Audi’s run-up to the 2017 motor show circuit first involved a potential competitor to the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, a coupe-like SUV with an obvious leaning toward being sportier than comfy - the Q8 Concept, which they showed in Detroit in January, and earmarked for production in 2018.
Now, it seems, that Audi Sport (formerly known as quattro GmbH), is getting itchy to put their spin on it, and according to an Autocar UK report, will be showing an RS interpretation of the Q8 at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.
Obviously, the engine and suspension modifications will take central focus in the fast Q8, though visually we struggle to imagine an even lowered, more aggressive take on a concept that, in its original state, already looked quite brutish.
Under that bonnet, though, won’t be the same petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain that Audi first peddled in Michigan. Audi Sport’s involvement will likely trigger a switch to a more traditional approach to generating thrust. Suspicions surround them using same 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 that’s seeing action in the S8, RS6, and RS7.
Should they not alter the performance numbers from the tune they slot it in with the S8 Plus, this RS Q8 could be packing over 447kW and around 700Nm of torque. Audi Sport has thus far never placed an RS badge on a diesel-powered vehicle, but a Q8 with the same 4.0-litre V8 diesel with its unique forced-induction system would be an interesting proposition.
By comparison, BMW X6 M produces 423kW/750Nm from its 4.4-litre bi-turbo V8 while the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe gets its shove from a 436kW/768Nm 5.5-litre bi-turbo V8. In the German power arms race, the kW count win would go to the Audi but the BMW and AMG would best in for torque.
Purportedly, the RS Q8 will be adopting a even more flared arches, larger air intakes, revised suspension components and subtle bits and pieces to aid in aerodynamics. A 0-100km/h sprint time of under 5 seconds is what is being hinted at, putting it right up there with its would-be direct rivals.
There are also new features on the inside that distinguishes the RS Q8 as the more forward looking Audi yet. A new in-car interaction method utilising a high-definition touchscreen is reported to be premiering here as well, alongside the requisite RS-esque interior with what we assume to be generous amounts of carbon fibre and Alcantara.
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