You can actually drive a 5,500-lb SUV.
Audi has been busy finishing up its range-topping SUV, RS Q8. Our talented spy team managed to capture a prototype of this model at the Nurburgring.
The Q8 badge can be seen at the back. These fat oval exhaust tips are only used on RS-badged cars so it is clear that this is the flagship Q8. Although it isn’t a sports car, this SUV looks very fast and the driver shows great cornering skills. You can see the BMW X6 M rival turning sideways for a moment. This suggests that serious data collection is taking place.
The SUV will sport a more aggressive body kit with the RS badge. The bumper will get a modified lower section and larger air intakes. The package will also include a slightly wider wheel arch and new side sills as well as a stronger rear diffuser.
Audi is also planning to upgrade its powertrain, as you can see from the video above. The hybrid Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid system will be available to the RS Q8. This means that a 3,996cc V8 gasoline motor will be supported with an electric motor, resulting in a combined output of over 600 horsepower (447 kilowatts), and peak torque of 626 pound-feet (626 Newton-meters).
We don’t anticipate seeing the RS Q8 this coming year. However, Audi will likely unveil the smaller SQ8 within the next few months. Recent reports suggest that the absolute SUV flagship of the German company’s range will be revealed towards the end the decade.