ABT Kicks Off 2012 VW Beetle Tuning Party

The 2012 VW Beetle tuning wars have began. Leaving aside the Beetle RS project with some very light styling modifications by the enthusiast website VWVortex that we showed you back in June, ABT Sportsline is the first mainstream tuning firm to take on the all-new 2012 Volkswagen Beetle, or as the company likes to call it, the Speedle.

The noted VW Group tuner said it is still working on the performance upgrades for the latest Beetle, which won�t arrive in customer hands until September, but it can give us an idea of what to expect based on its current offerings.

ABT will offer performance kits for the entire engine lineup in Europe with the modified 1.2 TSI petrol estimated to deliver around 140HP, up from 105HP, the 1.4 TSI petrol about 210HP, up from 160HP, while the flagship 2.0 TSI petrol is said to produce close to 240HP, up from the factory model�s 200HP.

As for the diesel engines, ABT said the tweaked 1.6 TDI will churn out 125HP instead of 105HP, and the 2.0 TDI 170HP instead of 140HP.

A lowered sport suspension and a variety of alloy wheel options including a set of 19-inch rims shown on the car in the pictures will also be available.

On the outside, ABT is preparing several packages such as an aero kit comprising of a front spoiler, a rear apron incorporating a diffuser, a large rear wing and side skirts along with unique tail pipes, special paint jobs, headlamps and tail light covers, and carbon fiber accessories.

More detailed information on ABT�s offerings for the new 2012 VW Beetle will be released at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

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