Audi’s Q8 is approaching the halfway level in its life cycle and in typical trend the automobile can be given an replace.

Prototypes for up to date variations of the common Q8 have been noticed for greater than a 12 months, however now we have now our first take a look at a prototype for the high-performance RS Q8 developed by Audi Sport. Prototypes for the mid-range SQ8 are additionally out and about.

We all know this newest prototype is for the RS Q8 resulting from its large air intakes within the entrance fascia, upsized brakes and wheels, and the pair of oval exhaust ideas on the rear—a signature trait of gas-powered automobiles bearing the RS badge.

The prototype suggests solely minimal adjustments, not less than to the skin of the RS Q8. There is a new grille design, a revised rear fascia, and tweaks to the sunshine signatures at each ends. Curiously, a yellow warning sticker on the window of the motive force’s door signifies the prototype might function some type of heavy electrification. In different phrases, it could possibly be a plug-in hybrid or have full electrical energy.

2024 Audi RS Q8 facelift spy pictures – Photograph credit score: Baldauf

The RS Q8 is presently powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 rated at 591 hp. Nevertheless, the identical V-8 is paired with plug-in hybrid methods in automobiles from different Volkswagen Group manufacturers, together with the associated Porsche Cayenne. Within the Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid, the V-8 plug-in hybrid setup is nice for 680 hp.

The plug-in hybrid powertrain is about to be dropped into the Lamborghini Urus, which just like the Cayenne is an in depth relative of the Q8, and it is potential we’ll additionally see it within the up to date RS Q8.

The up to date Q8 vary is presently anticipated to reach early subsequent 12 months as a 2024 mannequin. Among the tweaks Audi is making are anticipated to raised mirror parts discovered on the E-Tron electrical SUV, which was up to date for 2024 and rebranded the Q8 E-Tron within the course of.

There have been rumors Audi might drop all gas-powered Q8s within the U.S. to give attention to the Q8 E-Tron electrical variant, although Audi is quiet on the matter. Finally, the entire Q8 vary will go the full-electric route as Audi plans to stop launching automobiles with internal-combustion engines after 2026.