Audi RS Q8 breaks Nurburgring lap record

- The newest Audi flagship clocked 7 minutes and 42.2 seconds at the ‘Ring

- Beats the previous record-holder by impressive seven seconds

Audi is switching its flagship from a low-slung mid-engine supercar – the R8 – to a high-riding big-girth SUV. So obviously, the new RS Q8 needed to grab attention before making its presence felt in the growing high-performance SUV reign, and what better headline could be than a Nurburgring lap record. The soon-to-be-revealed Audi RS Q8 has lapped the notorious ‘Ring in 7 minutes and 42.2 seconds.

Dethroning the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S (which did a time of 7 minutes and 49.369 seconds) the RS Q8 becomes the newest King of the Ring amongst SUVs. When it breaks cover in a few days, the RS Q8 will be the last of the six RS model Audi promised for 2019 following the RS Q3, RS Q3 Sportback, RS4 Avant, RS6 Avant, and RS7 Sportback.

Powering the mammoth is the same 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 which powers the other powerful RS models as well as the sibling – Lamborghini Urus. Official output figures are revealed as 592bhp of power and an earth-shattering 800Nm of torque. Which is just enough to send the potent Q8 from 0-100kmph in supercar-shaming 3.8 seconds. However, the top speed is capped at just 306kmph.

Other technical details surfaced ahead of the official reveal claims that the RS Q8 sits on air suspension, has four-wheel steering and torque-vectoring rear differential. Power is put down on tarmac via the bespoke 295/35 ZR 23 section Pirelli P Zero tyres shod on massive 23-inch wheels. Apart from that, all the RS bits are present as well.

Audi is expected to showcase the new RS Q8 at the upcoming 2019 Los Angeles Motor Show. Sales are expected to commence only next year, and we hope the new RS Q8 graces our shores sooner rather than later.