Tuners - perhaps especially the German-car tuners - seem to leave no stone unturned in the search for more performance and sportier looks. Abt's latest creative burst brings us this new take on Audi's already excellent A4 Avant.

The Abt AS4 is an estate redesigned for daily use with a kick. Although Audi gave the A4 Avant a good bit of go from the factory, Abt has chosen to do a bit more. Depending on the state of tune desired, and which engine you're starting with, you can go from a stock 160hp with the 1.8L TSI petrol motor to 200hp or 240hp after upgrades; with the diesel Abt cranks it up to either 282hp or 310hp from a stock 240hp. Torque for the diesel is a devilish 610Nm in top trim.

Big stoppers at all four corners and custom wheels with sticky rubber mean the car can haul down its massive straight-line speed in time for whatever you might throw at it. An all-new lower body kit - front, side and rear skirts - and a a rear roof spoiler plus Abt classic dual-dual exhaust system give the AS4 a sporty look to match its upgraded internals.

The best part is that even with all the added performance and style, the utility and comfort of the A4 Avant is still there, undisturbed, beneath it all.