ABT has turned the Audi RS4 into a 526bhp estate

We're pretty sure nobody ever got out of an Audi RS4 and thought, ‘sheesh, that could really use another 70-odd horsepower’. Mostly people get out of an Audi RS4 and think ‘sheesh, only ten bumpers ridden today, must try harder’.

In any case, it has happened. Audi tuner ABT has decided the middling RS4 and its puny human power output needed a boost, and has delivered it via the simple means of an ECU tweak and a special air intake. Which means the 2.9-litre turbo V6 kicks out 503bhp (compared to the 'standard' RS4's 444bhp), and a 0-62mph time of 3.9secs (two tenths quicker).

Not bad, not bad. Spend a few thousand more Euros, and you can opt for the ‘ABT Power S’ upgrade, which pumps everything right up to 526bhp and increases the top speed to 186mph. Dealing with the extra forces are a set of ABT anti-roll bars front and back, and a set of ABT height-adjustable springs. Coilovers are an option, but those’ll cost you.

Natürlich, there are a number of visual elements that continue the narrative incited by the engine’s additional horsies, including such hits as a front lip, front blades, arch vents, a CFRP rear spoiler and rear skirt insert, and a stainless-steel exhaust system with four 102mm carbon-fibre tailpipes. Plus, 21s, in gloss black.

“The Audi RS4 has been an icon since the first generation in 1999,” explains ABT boss Hans-Jürgen Abt. “We have added some exciting new features to this high-calibre performer, and now it has even more fire.” FIRE.

That said, your wallet might need a wee hose down, because the whole 'RS4-S' package costs €31,900 all in, including installation, painting and TÜV approval. The 526bhp upgrade is a further €4,133, the coilovers an additional €1,403, and fancy carbon gloss seat shells €3,499.

Any more power and it’d be stepping on the toes of the RS6, which is brave, to say the least...