Limited-Run ABT RSQ8-R Unveiled As 196 MPH Super SUV

Whenever ABT Sportsline adds the letter ‘R’ to one of its custom car creations, you know you’re in for something special.

That’s exactly the case with the latest R-badged model, the ABT RSQ8-R limited edition SUV. Created to mark the company’s 125th birthday next year, the RSQ8-R will be built in a run of just 125 units, one for each year ABT has been around.

Now, you may point out that the German tuner already offers a tuned model based on the Audi RS Q8 that’s capable of doing the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint in 3.5 seconds and hitting a top speed of 305 km/h (189.5 mph). Apparently, that model was not extreme enough…

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Enter the ABT RSQ8-R, which unlocks even more performance from Audi Sport’s flagship SUV. Thanks to the ABT Engine Control high-tech control unit and a specially designed intercooler, the RSQ8-R’s 4.0-liter biturbo V8 churns out 730 HP (740 PS) and 920 Nm (678 lb-ft) of torque. This enables the big SUV to reach a top speed of 315 km/h (196 mph). Mind you, the maximum speed increase is available as an option.

If selected by the customer, it makes the RSQ8-R faster than both the world’s fastest production SUV, the Bentley Bentayga Speed, and the Lamborghini Urus. The British luxury SUV hits “only” 306 km/h (190 mph), while the Lamborghini does 305 km/h (189.5 mph). The acceleration is accompanied by an even throatier sound thanks to a stainless steel ABT exhaust system with four 102 mm (4 inch) end pipes.

In the styling department, the aftermarket specialist made the RSQ8-R look more radical thanks to a new aero kit consisting of several individual carbon fiber elements. Those include the front skirt add-ons, front lip with add-on, mirror caps, side skirt add-ons, wheelhouse ventilation, fender extensions, rear skirt add-on and rear spoiler. The aggressive looks are also enhanced by 23-inch flow-forming ABT High Performance HR wheels shod in 295/35 R23 tires.

As for the interior, the upgrades are more subtle yet effective, with the most obvious being the ABT steering wheel, start-stop switch cap, shift knob cover, seats embossed with ABT and RSQ8-R logos, as well as a revised armrest and center console. Rounding out the package are the door sills with ‘1 of 125’ lettering, floor mats with the model logo as well as special plaques, lettering and logos attesting the RSQ8-R’s rarity.