Audi Q8 is the new largest SUV in the family. It will take this position until Q9 appears. But, that won’t happen any time soon. Whatsoever, designers and engineers still have a work to do, since the new 2020 Audi RS Q8 is the next SUV bosses want to see.
There are already few opinions about the drivetrain. While the twin-turbo was a favorite when the first information about 2020 Audi RS Q8 came out, now, the situation is different. Do not let a hybrid drivetrain surprise you.
Comparing to the base model, there will be a lot of upgrades all around the SUV. As we got used to from RS versions, more aggressive exterior and sportier interior will be highlights. Furthermore, spy shots are confirming the development is near the end, but the heavy camo is still covering the entire vehicle.
Which Engine Will 2020 Audi RS Q8 Use?
Initially, experts were very confident that the performance-oriented version of Audi Q8 will get a twin-turbo engine. It would be a 4.0-liter V-8. This was a favorite since its output would make the 2020 Audi RS Q8 a serious competitor to Lamborghini Urus and BMW X6 M.
But, engineers could surprise everyone if the latest rumors come true. The new SUV is going to use a hybrid drivetrain. Audi Q8 RS will borrow it from Porsche. That is the same V8 unit which gets an electric support. Panamera Turbo S e-hybrid is the car that already uses it. By that, Audi will maximize the output of the 2020 Audi RS Q8, and make it the most powerful vehicle in the family.
Specs
The hybrid system is capable to produce a lot of power. For Panamera’s high-output edition, the number reaches 671 horsepower. The SUV could get 10 extra ponies for its first edition. What is also important – the hybrid system makes the vehicle heavier for about 600 pounds. However, there will be hard to find any other SUV that can match the power and torque level of the RS Q8. Well, it is still behind the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. Regular edition can produce 707 hp. After custom tuning, the same vehicle managed to deliver 850 hp.
2020 Audi RS Q8 Spy Photos
Large intakes and oval exhaust tips are two parts a camouflage didn’t hide. These are showing the company is testing 2020 Audi RS Q8. Previously, the SQ8 was spotted on various occasions. According to other things we could see, the high-output version is based on the regular model but will take some cues from the Q8 Sport concept. The large trapezoidal grille and lower ride are also making the RS Q8 different from the standard model. Photographers didn’t manage to peek into the cabin and shoot some pictures. However, we believe it is still plain, and the furnishing will start a few months before the premiere.
2020 Audi RS Q8 Release Date
The new Audi RS Q8 is still a prototype. Test mules only confirm there is a plan to launch it, but until company spokesmen come out and make it official, we can’t know when the RS version is going to appear. With the new Q8 already released, it is just a matter of time when the upgrades will be ready. Experts are sure the 2020 Audi RS Q8 will be out late in 2019.