Audi RS Q8 performance

Equipped with Audi’s most powerful commercially available gasoline engine

The Audi RS Q8 Performance has been released in Japan. It is equipped with a 4.0-liter V8 direct-injection twin-turbo engine that produces a maximum output of 471kW (640PS) and a maximum torque of 850Nm. Despite being a full-size SUV coupe, it can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 3.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 305km/h (electronically limited).

The “quattro” all-wheel drive system and 8-speed Tiptronic (AT) distribute engine power between the front and rear axles in a 40:60 ratio. Depending on the road conditions, up to 70% of torque is transmitted to the front axle and up to 85% to the rear axle. This is said to achieve precise cornering, accurate turn-in, and reduced understeer. The suspension is equipped as standard with the specially tuned “RS adaptive air suspension” to achieve both sportiness and comfort. It controls damping and can adjust the vehicle height within a range of up to 90mm.

The Active Roll Stabilizer (eAWS) is also standard equipment. A compact electric motor is placed between the two stabilizers and connected to both axles, and when driving straight, the two stabilizers separate to smoothly absorb unevenness in the road surface. A rear sport differential and ceramic brakes/anthracite gray brake calipers are standard equipment. Two brake caliper colors, red and blue, are available as options.

The all-wheel steering system, also standard, uses a high-torque electric spindle drive to achieve high agility and stability. When changing lanes at high speeds, the rear wheels turn up to 1.5 degrees in the same direction as the front wheels to increase stability, and at low speeds, the rear wheels turn up to 5 degrees in the opposite direction to the front wheels to reduce the turning radius.

The RS Q8 Performance underwent a time attack on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, known as the world’s most demanding circuit. In June 2024, racing driver and Audi development driver Frank Stippler recorded a time of 7 minutes 36.698 seconds on the 20.832 km track, shaving off approximately six seconds from the pre-update RS Q8.

Exterior that emphasizes high performance

The exterior of the Audi RS Q8 Performance. — The exterior features components that assert the strongest performance of any Audi SUV, and 23-inch 6Y double-spoke aluminum wheels are standard equipment.

The exterior features a front mask that combines a 3D honeycomb cell design with a large single-frame grille, strongly highlighting the Q8 series flagship. The door mirrors, front spoiler elements, and rear diffuser are matte gray, while all other components are unified in high-gloss black. If you choose the optional “Dark Audi rings & matte carbon/black styling package,” all of these will be changed to matte carbon or high-gloss black.

The standard HD Matrix LED headlights now feature dark bezels. Laser lights, which roughly double the high-beam range, activate at speeds of 70 km/h or more, significantly improving nighttime visibility. The digital daytime running lights now come with five different lighting patterns, including a checkered flag design exclusive to the RS Q8.

The car comes standard with 23-inch black polished 6Y double-spoke design aluminum wheels. The wheel color can also be selected in matte neodymium gold. The optional 23-inch forged aluminum wheels feature a 5Y spoke design that provides excellent brake cooling performance. Large oval tailpipes on both sides and a diffuser divided into left and right sections by reflectors create a sporty and unique rear view.

Cockpit with RS-specific view

The interior of the Audi RS Q8 Performance. — The cockpit’s 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus screen features a shift light indicator as an RS-exclusive view.

The interior features perforated S sports seats with seat ventilation and honeycomb stitching on Valcona leather. This offers a sporty atmosphere and high-quality comfort. The optional RS Design Package Plus, featuring striking color accents in red, gray, and blue, is also available. If you select this option, the RS logo will be embroidered to match the color.

The 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus screen features an RS-exclusive view. It features a shift light indicator that shows the optimal timing for gear changes in manual mode. Modeled after the instrument panels used in motorsports, the engine speed display flashes green, yellow, and red to let the driver know when it’s time to shift.