ABT takes the colours out of the Audi RS Q8 just by tuning an SQ8

The vast majority of combustion engines come from the factory “detuned”, that is, the level of sophistication in some engines, especially those reserved for sporty versions, is such that, depending on which one it is, by investing a certain amount of money we can end up with a true rocket that can put superior vehicles in trouble. In this case, even stock, we will have a sleeper to startle people on the road and on the track.

But let me set the scene so you know what I’m talking about. Last summer Audi updated the RS Q8, which incorporated the Performance version, capable of making the Nürburgring lap time look ridiculous. The twin-turbo V8 of the first one delivers a power output of 600 CV and a torque of 800 Nm, while in the second, with slight revisions, its power rises to 640 CV and its torque to 850 Nm, allowing it to go from standstill to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds. Impressive figures for a production SUV.

Now let’s take its younger brother, the entry-level RS model from Audi: I’m referring to the Audi SQ8. The Audi Q8 range was updated in 2023, and consequently so was the sportiest version, which is distinguished from the rest of the range by fitting the same 4.0-litre petrol V8 with a power output of 507 CV and a torque of 770 Nm. Despite everything, these figures don’t leave it far behind its bigger siblings in terms of acceleration, reaching 100 km/h from a standstill in 4.1 seconds.

Well, ABT, a tuner specialising in Audi models, has once again taken an Audi SQ8 to give it a fresh twist, or rather a twist and a half, because with the updates made to its engine they have managed to surpass the RS Q8’s power by 100 CV and the RS Q8 Performance’s by 60 CV, while the torque is increased by 70 Nm and 20 Nm respectively. Thanks to this considerable increase in its figures, you can see the great potential of Audi’s TFSI V8.

To do this, ABT had to fit its ABT Power R system, which includes new intercoolers and a new airflow system, and of course the ECU that manages engine performance has also been revised. In this way, and thanks to it, they have managed to raise the power to an impressive 700 CV and a torque of 870 Nm, figures that are intimidating and put its bigger siblings in serious trouble when they are fully stock.

Apart from this, ABT has created an aerodynamic package suited to the SQ8’s new power, which includes a new front bumper with a lower splitter, as well as side skirts and a new rear bumper, in which the rear diffuser has been fitted with new exhaust outlets with a larger diameter than the stock ones, specifically 95 mm. To this we must add the new HR23 wheels designed by ABT, measuring 23 inches and painted in Glossy Black, plus the ABT Level Control system, which lowers the standard air suspension by a further 10 to 25 mm.

And pay attention, because along with small revisions to the interior too, the complete package for the Audi SQ8 costs €34,900 including taxes in Germany, a figure that I find very reasonable for everything it offers and that isn’t excessive for anyone who can afford this car.