Audi hit the ground running with its new sports SUVs. The German brand completed the renewal of the Audi Q8 range with the new RS Q8, a model that reaches a power of 600 HP. But that’s not all, the RS Q8 Performance version was also added, which raises the horsepower to 640 HP, thus becoming the model with the most powerful series combustion engine in the history of Audi Sport GmbH.
With the new Audi RS Q8 and RS Q8 Performance, Audi Sport GmbH is intensifying its focus on the dynamics of high-performance SUVs.
The exterior takes inspiration from the Q8 that debuted late last year, highlighting a new front apron with striking air intakes, a distinctive honeycomb structure and a high-gloss black blade (the RS Q8 Performance 1 is matte gray ).
The large Singleframe grille features a reinterpreted honeycomb structure where each individual honeycomb cell is now three-dimensional.
The rear also shows changes, with two oval exhaust outlets separated by a diffuser that is divided in half by a reflector.
The new RS Q8 has a power of 600 HP and 800 Nm of torque, available between 2,200 and 4,500 rpm.
The power of the eight-cylinder biturbo engine guarantees extraordinary driving dynamics, with a step from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds and a maximum speed limited to 250 km/h, although it can optionally be increased to 280 km /h or a maximum of 305 km/h.
The RS Q8 performance, for its part, increases power to 640 HP and 850 Nm, allowing it to go from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds. This eight-cylinder is the most powerful series combustion block in the history of Audi Sport GmbH.
Optionally, the exhaust system can be replaced by an RS sports system, which further intensifies the sound experience and stands out with its gloss black tailpipes.
“Both the new RS Q8 performance and the RS Q8 embody sportiness and elegance. The top model of the Q8 series combines passion for performance, prestige and suitability for everyday use to create an exhilarating experience,” said Rolf Michl, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH.
Both versions of the new RS Q8 come standard with quattro permanent all-wheel drive, combined with an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission.
The fully mechanical center differential distributes engine power to the front and rear axle in a 40:60 ratio.
Now, if a slip occurs, no more than 70 percent of the torque is applied to the front axle and up to 85 percent to the rear axle. This mode of operation results in more precise cornering, less understeer and more precise turns.
But as it is also an everyday vehicle, to achieve a balance between sportiness and comfort, both SUVs come standard with sport adaptive air suspension with controlled damping, which has been tuned specifically for the RS. The ride height of both versions varies up to 90 millimeters.
As an option, both offer electromechanical active roll stabilization (eAWS), which significantly minimizes lateral body movements.
If what you are looking for is greater aggressiveness behind the wheel, the optional dynamic plus package, with which you can reach 305 km/h, has additional components that include the electromechanical active roll stabilization, the quattro sports differential and the braking system. RS ceramics (standard on the RS Q8 Performance).
The standard electric four-wheel steering contributes to agility and stability, since when changing lanes quickly, the rear wheels turn up to 1.5 degrees in the opposite direction to the front wheels, while at lower speeds, They turn up to five degrees in the opposite direction to the front wheels. This consequently reduces the turning radius.
All of these changes allowed the RS Q8 Performance to set a new fastest lap record for the SUV category on the Nürburgring track. Driver Frank Stippler completed the route with a time of 7:36”698, a record that lowers the previous record by less than two seconds, and six seconds compared to the time set by the previous RS Q8.
