2020 Audi RS Q8: first ride in 'Ring record-breaking SUV

The Audi RS Q8 hasn’t been officially unveiled yet, but already it’s a record breaker. Packing 592bhp, the high-riding, high-performance flagship has smashed the SUV lap record at Germany’s fearsome Nürburgring with a time of 7min 42.253sec – 12 seconds quicker than the previous benchmark set by the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S.

Based on the Audi SQ8, the RS model features the twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 from the forthcoming RS6, which means it packs 592bhp and 590lb ft – good for 0-62mph in 3.8sec and a 190mph maximum top speed.

UPDATED: The Audi RS Q8 has been officially revealed at the LA motor show - read the full story here

The SQ8’s air suspension and 48V anti-roll bars are carried over, but software tweaks mean the spring rates are up to 10% stiffer and the adaptive dampers can be around 15% firmer. Also used is the four-wheel steering setup, plus the torque-vectoring Sport rear differential.

However, extensive work has also been put into the bespoke Pirelli P Zero tyres, which run to 295/35 ZR 23 in their largest guise on the RS Q8.

“We wanted the RS Q8 to be able to deliver on the track, but also be usable every day,” said Victor Underberg, Audi Sport’s head of development. “We needed a tyre that’s quiet, comfortable and can cope with all sorts of weather but has the performance to deliver a strong lap time. With this tyre, we have achieved our targets.”

Structurally and externally, little has changed, with the engineers keen to stress that despite its performance and capability, the RS Q8 is a daily-usable series-production vehicle, and apart from those vast 23in wheel options, the only other noticeable updates are the carbonfibre trim around the revised front grille and lower bumper, plus the rear diffuser with its RS-trademark twin oval exhausts.

In the build-up to the RS Q8’s official launch later this month, Autocar was given exclusive behind-the-scenes access and granted a high-speed passenger ride around the ’Ring.