Archives

NEWS

Audi RS Q8 performance takes Nurburgring fastest SUV title

Leave a comment

WHAT you are looking at is Audi Sport GmbH’s most powerful series-produced combustion model, the RS Q8 performance.

Under its bonnet sits a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine tuned to produce 640 PS and 850 Nm of torque. Paired with an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and the quattro all-wheel-drive system, it only takes 3.6 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h.

Even more impressively, this powerhouse has also claimed the title of the fastest SUV at the Nürburgring with a time of 7 minutes and 36.698 seconds, two seconds quicker than the previous record holder, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, and almost six seconds faster than the previous RS Q8.

In addition to the potent engine, a significant part of the RS Q8 performance’s on-track capabilities is contributed by the adaptive air suspension system with specific tuning for the RS model.

Furthermore, it is equipped with a mechanical center differential as part of the quattro all-wheel-drive system. It is tasked with distributing engine power to the front and rear axles at a ratio of 40:60.

In case of slippage, no more than 70% of the drive torque is applied to the front and up to 85% to the rear axle, giving the SUV more precise cornering, less understeer, and more exact turn-in.

Audi also offers the RS Q8 performance with an electromechanical active roll stabilization system (eAWS) that essentially minimises lateral movements of the body.

As an alternative to the performance version, customers can opt for the base RS Q8 with 600 PS and 800 Nm on tap.

For this version, acceleration from 0-100 km/h is completed in 3.8 seconds. The standard electronically limited top speed is 250 km/h but customers can have it increased to 280 km/h or a maximum of 305 km/h as an option.

For more potent performance, the base RS Q8 can be fitted with the available dynamic package plus, which includes eAWS, the quattro sport differential, and the RS ceramic braking system (standard on the RS Q8 performance).

There’s also an all-wheel steering system, which is standard on both versions, that functions to reduce the turning radius.

In Germany, the RS Q8 can be ordered starting from June 27 this year with prices ranging from 141,900 euros (RM716,317) for the base version and 155,700 euros (RM785,960) for the performance model.

NEWS

Audi RS6 Avant GT is a 630-PS, 850-Nm super wagon

1 Comment

You may have forgotten about it but about three years ago, Audi introduced the RS6 GTO Concept that took inspiration from the Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO race car.

That concept car now has made it to production through a limited edition model known as the RS6 Avant GT.

Only 660 units of the GT will be offered, all of which will be assembled at Böllinger Höfe, where the R8, e-tron GT quattro and RS e-tron GT are built in small-series production.

As you can see, the RS6 Avant GT is not exactly a carbon copy of the RS6 GTO but there are some elements that have been carried over from the concept car.

These include the Singleframe and the air intakes finished entirely in high-gloss black, integrated air outlets behind the front wheels, and the distinctive double wing.

The livery on the RS6 Avant GT appears slightly different from that of the RS6 GTO but still retains the traditional Audi Sport colours of black, grey, and red.

In addition, the wagon also comes with a fully redesigned hood and fenders manufactured from carbon fibre, marking the first time the RS6 Avant has received such addenda.

The wheels come in 22-inch sizes and are available in glossy white, glossy black, or matte black, depending on the chosen body colour.

Meanwhile, the black interior is enhanced by numerous accents in the red and copper, which can be found on the steering wheel, the sides of the center console, the center armrest and door armrests and the floor mats.

The RS6 Avant GT comes standard with RS bucket seats wrapped in leather and Dinamica upholstery. The seats are also adorned with Express Red honeycomb stitching in the center and copper trims on the outer seams.

Included are also Dinamica microfibre trims on the dashboard, centre console, and doors, red seat belts, and the car’s serial number on the centre console.

Like the RS6 Avant Performance, the GT is powered by a 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 TFSI engine that produces a whopping 630 PS and 850 Nm.

However, in terms of performance, this one is even more impressive, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds, making it 0.1 seconds faster than the Performance version.

For the 0-200 km/h sprint, the GT needs only 11.5 seconds to accomplish, while the maximum speed is rated at 305 km/h.

To make it more agile on corners, Audi has installed an adjustable coilover suspension system as standard. It lowers the ride height by 10 mm compared to the RS6 Avant and offers a perfect combination of dynamics and comfort.

Alternatively, customers can opt for the RS sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) or the RS adaptive air suspension.

Other goodies found in the GT include stiffer stabiliser bars (30% in the front, 80% in the rear), reworked quattro sport differential on the rear axle, and 285/30 Continental Sport Contact 7 tyres

EV

Audi SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron unveiled in Malaysia, first EV with three motor setup

Leave a comment

PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM) today launched two new electric (EV) models for the Malaysian market, namely the Audi SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron. Both models are distinguished by their body shapes, with the Sportback being the more sporty coupe version.

The Audi SQ8 e-tron is offered at a starting price of RM519,990, while the SQ8 Sportback e-tron is priced at RM529,990.

Three electric motors

The Audi SQ8 e-tron becomes the first officially introduced EV model in Malaysia with a three-electric motor setup – one at the front axle and two at the rear. These three electric motors are asynchronous, operating independently.

The front motor generates 166hp, while each of the rear motors produces 131hp. The total output for the SQ8 e-tron reaches 496hp and 973Nm of torque.

This allows the heavy SUV EV to accelerate to 100km/h in just 4.5 seconds, with a maximum speed of 210km/h.

The two independent rear electric motors are used to precisely distribute power based on driving conditions such as uneven roads or corners.

Charging

The Audi SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron can be charged up to 170kW for DC, enabling the battery to reach from 10 to 80 percent in just 31 minutes. With a full charge, this SUV can be driven for up to 471km.

For AC charging, it uses a 22kW capacity, requiring nine to 11 and a half hours depending on various factors.

Luxurious and sporty aesthetics

Both models come in an S package, indicating a sportier design. The widened bumper design is now more expressive, while the wheel arch panels with optimized air flow present a more muscular image.

The Singleframe grille, which is an Audi signature (with projector lights), is further emphasized by the Digital Matrix LED headlights. Interestingly, these lights have 1.3 million micro mirrors that can be adjusted up to 5,000 times per second to provide optimal illumination without dazzling other drivers.

Aerodynamics are crucial for EVs, and the Audi SQ8 e-tron has a low drag coefficient (Cd) of between 0.24 and 0.27, helping to achieve longer driving distances.

Other features include red brake calipers, carbon fiber side mirror housings, black roof rails, and 22-inch Interferenz Audi Sport rims.

“With the introduction of the new SQ8 e-tron through the classic SUV design and the more sporty Sportback design, we are now offering a high-powered Q8 e-tron variant for those seeking a more exhilarating driving experience with Audi’s dynamic and efficient technology,” said PHSAM CEO, Denyu Bostandzhiev.

“The Q8 e-tron and e-tron GT model families were launched in Malaysia in June last year and have received positive feedback,” he added.

The SQ8 e-tron comes in seven color options – Magnet Gray, Ultra Blue, Chronos Gray, Mythos Black, Plasma Blue, Daytona Gray, and Glacier White.

Both models are covered by a 5-year warranty, a 3-year scheduled maintenance package, and 5-year roadside assistance.

Engear Volt

Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar boasts off-road ruggedness

Leave a comment

AUDI will be competing in this year’s Dakar Rally with a RS Q e-tron designed specifically for the gruelling endurance race. To mark its participation, the automekr has introduced the new Q8 e-tron edition Dakar, inspired by the rally car.

According to Audi, only 99 units of the edition Dakar will be made available. It will open for booking in the first quarter of this year, with a starting price of 120,000 euros (RM608,211) in Germany.

The Q8 e-tron edition Dakar is based on a Q8 advanced 55 e-tron quattro. It is equipped with a 114 kWh battery offering a driving range of up to 487 km. The battery powers a pair of electric motors making 402 hp (300 kW) and 664 Nm of torque.

With standard tyres, the Q8 e-tron edition Dakar can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds. All-terrain General Grabber AT3 tyres increases the century sprint time by a tenth of a second to 5.9 seconds. The top speed is limited to 200 km/h.

While the chunky tyres render the SUV a little slower, they provide a higher ground clearance (+31 mm) and better grip on rocky or snowy surfaces.

The edition Dakar also comes standard with a roof rack capable of carrying up to 40 kg of load. Included are a bag for the rack and straps for attaching accessories.

In the base setting, the vehicle has a ground clearance of 206 mm. At higher speeds, it gradually lowers – by 15 mm at 85 km/h, 17 mm at 100 km/h, and 13 mm at 120 km/h.  Audi says the control strategy for the air suspension was revised for off-road driving.

Meanwhile, its approach, ramp, and departure angles are 20, 26, and 19 degrees, respectively. Audi also claims a water wading depth of up to 300 mm.

The four rings brand also offers plenty of optional acessories, which include decals inspired by the RS Q e-tron, ambient light package plus, second high-voltage heater to monitor heating power, Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System with 3D sound and virual side mirros.

In addition to the AT rubbers, each unit of the Q8 e-tron edition Dakar comes with a set of summer tyres along and 20-inch wheels in 5-V spoke S design.