What began in April 1896 as a blacksmith's shop on Burgstraße in Kempten developed over more than a century into one of the world's leading vehicle tuners. When Johann Baptist Abt took over the forge and coachbuilding workshop at the time, he laid the foundation for a success story that continues to this day. Even the company's founder recognised the potential of the new horseless carriages that emerged at the end of the 19th century. In 1920, his son entered into the decisive partnership with Horch and Audi, which remains the cornerstone of the company to this day.
Over four generations, the Abt family shaped the history of the company. Johann Abt II, the founder's grandson, personally competed in over 300 races and officially founded the tuning division in 1967 under the name Auto-Abt. He was quick to recognise the potential of the VW Golf I and, in 1974, offered one of the first performance packages for the compact car. In 1980, ABT pioneered the first electronic performance upgrade, laying the groundwork for modern chip tuning. The transformation into a globally operating company took place in the 1990s, when the current company headquarters on Johann-Abt-Straße in Kempten was established. 130 years after its founding, ABT Sportsline is celebrating this anniversary with a trilogy of exclusive special models. Leading the way is the ABT RS6-LE 800 – a vehicle that embodies the full expertise of the Allgäu-based company.
The basis is the ABT RS6 Legacy Edition, introduced in 2023, which was already conceived as a tribute to two decades of RS6 history and its iconic V8 engine. With just 200 units produced worldwide, the RS6-LE ranks among the most coveted special models from ABT.
The Legacy Edition impresses with 760 hp, a comprehensive carbon aerodynamics package, and the distinctive "1 of 200" numbering that makes each vehicle unique. The new RS6-LE 800 takes this successful foundation to a new level. With the ABT POWER R performance upgrade delivering 800 hp and 980 Nm, the anniversary model marks a new milestone. Depending on the engine specification, this represents a leap from 441 kW (600 hp) or 463 kW (630 hp) to 589 kW (800 hp). Maximum torque increases from 800 Nm or 850 Nm to 980 Nm.
This performance is made possible through the use of an ABT turbocharger, ABT intercooler, and ABT oil cooler.
What makes the RS6-LE 800 a truly special anniversary model is its exclusive Neodym colour scheme, which runs consistently throughout the entire vehicle.
The 22-inch ABT HIGH PERFORMANCE IR22 forged wheels in satin matte gold create a striking contrast to the characteristic visible carbon elements on the bodywork. The gold tone recurs in numerous details: the RS6-LE 800 logo appears in Neodym, as do the ABT logos at various points on the vehicle.
Even the decorative inlays in the carbon front lip and rear apron are finished in this exclusive colour, underscoring the anniversary character of the special model. The comprehensive aerodynamics package includes the ABT front blades, front apron inserts with optimised airflow management, a front grille topper, and a front bonnet insert in gloss visible carbon.
The ABT wheel arch vents at the front carry the exclusive emblem badge "RS6-LE 800". Mirror cap toppers, side skirts with decorative inlays, a rear apron insert with RS6-LE emblem badge, rear apron toppers, a decorative strut, and the ABT rear wing with aeroblades complete the exterior.
The ABT stainless steel exhaust system with four 102 mm tailpipes gives the V8 a characterful sound, while ABT coilover springs in combination with ABT sports stabilisers on the front and rear axles ensure precise handling.
Inside, the design concept continues seamlessly. The ABT steering wheel in Alcantara with ABT shift paddles in gloss visible carbon forms the central point of contact between driver and machine. The gear selector cap is also finished in gloss visible carbon.
Those wishing to experience the anniversary theme even more intensively and further enhance the exclusive feel can optionally choose dashboard trim panels and seat frame trims in gloss visible carbon with a Neodym particle pattern, which add subtle golden accents and harmoniously transfer the exterior colour concept into the interior.
The front seats have been refined with the ABT logo on the headrest and the RS6-LE logo on the seatback head, while the entry areas are finished in premium Dinamica Soul. The ABT door sill plates bear the inscription "RS6-LE 800", flanked by atmospheric door entry lighting. Both the start-stop button cap and the boot mat carry the ABT logo, while the floor mats feature an embroidered RS6-LE logo, creating a subtle connection to the special model.
A special detail is the ABT time capsule "130 Years of ABT": Each of the only 30 vehicles worldwide will feature an exclusive anniversary coin, honoring the company's 130-year history and making every RS6-LE 800 an authentic witness to this remarkable era.
The package price for the ABT RS6-LE 800 is €108,000 including 19% VAT. In addition, installation costs amount to €13,640 including 19% VAT, plus TÜV inspection. The RS6-LE 800 is the first of three exclusive anniversary special models that ABT Sportsline will present in 2026. Two further vehicles will follow over the course of the year.
The package price for the ABT RS6-LE 800 is €108,000 including 19% VAT. In addition, installation costs amount to €13,640 including 19% VAT, plus TÜV inspection. The RS6-LE 800 is the first of three exclusive anniversary special models that ABT Sportsline will present in 2026. Two further vehicles will follow over the course of the year.
"This trilogy is our promise to everyone who shares our passion," says Hans-Jürgen Abt. "The RS6-LE 800 is just the beginning."