According to Autocar, the highly
anticipated RS Q8 would indeed pack a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, just like the
Urus. But instead of using the engine that Audi furnishes for Lamborghini’s
crossover, the RS Q8 would adopt the powertrain from the Porsche Panamera Turbo
S E-Hybrid – complete with its electric assist.
In the Panamera, the system generates a combined
output of 671 hp and 850 Nm of torque – the same
amount of twist, but a good 30 hp more than the Urus’ 641 hp.
And with the electric motor filling in the gaps, it’d likely offer more
consistent power delivery.
That’d make the RS Q8 the most potent crossover in
the VW group – more than the Urus, the Bentley Bentayga, and any version of the
Porsche Cayenne to date, though that would likely change as the powertrain
makes its way around under the group’s vast umbrella. It’d also make the RS Q8
the most powerful model Audi Sport (née Quattro) will ever have offered,
eclipsing even the R8 V10 Plus by 68 hp and 290 Nm. And
it’d give Audi’s new flagship a leg up over the competition as well, like the Mercedes-AMG
GLE63, BMW X6 M, and Range Rover Sport SVR.
Audi Sport could very well fit the RS Q8 with its
48-volt adaptive suspension as well – something which Ingolstadt said wasn’t
needed on the base Q8 due to its lower roofline and wider stance. Fitting it to
the RS version would likely differentiate it from the standard model, though,
and help tighten up what’s sure to be a rather hefty vehicle.
