When we first saw Audi’s latest addition to its SUV lineup, the Q8, the company made a big stink about how it was coupe-like, designed to evoke the ur Quattro, and how it would come packed with real performance.
Now we’re getting our first inkling of how serious Audi was thanks to these pictures of the Q8 testing at the Nurburgring.
It should hardly come as a surprise that Audi, the company famous for making big cars fast (see RS2, RS6 Avant, S8, RS Q7, etc) would follow through on its promises, but, still, it’s encouraging to see this new Q7-based SUV testing on one of the world’s great tracks.
The latest concept, shown last month at the Geneva Motor Show, featured a so-called mild hybrid powertrain. At its heart was Audi’s 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 paired to an electric compressor. They combined for a total of 476 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, which Audi said got the Q8 concept to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 4.7 seconds.
SEE ALSO: 2018 Audi Q5 Manages Best-in-Class Combined MPG
When the production model hits showrooms, though, expect it to have a pretty familiar list of engine options, as they’re anticipated to be the same as the Q7’s.
Rumor has it, though, that the Audi Sport skunkworks got its hands on of these handsome SUVs and has been working on an RS Q8. That model is expected to have the same 600 hp, 4.0-liter V8 as the Lamborghini Urus.
If indeed it’s on its way, expect it to follow the Q8, set to hit showroom floors in 2018.
