Audi’s new flagship SUV, the Q8, will go on sale early in 2018 and will be followed by a hot Audi SQ8 version, Auto Express can reveal.
Speaking exclusively to Auto Express, Audi’s board member for sales and marketing, Dietmar Voggenreiter said, “The Q8 is the brother or sister to the new A8 so it will be high-end luxury.
“But could there be a high performance SQ8 version? That’s something I would like to do.”
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The Audi SQ8 is likely to use the same 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 diesel as the SQ7, developing 429bhp. It also features an advanced 48v electrical system to boost an electric-powered compressor (EPC). Its job is to help spin up the twin turbos at low revs to give maximum response and minimum turbo lag. In the SQ7 the result is 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 155mph – expect performance to be very similar in the SQ8.
It’s also rumoured that the same engine could find its way into the SQ5. The hot version of Audi’s new Q5 was also unveiled in Detroit, powered by a new 3.0-litre turbo V6 petrol engine with 349bhp and 500Nm of torque. However, the old SQ5’s torque and economy figures beat the stats for the new model. Using the 4.0-litre V8 with its 900Nm of torque would redress the balance.
The SQ5 is due to arrive in the UK in the second half of this year, with the diesel version due some time in 2018. The Q8 should also join the range in 2018 and the SQ8 model shouldn’t be too far behind.
Do you like the idea of Audi’s advanced diesel V8 finding its way into the SQ8? Have your say in the comments…