Darth Vader's Audi RS6-R by ABT Invades Essen 2014 with 730 HP

First spotted at the Geneva Motor Show this spring, the RS6-R by German tuner ABT Sportsline is already a familiar face. But that only meant that we knew exactly where to go at the Essen Motor Show today to get our blood boiling.

Covered in dark paint with burgundy tint and golden flakes, the RS6-R by ABT is unlike any other Audi currently on the road. It cost the German tuners a big chunk of money to put together and, in our imagination at least, is what Darth Vader would drive if he was an Audi fan.

Even if the dark lord of the Sith Empire doesn't drive an RS6, we know many of the most famous football players in Europe who do. Maybe they will want to know that only 25 units of this car will ever be built.

Why is it impressive? Because ABT has worked its magic on the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 and got it to sing all the way to 730 HP (537 kW) and 920 Nm (678 lb-ft), a lot more than the standard 560 HP (412 kW) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) coming out of Ingolstadt.

If that huge number worries you, ABT engineers have developed two more kits, one that gives you 666 HP (490 kW) and 830 Nm (612 lb-ft) and the other making 700 HP (515 kW) and 880 Nm (649 lb-ft).

But let's get back to the rare car revealed in Essen. It's the first example and still belongs to ABT, who have bestowed it with red carbon fiber inserts, 22-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 295/25 ZR22 Dunlop tires and a hand-built stainless steel exhaust system.

Inside, an assortment of goodies greet you, including the same red-coated carbon fiber, sprinkled liberally onto the dash and center console. There's just enough Alcantara leather not to overpower the design and some pretty decent quilting added to the leather.

If Brabus ever needs a rival for the Rocket, this is it...

Audi RS6-R by ABT at Essen Motor Show 2014 - photo gallery