The rendering of the Audi RS Q8 predicts the inevitable

In the early days of August this year, Audi confirmed that six new brand performance offerings would be presented until the end of this year. One of these RS vehicles is already available – the new RS6 Avant that will finally be available in the US, and the new RS7 will arrive very soon. Meanwhile, the Germans are also working on an RS treatment for the Q8, which should be positioned above the latest model, the SQ8 with a soft hybrid diesel powertrain.

Spotted practically without camouflage a week ago, the RS Q8 puts its production on stage in our latest exclusive rendering. If we compare this virtual overview of the model to the spy photos, the only easily visible changes are in the front, where the grille has a different mesh pattern and a slightly modified lower diffuser. The side skirts seem to be a little more sculptural than the test prototype, but it is unclear whether the final design will retain a similar layout.

It will be interesting to see which engine will power the new Q8 range. Some reports say the vehicle will adopt the hybrid system of the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, which combines a 4.0-liter V8 with an electric motor for 680 horsepower (507 kilowatts) and 626 lb-ft ( 849 Newton). -meters) of torque. Other publications, however, indicate that the RS Q8 will not use any kind of electrification and will rely on the same powertrain placed under the hood of the Lamborghini Urus.

Whatever the direction taken by Audi, the power should be greater than 600 hp (447 kW). It will reach all four wheels thanks to the company's Quattro all-wheel drive system and an automatic transmission. Other improvements over standard Q8 models should include adaptive suspension, more powerful brakes, steering mechanism modifications, and more.