Just a few weeks ago, Audi made its first foray into the coupe SUV segment with the unveiling of the new Q8. Recent sightings of prototype models suggest Audi is cooking up a hardcore RS version of the large SUV, and now a new report by Autocar claims to confirm its powertrain. While the Q8 shares many of its components with the Lamborghini Urus, it will allegedly be even more powerful than the high-riding raging bull. The Urus packs 641 hp, but according to Autocar the upcoming Audi RS Q8 will deliver a whopping 670 hp.
Under the hood will be a twin-turbocharged V8 gasoline engine and electric motor inherited from the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, the report claims. If it packs the same amount of torque, the Audi’s hardcore SUV will deliver 626 pound-feet matching the Urus. Of course, these specifications haven’t been officially confirmed by Audi yet. If, however, the report is true, the RS Q8 will become Audi’s most powerful production car ever – more powerful, even, than the mighty Audi R8 V10 Plus. Don’t expect it to outrun Audi’s supercar, though, since the SUV obviously has a significantly higher curb weight.
That said, this output should make the Audi RS Q8 a worthy rival to the likes of the BMW X6 M and the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 Coupe. As well as the upgraded powertrain, the Audi RS Q8 is expected to come with a slew of enhancements over the standard model. Being an RS variant, we can expect oval exhaust tips, beefier brakes, new wheels, stiffer suspension and a more aggressive exterior. It could also come with four-wheel steering as standard to give the potent SUV more agility and high-speed stability, since it’s an optional extra in the standard Q8. Previewed by the Q8 Sport concept, the production-ready Audi RS Q8 should debut before the end of the decade.
Don’t expect it to be the most powerful SUV in the Volkswagen Group for long though, as upcoming hybrid versions of the Lamborghini Urus and Porsche Cayenne Turbo will almost certainly overtake it.
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