Audi’s growing SUV range will be joined by a new Q8 SUV soon. The flagship SUV will be based on the Q8 Concept showcased at the Geneva this year. The Ingolstadt-carmaker has now patented an ‘RS Q8’ moniker for the sporty variant of the flagship SUV, registered by the European Union Intellectual Property Office. Here we have an exclusive digital rendering of the same.
In March this year, Audi confirmed that an increasing number of their SUVs will be wearing the high-performance RS badge in the coming years. The Q3 is the first and only SUV/crossover right now with the RS version, with the RS Q5 and the RS Q7 next in line. However, before the latter two, the German carmaker has trademarked the RS Q8 name, which means that Audi is not wasting any time with its performance SUVs. The German carmaker showcased the SQ8 Concept as well, but the new RS Q8 will be an even hardcore version of the SUV.
As can be seen in the image, the new SQ8 will have an aggressive fascia with a mesh grille and black inserts. The sportier wheels and side skirts will be joined by blacked out roof rails as well. The front bumper will feature larger air vents with a hooded scoop expected to add the appeal of the SUV.
Unlike the SQ7, which uses a diesel engine mated with electric motors, the new RS Q8 will be powered by a powerful gasoline engine from one of Audi’s performance cars. A reworked 4.0-litre biturbo V8 is the best candidate with a power output of more than 600bhp. It will have the hallmark Quattro all-wheel-drive system and an automatic transmission.
Audi has realised that, with the shifting trends towards SUVs, the car buyers prefer a performance-oriented, high riding vehicle over a proper sports car. Apart from the new Q8, the upcoming Q4 will also get the RS treatment in time to come. The new RS Q8 is expected to break cover in a couple of years’ time. Audi will bring the new Q8 and the RS Q8 performance versions to India as well. However, we are still waiting for the new SQ7 which was promised to us a long time ago.
