Following the recent launch of the Audi SQ8, there
is now one more high-performance variant to look forward to: the range-topping
RS. Ingolstadt’s engineers continue to develop the high-performance SUV and
recently hit the Nurburgring in a roaring prototype with very little camouflage
and sounding every part as monstrous as you would expect an Audi Sport model to
sound.
Sources tell us that the RS Q8 will be powered by a
4.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 an engine already put to good use throughout
the VW Group family. The Lamborghini Urus is currently the range-topping
performance SUV in the German group’s stable, pumping out 641 hp and 850 Nm of torque. It is unlikely Audi will be allowed to step on the toes of
the Urus, so it will be likely de-tuned to somewhere nearer the 600 HP mark.
Make no mistake, however, the RS Q8 will still be extremely fast – plus, it
will cost quite a bit less than its Italian cousin.
This particular prototype features camouflage across
its front and rear bumpers as well as across the side skirts and wheel arches.
We know the SUV will receive larger air intakes than those of other Q8 models,
including the SQ8, as well as a bespoke rear bumper.
