Audi’s Q8 model is approaching the midway point in its life cycle, and like with many vehicles, it is set to receive an update. Over the past year, prototypes for the updated versions of the regular Q8 have been spotted. Now, the first look at a prototype for the high-performance RS Q8, developed by Audi Sport, has been revealed. Additionally, prototypes for the mid-range SQ8 are also out and about.
It is clear that this prototype is for the RS Q8 due to its distinctive features. The front fascia of the vehicle boasts huge air intakes, and it also showcases upsized brakes and wheels. At the rear, the prototype sports a pair of oval exhaust tips, a signature trait of gas-powered vehicles bearing the RS badge.
When examining the changes made to the outside of the RS Q8, it appears that Audi has opted for only minimal changes. These include a new grille design, a revised rear fascia, and tweaks to the light signatures at both ends of the vehicle. Interestingly, there is a yellow warning sticker seen on the window of the driver’s door, typically indicating that the prototype features some form of heavy electrification. This could potentially mean that the RS Q8 will either be a plug-in hybrid or a fully electric vehicle.
The current RS Q8 is equipped with a turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine that produces 591 horsepower. However, it is worth noting that this same V-8 engine is paired with plug-in hybrid systems in vehicles from other Volkswagen Group brands, including the related Porsche Cayenne. In the Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid grade, this V-8 plug-in hybrid setup generates an impressive 680 horsepower. It is expected that the plug-in hybrid setup will be introduced in the Lamborghini Urus as well, which shares similarities with the Cayenne and Q8, and it is possible that it will also be incorporated into the updated RS Q8.
Related Post
The updated Q8 range is anticipated to arrive early next year as a 2024 model. Audi has made several tweaks to the Q8 to align it better with the E-Tron electric SUV, which was updated for 2024 and subsequently rebranded as the Q8 E-Tron. There have been rumors that Audi may discontinue all gas-powered Q8 models in the U.S. to focus on the Q8 E-Tron electric variant. However, Audi has remained tight-lipped on the matter. Ultimately, Audi’s plan is to transition the entire Q8 range to fully electric vehicles, with a goal to stop launching vehicles with internal-combustion engines after 2026.
In conclusion, the prototype for the updated Audi RS Q8 gives us a glimpse of what to expect from this high-performance SUV. With its distinctive features and potential heavy electrification, the RS Q8 is poised to deliver impressive power and efficiency. As Audi continues to evolve its Q8 range, the upcoming updates are likely to align the vehicle more closely with electric SUVs like the Q8 E-Tron. It will be interesting to see how Audi progresses in its transition to fully electric vehicles and what the future holds for the Q8 lineup.
