Audi RS Q8 from Manhart has nearly 900 horsepower and looks insane :

While Audi has more than once admitted that it can make great cars, the RS Q8 from Manhart proves that there really are no limits and there is no discussion about tastes

The price difference between Lamborghini Urus and Audi RS Q8 is, depending on the currency, about CHF 100.000 in the basic version. That’s exactly what you have to pay for the base RS Q8, so simple math says the Urus is twice as expensive. Today we are not going to look for a justification of that amount, because there is a lot to talk about, but we will take a look at RS Q8 from Manhart, which can be an interesting alternative. As we have a lot of cash left over from the Urus, we can go a bit wild and modify our Audi to be as good as the Lamborghini and as eye-catching as it should be for that amount.

RS Q8 from manhart :

Let’s start with the fact that Manhart will only make 10 units of its modified version of the RS Q8. So we get a very limited model with considerable visual and mechanical changes. Specifically, the tuner proposes a special bodykit for the RS Q8, which includes significantly widened wheel arches both at the front and at the back, a clearly defined diffuser, a sizeable splitter and a spoiler over the tailgate. All these elements are made of carbon so as not to add too many kilograms to the total weight of the vehicle, and after all, the Audi RS Q8 is regarded as the fastest SUV in the world, so here we are fighting for grams, not kilograms. Apart from that we get 23-inch forged wheels, suspension lowered by 30 mm and custom exhaust, which is supposed to take care of the sound effects from the highest level.

RS Q 900 from manhart :

As we all know, under the hood there is a 4.0 V8 engine, which has 600 hp and 800 Nm from the factory. We have seen several times that this unit has the potential for much more and Manhart is another tuner that confirms our opinion. They managed to wring out 890 hp and as much as 1080 Nm thanks to the new turbocharger, among other things. Such values are really impressive, because it’s about 50% increase in power, and if serial RS Q8 was fast then what is RS Q8 from Manhart? We don’t know, as no official performance figures for the car appear, but the factory 3.8 seconds to 100 seems to be a thing of the past. The list of changes still includes a transmission modification, as such great power requires a proper transmission setup to transfer it to the wheels.

The Manhart RQ 900 is based on a colossus, the Audi RS Q8 :

The Audis that are allowed to carry the AUDI RS label are promising in themselves and make the hearts of performance enthusiasts beat faster! Of course, the same applies to the AUDI RS Q8. The twin-turbocharged V8 engine at the front of this powerful SUV produces an impressive 600 hp and 800 Nm, enabling the almost 2.4-tonne monster to accelerate from 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds, with a top speed of 305 km/h if desired.

Impressive figures, but for the Manhart Performance engineers they are little more than a good basis for an even more powerful high-performance behemoth: the RQ 900! As usual at Manhart, the new vehicle designation is already a clear indication of the direction of the new performance: Thus, the four-litre eight-cylinder of the RS Q8 now generates no less than 918 HP and piles up a gigantic mountain of torque, peaking at 1,180 Nm.

Manhart RQ 900 based on the Audi RS Q8 :

To achieve this, it was of course necessary to do more than “just” remap the ECU: Manhart also implemented various technical and material optimisations. The engine of the RQ 900 features a Manhart intercooler, a Manhart carbon intake prepared by Eventuri and a Manhart turbo performance kit, although the latter is not homologated and is therefore only intended for export.

The same goes for the Manhart sport downpipes with 200-cell catalysts. These are followed by a Manhart stainless steel exhaust system with a flap system, which features four 100 millimetre diameter exhaust pipes each, with a choice of ceramic or carbon coating.

Manhart air suspension set :

The RQ 900 also benefits from an optimisation of the Manhart suspension, including a lowering of 30 to 40 millimetres by modifying the original air suspension.This is achieved either by software adjustment or by the use of new connecting rods.

Manhart visual signature :

Although the car shown here has its original carbon ceramic brake system unchanged, Manhart also carries out individual brake upgrades on request.

The RQ 900 is presented in a typical Manhart visual signature, i.e. with a black paint job including a decorative package with gold trim strips and lettering. Another highlight is the complete carbon fibre wide body kit: in addition to the wheel arch extensions, it includes a front spoiler, a front frame including additions and a single frame grille, side skirts, roof spoiler attachments, a rear spoiler and a diffuser.

Manhart Classic Line wheel :

And of course, a new set of wheels is also mandatory to complete the package: Manhart Classic Line wheels with a matte finish on the sides and a gold decorative strip on the horn take place under the wings. The luxurious dimensions are 10.5×24 and 12.5×24 inches, the tyres measure 295/30 ZR24 and 355/25 ZR24.

The interior is finished with high-quality Manhart leather with fine stitching and decorative seams as well as individually selectable Manhart accents and floor mats.

Even more tuning from Manhart: