Audi RS Q8 (2024) facelift debuts with up to 640 hp

(Motorsport-Total.com/Motor1) – Audi has just made its most aggressive car a little more aggressive. Anyone who thought that the RS Q8 wasn’t aggressive and extroverted enough can now look forward to even larger air intakes, a wider single-frame grille and a more racing-style diffuser. And, incidentally, the most powerful combustion engine ever installed in a production car with four rings.

Say hello to the Audi RS Q8 and the all-new, even crazier RS Q8 Performance for 2024. Ingolstadt’s flagship SUV just got a little more flagship-like.

Fortunately, both cars continue to use the much-praised 4.0-litre biturbo V8. In the RS Q8, it still produces 600 hp and 800 Nm of torque. Enough for a 0-100 km/h time of 3.8 seconds. However, product marketing tells us that most customers will opt for the RS Q8 Performance in the future. This has 640 hp and 850 Nm. It goes from 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds. Both top Q8s have a top speed of 250 km/h as standard. However, top speeds of 280 or 305 km/h are also available for an additional charge.

The increased performance of the performance model is achieved, among other things, by a newly developed, weight-reduced exhaust system with less back pressure, which should also sound even more distinctive. Look forward to unprecedented popularity among your neighbors. The new development stage beats that of the previous Audi Sport model athlete RS 6 Performancewhich produces 630 hp.

Of course, the two performance tankers have permanent all-wheel drive, which is coupled to an 8-speed automatic transmission with faster shifting times. The mechanical center differential normally distributes the power to the front and rear axles in a ratio of 40:60. So you can see that things are generally a little rear-heavy here.

If slippage occurs, a maximum of 70 percent of the drive torque can be sent to the front and up to 85 percent to the rear. The diff is designed to ensure more precise cornering, less understeer and more precise steering behavior.

305 km/h with Dynamic Package Plus

Both RS Q8s come with adaptive air suspension as standard. Both models offer an optional electromechanical roll stabilization (eAWS), which is designed to significantly minimize lateral movements of the body. The drive energy for the eAWS comes from a 48-volt lithium-ion battery.

Anyone who wants to make the asphalt burn even more with their heavy-duty sports car can purchase the optional Dynamic Package Plus, which increases the top speed to 305 km/h, includes electromechanical roll stabilization, the quattro sport differential and the RS ceramic brake system (standard in the RS Q8 Performance). All-wheel steering is standard.

Photo gallery: Audi RS Q8 by Mansory

In line with the product upgrade of the Q8, the most powerful model in the series now also uses Matrix LED headlights. HD Matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light as additional high beam are optionally available. In contrast to the basic model, a darkened cover ensures visual differentiation. The Audi laser light acts as an additional high beam with a significantly greater range. Headlights and OLED taillights can now each have five digital daytime running light signatures.

10-piston brake system with internally ventilated composite brake discs

The facelift of the RS Q8 sees the introduction of the new paint finishes Sachir Gold, Ascari Blue and Chili Red. A new optional 23-inch alloy wheel in a 6-Y-spoke design with 295/35 tires is available. It is available in black metallic, neodymium gold matt, satin gray with a high-gloss finish, or black metallic with a high-gloss finish. The two top versions of the model series come with 10-spoke alloy wheels in 22 inches (295/40) as standard. For an additional charge, the performance model can be fitted with a 23-inch forged wheel that saves a total of 20 kg compared to the standard 22-inch wheels.

Behind the wheels is a monumental 10-piston brake system with internally ventilated composite brake discs (420 millimetres at the front, 370 millimetres at the rear). Alternatively, the
a ceramic brake for deceleration. It is optionally available for the RS Q8 and is part of the standard equipment of the RS Q8 Performance. Its discs measure 440 millimeters (front) and 370 millimeters (rear).

There are three RS design packages available for the interior in red, grey or blue. The latter is only available for the Performance. Here, the seat belts are also coloured ocean blue. The steering wheel is made of Alcantara.

The revised RS Q8 starts at 141,900 euros and can be ordered from June 27. The most powerful SUV produced in series by Audi Sport GmbH, the new RS Q8 Performance, costs at least 155,700 euros