ON THE ROAD- IAN LYNAS REPORTS ON TWO NEW AUDIS FOR THE FAST LANE

Audi is right up there in the SUV super league with news of the new RS Q8 SUV with an output of 600PS and the addition of a new, second version to the top model in the series: the RS Q8 SUV performance, which boasts an output of 640PS which makes it the most powerful series-produced combustion engine model in the history of Audi Sport!

Both vehicles share outstanding driving dynamics thanks to an optimized, self-locking centre differential while guaranteeing an equally impressive suitability for everyday use. I have driven several high performance Audi models and I would agree they are equally at ease simply for everyday driving; take a break and find a high performance course at a race circuit and then you can explore the outstanding performance. The exterior of the RS Q8 SUV and RS Q8 SUV performance follow on from the recently upgraded Q8 SUV. A new front apron with striking air intakes, a distinctive honeycomb structure, and a blade in high-gloss black, the performance version features matte grey, clearly identify these two as the top models in the series. The large single frame features a reinterpreted honeycomb structure where each individual honeycomb cell is now three-dimensional and the rear section also plays a part in advancing the models’ position at the top of the range. The two oval tailpipes are the first distinguishing feature of an RS model and there is a diffuser between them, which is divided down the middle by a reflector. Performance is very much the heart of these newcomers, and the output of the twin-turbocharged, eight-cylinder engine makes for outstanding driving dynamics. The RS Q8 reaches 100kph (62mph) from rest in just 3.8 seconds while the top speed is electronically limited to 250kph (155mph). With an extra 40PS and 850Nm of torque, the RS Q8 SUV performance reaches 100kph (62mph) in a mere 3.6 seconds and can reach a top speed of 280kph (174mph).

By reducing back pressure, the newly developed, lighter RS sport exhaust system increases the output of the RS Q8 SUV performance while creating a sportier, more evocative sound. Both models come as standard with permanent quattro all-wheel drive combined with an eight-speed tiptronic transmission with faster shifting times as standard. Audi are legendary in producing vehicles, not only for the road, but also in motor sport, particularly in rallying and rallycross.

The wholly mechanical centre differential, with its compact and lightweight design, distributes engine power to the front and rear axles at a ratio of 40:60 and if slippage occurs, no more than 70 percent of the drive torque is applied to the front and up to 85 percent to the rear axle; this mode of operation results in more precise cornering, less understeer, and more exact turn-in. For an ideal balance of sportiness and comfort, both come as standard with adaptive air suspension with controlled damping, which has been tuned specifically for the RS and the ride height of both versions varies by up to 90mm. HD Matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light, which act as an extra-high beam with a significantly greater range, are standard, while a darkened bezel distinguishes the top model visually from the base model and any of the five digital daytime running light signatures adds a striking look. Additional special features for the performance version, an entrance LED that projects the lettering “RS performance” onto the ground and the 12.3 inch Audi virtual cockpit plus features a shift light indicator in manual mode. It changes the rpm display from green to yellow to red, flashing in a manner identical to that used in motorsports to indicate the optimal time to change gears and Launch Control fully exploits the acceleration potential of this version.

Thirty years have passed since Audi introduced the first RS model, the RS2 which was based on the 80 Avant and was co-developed with Porsche. Power was courtesy of a 2.2 litre 20 valve engine which had 311bhp, around half the power output of the two new RS Q8 models. Top Speed was 262kph (163mph) with rest to 100kph (62mph) in 5.4 seconds; certainly a fast car for that time. RS means Renn Sport (Racing Sport).

Ian Lynas