Audi South Africa has introduced the RS Q8 Performance, the new flagship of its SUV lineup. With 471kW of power, it’s the most powerful series-production combustion model in Audi Sport GmbH’s history. The RS Q8 Performance also features an optimized self-locking centre differential, enhancing driving dynamics while remaining practical 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 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.