Audi balances the Q8 on more than 400 PS. The new sports model SQ8 requires eight cylinders and three turbochargers.
SP-X / Ingolstadt. Audi closes the dynamic gap with the Porsche Cayenne Coupé in the Q8. For this purpose, the new SQ8 sports variant is equipped with a V8 diesel with 320 kW / 435 hp and a significantly more aggressive front. The market launch will take place in autumn.
Just a quick look into the face of the SUV coupe reveals the high performance claim: The grille mask is made of matte silver and is flanked by evil-looking LED matrix light, including a silver underrun protection, which also characterizes the rear and there of four exhaust tailpipes is broken. The driver and front passenger take a seat in the black interior on sports seats with contrast stitching and look at brushed aluminum trim.
The drive in the SQ8 is currently the most powerful diesel in Europe, a 4,0 liter V8 large, which is supplied by two exhaust gas turbochargers and an electrically driven 48-volts compressor with air. The diesel brakes 900 Nm torque on the crankshaft, an eight-speed automatic directs the power in the direction of the four driven wheels. The sprint to Tempo 100 succeeds in 4,8 seconds, a maximum of 250 km / h are possible.
The strongest Q8 with adaptive air suspension drives as standard. At an extra charge, four-wheel steering makes the 5 meter-long SUV more manoeuvrable while active roll stabilization reduces body movements. On request, there is also a sport differential, which allows more dynamic cornering.
In terms of performance, the SQ8 catches up with its ottomotorized platform brothers Porsche Cayenne Coupé, Lamborghini Urus and Bentley Bentayga, but maintains a cautionary distance of over 100 hp. After all, it sits just ahead of the likewise technically related VW Touareg V8 with 310 kW / 421 hp.