autoevolution
 

2020 Audi RS Q8 Spied Testing at the Nurburgring With Production Body

After launching the regular Q8 SUV, Audi realized it was so popular that it could charge a whole lot more money. So two performance models were immediately approved for production, even though new nameplates never get such treatment.
2020 Audi RS Q8 Spied Testing at the Nurburgring With Production Body 3 photos
Photo: YouTube screenshot/Carspotter Jeroen
2020 Audi RS Q8 Spied Testing at the Nurburgring With Production Body2020 Audi RS Q8 Spied Testing at the Nurburgring With Production Body
The A5 Sportback had to wait until the second generation to get the RS treatment while the Q5 still doesn't have one, even though it's the most popular Audi in some markets. One hot Q8 has already come out, the diesel-powered SQ8 TDI, but we want to know what happens when the 4-liter V8 runs on gasoline.

And this is the answer, the RS Q8, spotted testing at the Nurburgring by Carspotter Jeroen. The test prototype was filmed both on the legendary track and in the areas around it. Although some of the bodywork is identical, we have to admit that Audi dialed up the aggression by quite a bit.

Unless we're mistaken, this is a new prototype, since we've never seen those front-end features before. The side intakes now stick out almost as far as the main grille, while the mesh has been changed. Perhaps the only thing missing is the RS-specific wheel design.

The RS model sits lower and has wider tracks. Its axle setup is probably different to that of the normal Q8, though air suspension and active anti-roll bars will still be used to maximize comfort. Also, the road-scanning system from the new S8 could be implemented here as well.

Just like every big RS model since the beginning of the decade, the hot SUV will be powered by a 4-liter bi-turbo V8. But it's a new unit, developed in collaboration with Porsche. And while the Panamera Turbo only delivers 550 HP, this will have anywhere between 560 and 605 HP... maybe even more.

Rival brands are cooking up SUVs that are just as powerful if not more so. We've already seen leaked photos of the X5 M, which should debut soon, while Mercedes-AMG has a new GLE 63 S in the works, probably competent to the tune of 612 HP.

If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories