5 things you should know about the all-new 2021 Audi RS Q8

MANILA: Audi Sport is Audi AG's high-performance division which develops, manufactures, and tests the brand's RS models distinguished by distinct designs and the ability to be driven on a daily basis despite their performance focus.

RS models are available as compacts, sedans, coupes, wagons, crossovers, and SUVs in the Audi lineup, serving as the spearheads in their respective product lines. The all-new Audi RS Q8, which combines record-setting performance and superb design with the space and versatility of a luxury SUV, is considered the flagship of the RS models.

In the Philippines, the Audi RS Q8 also leads the Audi Sport lineup. Its numerous technologies and features can be presented to clients from the comfort of their own homes via Audi Live View, a fully digital luxury experience that allows clients to interact in real time with an Audi product expert at an Audi Philippines showroom.

Here are the five things that you should know about the all-new 2021 Audi RS Q8.

1. It's the fastest SUV around the Nürburgring

The 2021 Audi RS Q8, as far as SUVs go, is considered the Lord of the 'Ring — the Nürburgring, that is. Every new RS model is tested and fine-tuned at Germany's famed Nürburgring track, with each high-performance vehicle undergoing at least 8,000 kilometers of evaluation and development work. Audi Sport can then determine how the powertrain and suspension components of the RS models perform in extreme conditions.

The Audi RS Q8 completed more than 18,000 kilometers of endurance testing on the legendary North Loop of the Nürburgring, setting the fastest lap time for production SUVs in the process. The Audi RS Q8 lapped the demanding 20.832-kilometer course in 7 minutes and 42.253 seconds, setting a new record.

2. It has the biggest brakes among all Audi models 

Force equals mass multiplied by acceleration and to stop such a forceful vehicle you would require huge brakes. Aside from power and handling, another factor that allows RS models to set benchmarks is their ability to stop. This is provided by the Audi RS Q8's RS ceramic brakes, which have 10-piston calipers and massive vented discs measuring 440 millimeters at the front wheels and 370 millimeters at the rear. Because of the ceramic construction, these do not overheat even after repeated hard braking, allowing them to deliver more consistent and effective stopping power. Their lighter weight also results in less unsprung mass, which improves handling even more.

3. Choose from eight drive modes on the fly

The Audi RS Q8 has eight driving profiles, each with its own personality. Comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency, allroad, and offroad modes, as well as two RS-specific modes—RS1 and RS2—are available via the Audi drive select dynamic handling system. Both RS modes can be configured to the driver's liking and are activated via the RS Mode button on the steering wheel. Audi drive select manages the engine and transmission, the steering boost, the air suspension settings, the all-wheel steering setup, the sound of the RS sport exhaust system, and even the automatic air-conditioning.

4. The adaptive air supension with 23-inch alloy wheels mean business

The Audi RS Q8 rides on 23-inch cast aluminum wheels with five-spoke rotors. These massive wheels wrapped in high-performance tires not only provide superior stability and traction, but also add to the vehicle's adaptive air suspension sport with controlled damping system's handling capabilities. The system uses sensors to measure the movements of the Audi RS Q8's body, allowing for a setup biased toward comfort or extremely sporty driving. A control unit processes all sensor signals in a matter of milliseconds and then adjusts each damper individually to the road surface and driving situation. This results in a wide range of responses, from a soft ride to firm handling. When combined with an all-wheel steering system, the Audi RS Q8 is equally at home on the road and on the racetrack.

5. It has a suite of intuitive technologies

What use is all that power if you can’t control it? The 2021 Audi RS Q8 is equipped with a comprehensive range of driver-assist technologies, as well as special RS displays for infotainment systems such as the MMI and the Audi virtual cockpit. These display data such as tire pressure, torque and power output, engine temperature, lap times, and g-forces, among other things. The Audi smartphone interface, which allows the various functions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto devices to be seamlessly accessed via wireless connection, is also standard on the model. The Audi RS Q8's system allows occupants to get turn-by-turn navigation directions, make phone calls, send and receive messages, listen to music, hold online meetings, and more while on the move.

To know more about the all-new 2021 Audi RS Q8, contact (0917) 806-2946 for Audi Centre Greenhills, (0917) 935-4111 for Audi Centre BGC, (0917) 813-9064 for Audi Centre Westgate Alabang, and 09178423419 for Audi Centre Seaside Cebu. Inquiries may also be sent to sales@audi.ph.

Photos from Audi Philippines

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