Audi South Africa has rounded off the updated Audi Q8 model range with the RS Q8 performance, the new flagship of Audi’s SUV offering.
What is new?
With and increased output of 471kW, the RS Q8 is the brand’s most powerful performance SUV to date. Furthermore, the RS Q8 Performance boasts first-class driving dynamics thanks to an optimised, self-locking centre differential.
Engine and drive system:
Thanks to the most powerful series-produced combustion engine in Audi Sport GmbH’s history developing 471kW and 850Nm, the new RS Q8 performance is guaranteed to impress with a zero-to-100 km/h acceleration time of just 3.6 seconds.
By reducing back pressure, the newly developed, lighter exhaust system increases the output of the RS Q8 Performance while creating a sportier, more evocative sound. Optionally, the exhaust system can be replaced with the RS sport exhaust system, which further intensifies the sound experience and stands out with glossy black tailpipes.
The RS Q8 comes standard with permanent quattro all-wheel drive, which Audi Sport GmbH combines with a standard eight-speed tiptronic transmission with faster shifting times. The wholly mechanical centre differential distributes engine power to the front and rear axles at a ratio of 40:60.
If slippage occurs, no more than 70 percent of the drive torque is applied to the front and up to 85 percent to the rear axle.
Exterior and interior:
The RS Q8 Performance is distinguished primarily by matte grey exterior mirrors, front spoiler elements and a matte grey rear diffuser, with all other equipment in high-gloss black. Audi Sport GmbH also offers an additional package for the RS Q8 Performance with all the features listed here in matte carbon or high-gloss black.
Red, grey, or blue RS design packages are available for the interior. The blade in the centre console, the floor mats, the steering wheel, and the seat belt edges feature red or grey contrasting stitching. The seat belts are entirely in Ocean Blue as a special feature of the blue RS design package.
Prices:
Q8 45 TDI quattro Tiptronic Platinum Edition (R1 968 700), Q8 45 TDI quattro Tiptronic Black edition (R2 015 400), Q8 55 TFSI quattro Tiptronic Platinum Edition (R2 011 700), Q8 55 TFSI quattro Tiptronic Black Edition (R2 058 400), SQ8 TFSI quattro Tiptronic (R2 640 500) and the SQ8 TFSI quattro Tiptronic Black Edition (R2 675 500).
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