Audi R8 news - Easy as AB...T - 2007

German tuning firm Abt has got in before Audi with a hotted-up R8.

Doing away with the standard R8's 420bhp, the Abt car replaces it with a 530bhp version of the 4.2-litre V8 motor.

Along with some carbon-fibre bodywork to reduce weight, Abt reckons its R8 is good for 197mph and 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds.

Being a tuning company, Abt couldn't resist tweaking the R8's looks a little to let everyone know that it has been at work, so you get chunkier bumpers and side sills, rear wing and 20in alloy wheels.

The Abt R8 will make its debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September, when the price of the conversion will be announced.