Manhart RQ 800, the German tuner returns to the charge on the Audi RS Q8

Although the competition comes mainly from models within the same group, such as the Lamborghini Urus or the Porsche Cayenne Coupé, Audi had no hesitation in facing these models head-on, pulling out all the stops, and so the Audi RS Q8 joined the brand’s lineup, the most beastly SUV the German company has ever created.

The RS Q8 is an SUV that, despite its unmistakable styling from Audi’s “Q” family, spiced up with the more aggressive touches that always come with the brand’s RS vehicles, oozes sportiness wherever you look. It is no coincidence that the RS Q8 managed to crown itself as the fastest SUV around the Nürburgring circuit, so Audi’s intentions with this model are quite clear. Furthermore, the RS Q8 has proven to be a good base for tuning companies to work with, an example being Manhart, which is doing it again.

The German company Manhart returns to the charge, taking the Audi RS Q8 as its base, and I say “returns” because just this past summer this tuner presented the RQ 900, a beastly tuning package for the RS Q8 in which power rose to 918 CV, accompanied by a styling in keeping with so much sportiness. Now we could say that Manhart has taken a small step back with the new RQ 800, since, as you will imagine from the name, it will not deliver as much power as the RQ 900.

So let’s start there, with the main course, which lies in its engine, which, as you already know, is powered by the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that in standard form delivers 600 CV together with 800 Nm of torque, enabling it to reach 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds. Manhart has made adjustments to the engine control unit itself, has developed new turbos and intercooler, and has installed a new carbon-fibre air intake, thereby raising power to 818 CV and torque to 1,050 Nm.

These are not the only changes made, since although Manhart does not specify which ones it has carried out, they do mention that the transmission has been updated to work in line with the power and torque now on offer. It also features a new stainless steel exhaust line that ends in four 100 mm diameter outlets, which can be finished in carbon fibre or ceramic coating. Furthermore, the standard air suspension lowers the ride height of the chassis, which can be done in two ways: via software that adjusts the height or by using new coupling rods. Finally, for an extra charge, Manhart can fit the RQ 800 with a new, more powerful braking system.

In terms of styling, there are no significant changes; it remains identical to a standard Audi RS Q8, with the difference that vinyl graphics referencing Manhart’s RQ 800 model have been applied, along with contrasting red lines and 24-inch wheels from Manhart’s own range. Inside, it is more of the same: no changes, although if you wish, you can equip it with personalised floor mats for the occasion.