’know, common sense) but, in the main, ABT’s done a stellar job. And you can get smaller wheels with the right run-through of the ABT configurator. 

So, you might be wondering, what has ABT done, apart from leave well enough alone? Well, they’ve fiddled with the VW's top-spec 2.0-litre petrol until it makes 331bhp and 310lb ft – up from 276bhp and 258lb ft. And that is a very good thing. 

They’ve also fitted lower, stiffer suspension. How it interacts with VW’s almost infinitely adjustable damping is anyone’s guess, but let’s remember that ABT is involved with Audi’s Formula E and DTM campaigns, so it’s fair to assume they’re not numpties. 

So, what do you think? Does a five-metre-long, 331bhp, four-door, all-wheel-drive VW coupe tickle your fancy?