ABD Racing Audi RS6

At 580 Wheel Horsepower, ABD Racing's RS6 Shoves Past The Limits Of Good SenseAutobahn Designs, also known as ABD Racing, is a familiar nameplate when talk turns to watercooled Volkswagens. Recently, the company's been making a push to change its one-marque image with a foray into the Audi performance aftermarket, first with an entry in ec's S4 Challenge, and now with the company's latest project. Based on the vaunted RS6, Audi's most coveted super sedan, you can bet this car makes enough power to kick both your ass and the asses of four of your closest friends.

Even with more than 100 extra horsepower, engine mods have been relatively mild, illuminating the vast power potential slumbering within the Audi's twin-turbo V8. The factory exhaust was left in place because of its optimal flow and sound, but the intake was scrapped in favor of a new K&N-based induction system. Computer tuning duties were contracted to GIAC, a major sponsor of ABD's project S4. Along with remapping fuel, boost and ignition curves, GIAC also included modified transmission software that firms up the automatic shift points and applies them to the modified powerband. For the 580-hp dyno run, larger hybrid Garrett turbos were bolted in place of the stock units. They have since been removed, since it was evident during testing the factory automatic was not suited to the task of harnessing the 540 lb-ft of torque. Using the stock turbos and GIAC programming, power stands firm at 515 hp.

With the engine deemed adequate, remaining mods were applied to the car's wheel and tire package. The boring stock rollers were scrapped in favor of a quartet of AZEV two-piece wheels, sourced through CEC, which measure 19 in. across and do well filling up the car's lateral flares. Super sticky Toyo T1-S tires, sized 255/35-19 front and 265/35-19 rear, keep the car always headed in the right direction.

Keeping in mind the transmission is this chain's weakest link-even with the cool steering-mounted shifter paddles-ABD Racing has already ordered a new RS6 to play with, this one with a six-speed manual. Considering what they've learned here, the ABD Racers feel confident with a stronger gearbox, bigger turbos and an upgraded intercooler, power figures in excess of 700 hp are very attainable.