The Audi RS Q8 performance1, boasting a powerful 471 kW (640 PS) and 850 Nm of torque, is designed to excel on both winding roads and challenging racetracks.
Chassis developer Roland Waschkau highlights how this high-performance SUV, Audi’s most powerful production model with a combustion engine, masterfully balances daily practicality with a sporty edge.
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With features like adaptive air suspension and advanced electromechanical active roll stabilization (eAWS), the RS Q8 performance1 delivers an agile, comfortable ride on diverse terrains.
Our test drive begins on the scenic roads near Sitges, Spain, where the RS Q8 performance1 effortlessly handles sharp turns and narrow stretches, demonstrating its adaptability. Waschkau, a 25-year Audi veteran, explains how the eAWS enhances stability by minimizing lateral body movements, offering a smoother, controlled drive.
When cornering, the eAWS connects stabilizers at each axle via electric motors powered by a 48 V lithium-ion battery, actively counteracting body roll for a more dynamic, engaged feel.
At the ParcMotor Castellolí racetrack, the RS Q8 performance1 showcases its full potential, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds. Equipped with the quattro sport differential and RS ceramic brakes, the SUV tackles the figure-eight track’s steep inclines and technical turns with ease.
The vehicle’s all-wheel steering further refines handling, adjusting rear-wheel direction for agility in tight corners and stability at high speeds.
Waschkau emphasizes the SUV’s standout exhaust system, which not only enhances performance by reducing back pressure but also delivers an exhilarating, sporty sound that intensifies with the optional RS sports exhaust system.
As Waschkau wraps up the test, he reflects on the team’s achievement in crafting a vehicle that excels in both everyday driving and spirited track experiences, setting a new standard for Audi’s performance SUV lineup.
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