The Green Hell. That's the name bestowed upon the lush, yet deadly, racetrack complex in Nurburg, Germany by driver Jackie Stewart after winning the 1968 Grand Prix. It has taken countless lives over the years and claimed many more cars with its fickle weather, hairpin turns, and wide open straights. It's also become the benchmark for supercars, production vehicles, wild one-offs, and garage specials to prove their mettle among the world's best.
The name could equally apply to Audi's newest offering and recently unveiled stunner at the LA Auto Show - the 2020 Audi RS Q8 full-size luxury performance SUV. While she doesn't look altogether hellish decked out in green above and below, she nonetheless buried the Nurburgring production SUV record with a time of 7 minutes and 42 seconds! And she weighs almost two-and-a-half tons! Check it out.
How was Audi able to do that? Through a combination of raw power and finesse. Under the hood, the RS Q8 sports a twin-turbocharged 4.0 liter V-8 with an integrated mild-hybrid system developing 591 hp and 590 lb.-ft. of torque fed through an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and Audi's world-class all-wheel drive setup with wheel-selective torque control and rear differential distribution. Audi claims a 0-62 mph time of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 190 mph when fitted with the optional dynamic package.
Handling chores are accomplished via a sophisticated air-adaptive suspension with RS-specific damper tuning. Electromechanical active roll stabilization reduces body roll and an active steering system allows for easy low speed maneuvering. Infinitely variable ride height also enables the RS Q8 to be equally at home on "The Carousel" at the Nurburgring or mudding down your local mountainside.
But it's not all about performance. The RS Q8 also looks the part. Blessed with a simple yet burly exterior exhibiting classic German restraint, she's an imposing presence. Up front is an RS radiator grille, front air inlets in gloss black, RS roof-edge spoiler, subtle matte aluminum highlights, gently curving D-pillars, and voluptuous wheel arches.
Inside you'll find a clean and unobtrusive layout with a slim instrument panel, MMI touch response system, sliding 3-seat rear bench, premium materials, and a generous 60 cubic feet of cargo capacity. Pricing has yet to be announced with the first models arriving in the U.S. in 2020. Buckle up.
(via Audi)