All-new Audi RS Q8 is fastest SUV to lap Nürburgring

MANILA: Audi has unveiled details about its first-ever SUV blessed with the RennSport (racing sport) treatment. It’s a functional SUV that gets the robust performance of an RS, the 2020 RS Q8.

To see what it can do, Audi sent it to Nürburgring where it lapped the racetrack in just seven minutes and 42.2 seconds, the fastest ever by a production SUV.

Under its hood is a bi-turbo V8 engine that sends 59hp and 800Nm  to its quattro layout via an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission. It goes from zero-96kph in just 3.7 seconds all the way to a top speed of 250kph. If equipped with RS ceramic brakes, its top speed is 305kph.

The 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 ignition sequence gives the engine a robust and unique sound,  but the driver can influence the engine’s sound via the Audi drive select system. Standard RS Q8s will have the dual-exhaust oval tailpipe on each side but buyers can also opt for the RS sport exhaust system with black tailpipe trims that offer an even sportier sound.

Active torque distribution to both axles transfers torque to the front and rear axles at a standard ratio of 40:60, and when required, can transfer the majority of the power to the axle with better traction. Up to 70% can be directed to the front wheels and up to 85% to the rear wheels.

Wheel-selective torque control helps to improve the agile handling by providing additional traction modifications across each axle. During dynamic cornering, the quattro sport rear differential distributes drive torque between the rear wheels as required. This active torque vectoring helps improve traction, stability, and dynamics.

The RS Q8 features standard adaptive air suspension with controlled damping while its RS-specific damper tuning offers drivers a choice between long-distance comfort and high performance. Standard all-wheel steering allows for greater agility at low speeds and improved stability at high speeds.

Standard active roll stabilization helps improve vehicle driving dynamics by actively distributing roll torque between the front and rear axles. When driving straight, the two halves of the stabilizer are decoupled, which can reduce body movement on uneven roads and also help to increase ride comfort. During cornering, however, the halves of the stabilizer are twisted in opposite directions, which helps to reduce vehicle lean.

Drivers can customize their driving experience through the standard Audi drive select system with seven different profiles: comfort, auto, dynamic, allroad, offroad and the individually configurable RS-specific modes RS1 and RS2, which can be activated directly via the "RS-Mode" button on the steering wheel. The Audi drive select setting influences the engine and transmission management, power steering, the air suspension, all-wheel steering and engine sound. It also comes with variable ground clearance, short overhangs and hill descent control.

Its exterior is highlighted by the Singleframe grille, the RS-specific honeycomb design, the front air inlets in gloss black, and the alu-optic front spoiler. It comes with nn RS roof-edge spoiler, RS-specific rear bumpers with alu-optic diffuser trim and the signature RS model oval exhaust.

Other equipment include standard HD Matrix-design LED headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED taillights with dynamic turn indicators and animation, 22-inch 10-spoke star design wheels with summer tires or available 23-inch 5-Y-spoke rotor design wheels in matte titanium, painted steel brake calipers in red or available ceramic brakes in red or gray, black optic package adds black exterior accents, black rings and badges and 23-inch 5-Y-spoke rotor design wheels in anthracite with summer tires.

The interior of the new RS Q8 features slim instrument panel and strong horizontal. The central element in the cockpit is the MMI® touch response system. Special RS displays in the standard Audi virtual cockpit with 12.3-inch display offers information such as output, g-forces, lap times, drivetrain temperatures, and torque, and tire pressure. The shift light display prompts the driver to upshift when the rev limit is reached. The optional head-up display also offers several RS-specific graphics.

Every RS Q8 is standard equipped with ventilated RS sport Valcona leather seats with "RS" honeycomb stitching. The perforated, heated RS sport leather steering wheel features new large RS aluminum shift paddles on either side of the wheel.

Standard Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound System with 17 speakers and 16-channel amplifier or available Bang & Olufsen 3D Advanced Sound System which delivers high-quality surround sound through 23 speakers, powered by the 23-channel BeoCore amplifier and ICE power amplifiers with a peak output of 1,920 watts.

Safety features include adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, active lane assist, standard top view camera system with virtual 360 surround view, and Intersection assist helps monitor cross traffic.

Also read: Audi RS Q8 is the new high-performance version of mid-size SUV Q8