Manhart RQ900, the version that turns the Audi RS Q8 into a beast

If you’ve seen the Audi RS Q8 you’ll already know it’s a powerful, agile and highly appealing car. But if you’re looking for a truly potent version of this model, you should check out the one offered by German tuner Manhart. The Manhart RQ900 is that more powerful and attractive variant, letting us enjoy greater power and better performance from this model.

This variant was announced last year, although it was not until this July that the personalisation company finished it and finally presented this version so that it can reach the garages of anyone who wants to enjoy it. Its features match and even allow it to outperform the Lamborghini Urus, with a more interesting exterior look.

A powerful engine

The engine powering the Audi RS Q8 is a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. It delivers 600 CV and a maximum torque of Nm, but Manhart has raised these figures. The Manhart RQ900 reaches a maximum output of 918 CV and a maximum torque of 1,180 Nm. There are other versions created by ABT Sportsline, Mansory and MTM, but none reach these figures. Only one conversion surpasses this one, the one signed by Wheelsandmore, which reaches a surprising 996 CV.

This conversion is the result of ECU reprogramming; the addition of a carbon-fibre air intake from Eventuri; an in-house intercooler; a proprietary performance kit and sport downpipes with 200-cell catalytic converters. The gearbox has also been modified to handle the considerable torque, although there is no data on performance.

It is expected to produce an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 305 km/h.

More aggressive exterior

Subtlety is not something this variant is much concerned with. The exterior features additions that enhance the look just as its engine does with its characteristics. The added elements include new side skirts, a front splitter, wider wheel arches, a spoiler twice the size and a wider diffuser. All of this gives it a more intense and powerful appearance.

The exhaust has been replaced with another featuring a four-outlet system with carbon or ceramic coating, which adds active valves and is made of stainless steel. The Manhart Classic Line wheels are 24 inches, with a black finish and gold rim, a touch of colour that also appears elsewhere on the car.

The suspension has also been replaced with a unit that lowers the car by 30 to 40 mm, and there is the option of brakes other than the carbon ones fitted as standard on the Audi RS Q8.

The interior has also been changed so that the driver and occupants feel they are in a different vehicle. The gold decorative touches match the exterior, and there are mats and other details specific to Manhart, to clearly set this variant apart from any other.

A price in line with the upgrades

The Audi RS Q8 is an expensive car, but with this conversion its price shoots up. Although you can opt to include only some of the modifications, the complete package is available for approximately 67,500 euros. And that refers only to the package, so the final price, including the car, can reach up to 320,000 euros. That said, you can opt for some of the exterior upgrades and keep the engine characteristics. The same powerful look but with the already considerable characteristics of the standard car. Not bad at all.