Audi has whipped the wraps off the RS Q8 performance, a brand-new flagship Q8 boasting the most powerful series-production internal combustion engine ever created by the brand with the four rings.
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For the RS Q8 performance, Audi has handed the 4.0-litre V8 beating below its bonnet an injection of 30 kW and 50 N.m of torque, lifting peak power and torque outputs to 471 kW and 850 N.m. The twin-turbocharged unit is coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission, replete with faster shifting times.
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According to the Ingolstadt-based brand, the uprated figures allow the all-wheel-drive performance SUV to dispatch the obligatory 0-100 km/h sprint in 3.6 seconds. That’s two-tenths of a second quicker than the standard RS Q8’s 0-100 km/h sprint time of 3.8 seconds. The top speed is rated at 280 km/h. Stopping power is provided by an RS braking system, which comprises 420 mm front and 370 mm ventilated composite discs. 10-piston callipers can be found at the front.
However, it’s not only the powertrain that has been updated. The RS Q8 performance has gained a “newly developed” RS sports exhaust system, which, through reducing back pressure, has not only increased the outputs but also creates a “sportier” soundtrack. In addition, the pinnacle model and standard RS Q8 sport adaptive air suspension, replete with controlled damping. The latter has been “specifically” tuned for the RS models. Electromechanical active roll stabilisation is also included in the package, as is all-wheel steering.
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“With the new RS Q8 and RS Q8 performance, Audi Sport combines a passion for performance with prestige and suitability for everyday use to create an exhilarating experience,” said Rolf Michl, Managing Director at Audi Sport GmbH.
To prove its prowess, Audi took the hefty model to the Nürburgring Nordschleife and driver Frank Stippler the loop in 7:36.998 minutes, breaking the previous lap time record for SUVs, off-roaders, or bakkies by 2 seconds.
