ABT Sportsline VW up! for Geneva

Posted: 23 Feb 2012 07:24 AM PST

ABT Sportsline VW up! side Geneva International Motor Show

It is 3.54 meters short, but provides much space, is extremely fuel-efficient and very, very likable: the VW up! No compromises here, and it is perfectly geared to what people in our modern age want. “Which does also mean that this baby is supposed to be fun as well“, says Hans-Jürgen Abt. ABT Sportsline’s managing director is simply in love with this car. “It is huge fun to drive it through the narrow streets here in downtown Kempten!“ The up! also reminds Abt of the swift little Abarths his father used to drive. And since his father was so successful in motorsports, the designers gave this practical new compact car a very sporty and aggressive outfit. It goes without saying that the up! is a real ABT, which means that it is assertive without losing its ecological and economic qualities. All components are of the highest quality and very stylish, of course, but also very affordable.

ABT Sportsline VW up! front Geneva International Motor Show

The little one is speedy, precise and will fight for parking space without remorse, but who would mind? His smile comes naturally, the bright red headlight masks make it appear stronger and smarter. Seen from the front, the ABT up! says: “Here I am, that’s me. Size doesn’t matter!“ The carbon-look deco set with its red stripes across the entire surface is a mix of retro and modern age. ABT draws upon the extravagant designs of the Swinging Sixties with which the power versions of plain mass-consumption cars – from “Herbie” the Beetle to Gordini and Cooper – showed that being sensible can also be cool.

ABT Sportsline VW up! rear Geneva International Motor Show

Window frames and side skirts are the “common thread” leading straight to the strong back of the ABT up!, where rear masks, an exhaust pipe tunnel and the sporty double exhaust pipe form a unit. The ABT up! will be much admired when thanks to new suspension springs it takes bends in a much more sporty fashion now. It is the love for details that forms its bond with its “elder” brothers. Mirror caps or red hub covers bearing the ABT-Logo make the up! stand out. No wonder, since this car wants to get “up” there.

- ABT Sportsline

Presenting the ABT Sportsline Beetle

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Tristan Herbert signs with HPA Motorsports and RennGruppe

Posted: 23 Feb 2012 06:00 AM PST

ONEIGHTURBO

2012 HPA / RennGruppe Volkswagen Jetta GLI

Tristan Herbert will be piloting one of two 2012 HPA/RennGruppe Volkswagen Jetta GLIs in the 2012 Pirelli World Challenge. Herbert exploded onto the pro racing scene in St. Petersburg last year setting the pole and winning the race. His accomplishments continued throughout the season as he amassed five podium finishes and culminated with earning the 2011 Pirelli World Challenge Touring Car Rookie of the Year. Grassroots Motorsports Magazine awarded his team's independent privateer efforts with an Editor's Choice Award as one of the Top 20 Achievements for 2011.

HPA Motorsports and RennGruppe have aligned with the Volkswagen of America, Inc. contingency program which is the largest of any manufacturer in the series. Volkswagen of America, Inc. has also signed on again as one of the main series sponsors.

"I'm really proud of this team and our success in last year's World Challenge season", reflects Herbert. "Although we had many challenges to overcome, the team was able to pull together for a great season. Building on a successful rookie year, I'm confident in our team's ability to take home a championship this year."

HPA Motorsports has signed on as a primary sponsor for the RennGruppe Volkswagen Jetta GLI effort. "This is a tremendous opportunity for HPA and RennGruppe to develop these Volkswagen race cars. This alignment comes right in the middle of our Volkswagen MK6 initiative and direct injection product development. It is the perfect fit," said Marcel Horn, owner of HPA Motorsports.

Since 1991, HPA Motorsports has led performance trends in the industry, raising the bar with every project. Consistent performance improvements are a given at HPA. Their State of-the-art facility utilizes cutting edge technology provides research and product development that is un-paralleled in the industry.

RennGruppe played an invaluable role in the success of last years team effort. The team's Principal Crew Chief, Cameron Conover, earned the "Crew of the Year", exemplifying the Team's outstanding track preparation and development of its #33 Volkswagen GTI.

Herbert is looking forward to continued partnership with two other integral sponsors. Germanautoparts.com has signed on as the team's primary parts provider. Germanautoparts.com is staffed by passionate professionals well-versed in both driving and parts making them a natural fit for the team. Brimtek, Based out of Northern Virginia, is also continuing its support for the team. Brimtek is a leading strategic support company for various Federal and Military branches.

Herbert has his sights set on the checkered flag at the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. This doubleheader weekend kicks off the Pirelli World Challenge Championship series on March 23-25, 2012. This will be the launch of a remarkable season for Tristan Herbert and his team.