Audi RS Q8 sets a new lap record at the Nurburgring

Audi’s RS Q8 SUV breaks records with a 7:36.698 lap time at Nürburgring, showcasing enhanced power and agility in its latest performance variant.

Audi has once again set a new benchmark at the Nürburgring, this time with the RS Q8 performance SUV claiming the title of the fastest production SUV to conquer the track. Clocking in at 7:36.698 minutes, it outpaces its predecessor by nearly six seconds, which recorded a time of 7:42.253 in 2019.

The recent achievement follows Audi’s earlier success in the compact car category and highlights the RS Q8 performance’s enhancements. Under the stewardship of racing driver Frank Stippler, Audi’s engineering prowess and the potent V8 engine have been credited for this record-breaking performance. Rolf Michl, Managing Director of Audi Sport, praised the collaborative effort that delivered such remarkable results.

Despite being a facelift, the RS Q8 has undergone substantial upgrades, significantly enhancing its agility and dynamic capabilities. The new performance variant boasts 631 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.6 seconds. Top speed initially capped at 155 mph can be raised to 190 mph upon request, marking it as the most powerful combustion engine ever installed in an Audi Sport model.

Key to its performance is the electromechanical active roll stabilization (eAWS) system, standard on the RS Q8. This innovative system minimizes lateral movement, enhancing stability during high-speed maneuvers by using an electric motor to adjust the suspension stabilizer. The performance trim also features RS ceramic brakes and optional lightweight 23-inch wheels, reducing unsprung mass by 44 lbs.

In surpassing several formidable competitors, the RS Q8 performance underscores its dynamic prowess among SUVs, achieving lap times that rival those of some sports cars. Audi’s commitment to innovation and performance continues to redefine expectations in the realm of high-performance SUVs.