Audi South Africa has rounded out the updated Audi Q8 model range with the RS Q8 performance, the new flagship of Audi’s SUV offering. Its increased output of 471kW makes the RS Q8 performance SUV the most powerful series-produced combustion model in the history of Audi Sport GmbH. Furthermore, the RS Q8 performance boasts outstanding driving dynamics thanks to an optimised, self-locking centre differential while guaranteeing an equally impressive suitability for everyday use.
“The new RS Q8 performance embodies absolute sportiness and elegance. The top model of the Q8 series combines a passion for performance, prestige, and suitability for everyday use to create an exhilarating experience,” says Sascha Sauer, Head of Audi South Africa.
Unmistakably an Audi Sport GmbH model: The exterior
With the new Audi RS Q8 performance, Audi Sport GmbH is intensifying its focus on the dynamics of its high-performance SUV. A new front apron with striking air intakes, a distinctive honeycomb structure, and a blade in matte grey clearly identifies the RS Q8 performance as the top model in the series. The large Singleframe features a reinterpreted honeycomb structure where each individual honeycomb cell is now three-dimensional. The rear section also plays a part in advancing the model’s position at the top of the range. The two oval tailpipes are the first distinguishing feature of an RS model. Audi Sport GmbH has placed a diffuser between them which is divided down the middle by a reflector.
Ready for anything: V8 engine develops 471kW
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-100km/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.
Driving dynamics for maximum fun: Self-locking centre differential
The RS Q8 performance comes as standard with permanent quattro all-wheel drive, which Audi Sport GmbH combines with an eight-speed tiptronic transmission with faster shifting times as standard. The wholly mechanical centre differential, with its compact and lightweight design, distributes engine power to the front and rear axle 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. This mode of operation results in more precise cornering, less understeer, and more exact turn-in.
Agility and stability in every situation: the suspension
For an ideal balance of sportiness and comfort, the RS Q8 performance comes as standard with adaptive air suspension sport with controlled damping, which has been tuned specifically for the RS. The ride height varies by up to 90 millimeters.
As an option, this model offers electromechanical active roll stabilisation (eAWS), which significantly minimises lateral movements of the body. Both axles are connected by a compact electric motor between the two halves of the stabiliser. When the RS Q8 is driving straight, the two halves are disconnected, which reduces body movements on uneven roads. When the car corners, the electric motors turn the stabilisers in the opposite direction of each other, which noticeably reduces lateral tilt.
The optional dynamic package plus for the RS Q8 performance delivers even greater performance, giving the car a top speed of 305 km/h. Additional components include electromechanical active roll stabilisation, the quattro sport differential, and the RS ceramic braking system (which is already standard on the RS Q8 performance). The standard all-wheel steering with high-torque electric spindle drive contributes to agility and stability. When changing lanes quickly, the rear wheels turn up to 1.5 degrees in the opposite direction of the front wheels. At lower speeds, they turn up to five degrees in the opposite direction of the front wheels. This reduces the turning radius accordingly.
The top model in the series also features new lighting technology
Like the product upgrade for the Q8, the most powerful model in the series now also uses Matrix LED headlights and is distinguished via a darkened bezel. Any of the five digital daytime running light signatures add a striking look. Customers can select the signatures via the MMI, one of which is a checkered flag design exclusively available to the RS Q8 performance. For the first time, the RS Q8 uses largely digitalised OLED rear lights featuring five digital light signatures. In conjunction with the assistance systems, they have a proximity indication feature for greater road safety.
Sporty from the wheels to the seams: Equipment options
An extensive range of new paint finishes is available for the exterior, including three metallic options: Sakhir Gold, Ascari Blue, and Chili Red. In addition to the standard range, Audi exclusive fulfills customer requests for individual finishes.
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.
New optional 23-inch light-alloy wheels in a 6-Y spoke design and 295/35 tires give the upgraded RS Q8 a distinctly different look from the series standard models. They are also optionally available in metallic black, matte Neodymium Gold, burnished silk matte gray, or burnished metallic black.
As an option for the RS Q8 performance, 23-inch light-alloy wheels are available, which are manufactured using a high-tech forging and milling process. Inspired by motorsport, the 5-Y spoke design ensures optimal brake cooling. They also reduce the unsprung mass by around five kilograms each. They are available in burnished metallic black, matte grey, or matte black. Customers may also choose the high-performance Pirelli P Zero 295/35 R23 tyres, which offer consistently better grip on wet and dry roads, making for more precise, dynamic handling.
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 gray contrasting stitching. The seat belts are entirely in Ocean Blue as a special feature of the blue RS design package.
The RS Q8 performance: Record holder
The RS Q8 performance has been awarded the title of the fastest SUV on the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife at its market launch. Racing and development driver Frank Stippler completed the 20.832km track in just 7:36.698 minutes. That is more than two seconds faster than the previous fastest vehicle in the SUV class, off-road vehicles, vans, and pick-ups, and almost six seconds faster than the RS Q8 before the product upgrade.
“The RS Q8 performance owes its new lap record on the Nordschleife not only to the perfect interplay between the V8 engine and suspension components, but also to the passion of the Audi Sport GmbH team for absolute performance. It also offers first-class suitability for everyday use,” says Rolf Michl, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH.
The full Q8 range now available
The launch of the RS Q8 performance completes the newly revised Q8 range and all models are now available to order. Pricing is as follows:
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
SQ8 TFSI quattro Tiptronic Black Edition: R2,675,500
RS Q8 performance quattro Tiptronic: R3,266,100
Like all other Audi models, the Q8 range is sold with a 5-year/100,000km Audi Freeway Plan comprehensive service and maintenance plan as standard.