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ABT Sportsline coming to US, premiering AS6 at SEMA

ABT Sportsline, known as ABT Tuning from its founding in 1967 until 1991, is a German aftermarket parts and tuning company that has focused on enhancing Volkswagens and Audis since the VW GTI bowed in 1978 (in Europe, at least) and races competitively in DTM (Germany's touring car racing series). The company has kept its roots in Europe for all of these years, but will debut the AS6, based on the Audi A6, at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) in a couple weeks before opening up shop in Los Angeles in early 2014.
ABT focused on making the AS6 a balanced package by increasing engine output, tuning the suspension, giving it understated style and improving the brakes. Details are light, but the AS6's 3.0-liter diesel V6 makes 286 horsepower, a 41-hp increase over stock. Not paying attention yet? Torque jumps from 369 pound-feet to 500 lb-ft, endowing the Audi with a lot of much-appreciated low-rpm grunt. The springs are swapped out for a set of ABT units, and the body kit adds front and rear spoilers, side and rear skirts and carbon-fiber mirror covers. ABT's ER-C 20-inch wheels fit over new brakes.
We'll have more details on the car at SEMA, so stay tuned. But in the meantime, head on below to read the press release.

2014 Audi A3 Sedan makes its world debut in NYC

Audi is bringing some excitement to this year's New York Auto Show, showing off a 2014 A3 Sedan that will shortly be vying for attention in the luxury market's newly hot compact segment. The newly minted A3 faces immediate challenge from box-fresh small premium sedans like the Mercedes-Benz CLA and the Acura ILX, as well as players like the Buick Verano and the Lexus CT200h.
Of course, the German automaker will be the first to tell you that this new A3 is more than up to the challenge. Audi's typically high-level of design is in effect here, with sheet metal that is attractive without looking like a clone of the larger A4. The A3 will have the option of full LED headlamps, of course, carrying on Audi's now famous positioning in the world of recognizable lighting. Wheels will range from 16-inches to 18-inches, we're told, which will also help to cement the sporty look and premium placement of the small sedan.
The A3 Sedan will be vying for attention in the luxury market's newly hot compact segment.

Audi S3 Cabriolet spotted in the world for the first time

Spy photographers have finally managed to lay a lens on the upcoming Audi S3 Cabriolet. The new convertible stepped out into the light of day for a little winter testing, and from the looks of things, the model will borrow plenty of design cues from the larger A5. Not that we're complaining. Word has it the S3 will put around 300 horsepower to the pavement via a quattro all-wheel drive system. We've also heard the machine will boast a dual-clutch transmission once it bows.
We've long been fans of the S3 Sportback, and the S5 holds a special place in our hearts as well. A smaller, lighter version of the big cabriolet with all of the aggressive proportions of its larger brother should prove to be a welcome addition to the Audi stable. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available, and be sure to check out the full gallery for a closer look.