Power or brains? The state-of-the-art power boost packages by ABT Sportsline offer both – as demonstrated by the new, 3rd generation ABT Engine Control units. From now on, they are generally equipped with the ABT Power Monitor designed by PACE. The new system can be experienced for the first time in early December 2017, at the German Essen Motor Show; however, Hans-Jürgen Abt already reveals the key features today: “We customized the PACE Car smart car upgrade to the specific needs of our tuning clients, thereby creating the perfect ABT ‘touch and feel.’ This allows drivers to view how much tuning power they are currently using on their smartphone display, and whether it pays off to hit the gas a little harder.”
Here is how it works
Ordinarily, PACE is a smartphone app that communicates with a car’s OBD-2 port by way of a special Bluetooth adapter. This system allows almost all vehicles from 1996 onwards to be retrofitted with smart car functionality. The option offered by ABT Sportsline, however, is a further development with extra functionality, which communicates with the ABT Engine Control unit directly and without requiring an intermediate step. This is possible because the 3rd generation models are equipped with a Bluetooth interface from the start.
ABT’s supplemental offering
The ABT Power Monitor is going to be at the heart of the app. This monitor provides a comprehensive live overview to help boost power: What are the engine’s additional power reserves? What is the tuning factor currently being applied? What is the extra wheel torque being used? All this will be clear at just a glance. In addition, all those who always wanted to know how fast they’re really going can now determine the more accurate value by way of the app, simply by deactivating the speedometer gain in the app and using the telephone’s GPS data for higher speeds.
Additional features
PACE, however, offers more than just additional tuning fun while driving; the practical aspect of it all is also taken into account. This is why the ABT option also includes the standard features in the app, in addition to all the extra functionalities. “Find my ABT”, for instance, allows users to locate their car, e.g. to figure out where they have parked. In addition, a tax office-compliant, electronic logbook and many more features are available to drivers of company cars. Speaking of being in control: The steering wheel remains the most important control element for each ABT, with or without the app.
