Tuner Special: Abt Scirocco

KEMPTEN, Germany — Volkswagen's Scirocco just recently began appearing in European showrooms, but tuners like Oettinger and now Abt Sportsline have quickly turned out extensively modified Sciroccos.

Abt has made power improvements for all three engines offered in the Scirocco by modifying the engine management systems. The 1.4-liter twincharged engine is up 40 horsepower to 200 hp, while the 2.0-liter diesel sees a 30-hp gain to 170 ponies. Power from the 2.0-liter turbocharged gas engine checks in at 240 hp, up from the stock Scirocco's 200 hp. New springs from Abt lower the car by 1.2 inches, and a brake kit includes larger discs and new calipers.

Abt has modified the Scirocco's appearance with a complete body kit. A new front fascia restyles the grilles and shrinks the foglights. Side sills add vents just behind the doors. The new rear fascia incorporates vertically stacked exhaust pipes. There's also a spoiler that mounts in the middle of the hatch, just below the rear window. A number of wheel choices are also offered, ranging from 18-20 inches.

What this means to you: The Scirocco clearly has tuner appeal, so don't expect Abt to be the last to modify the VW hatch. — Eric Tingwall, Correspondent