Audi will unveil the punchy RS Q8 later this year
and if this video is anything to go by, it seems as though the Lamborghini Urus
won’t be the only blisteringly-fast SUV from the Volkswagen Group. The RS Q8 prototype in question
was recently filmed on the Nurburgring and through some of the roads near the
famed German circuit. Camouflage can be seen covering much of the front and
rear fascias with some additional camouflage found running along both sides.
Despite Audi’s best attempts to hide some of the
styling alterations made to the SUV, we know that it will benefit from
pumped-up bumpers, larger air intakes, and oval tailpipes. Audi will also
reduce the ride height of its performance-focused Q8. We may have a relatively good
idea of what the RS Q8 will look like but it remains a bit of a mystery as to
what will power the SUV.
The most logical engine from the VW Group to drive
the SUV would be its twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 used in vehicles like the
Audi RS6 and, of course, the Lamborghini Urus. In the Urus, this engine churns
out 641 hp and 850 Nm of torque so we would be shocked if the Audi
had more grunt than that.
Curiously, there are reports that the RS Q8 could
feature the same hybrid assisted, twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 powertrain of the
Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid complete with 671 hp. It is reported that the
upcoming hybrid version of the Urus could also use this same powertrain.
