Audi RS Q8 performance takes Nurburgring fastest SUV title
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.
