Audi has revealed a sportier and high-performance variant of the Q8 concept at the ongoing Geneva Motor Show. The Q8 Sports differs from the Concept showcased at the Detroit Motor Show earlier this year in terms of more powerful hybrid powertrain and a sportier looking body kit.
The Q8 Sports Concept hints at a performance-oriented SQ8 when the Q8 goes into production. Under the hood of the show car is 3.0 TFSI engine producing 443bhp which works in tandem with Electrically Powered Compressor (EPC) technology from SQ7 and an effective mild hybrid system for recuperation. Paired with a powerful 20kW motor, the Q8 Sport Concept has a combined power output of 470bhp and 700Nm. All the power is delivered via an eight-speed automatic gearbox to the quattro four-wheel drive. Audi claims this car is capable of 0-100kmph in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 275kmph.
The footprint remains identical to the Q7. The visual updates include an all-black treatment to the octagonal grille with silver surround and gaping air intakes. The splitters resemble the one found on Audi RS models, while the headlamps remain the same. At the rear, the aluminium diffusers are replaced by sporty carbon fibre diffusers flanked by two large oval exhaust tips on either side. The interior, on the other hand, are carried forward with little sporty garnishes all around.
When launched in production guise, the Q8 will be the new flagship SUV from Ingolstadt. The SQ8 will go up against the likes of BMW X6M, Mercedes GLE AMG Coupe, and Range Rover Sport.
