RS Q8

Make
Audi
Segment
SUV

We've heard time and again from Audi's engineers that the RS Q8 is NOT a rebadged Lamborghini Urus. In fact, the powertrain and suspension are quite different between the two super-SUVs. Despite a deficit in power, the Audi is the fastest SUV around the Nurburgring's Nordschleife. Still, the Lamborghini has bragging rights in its badge and in its higher output, with the Raging Bull developing 641 horsepower and hitting 60 mph in 3.6 seconds while the RS Q8 generates 591 hp and takes a tenth longer to hit 60. If your Urus-owning neighbor won't let you forget these facts, German tuner ABT has the answer for you, and it's called the RSQ8-R.

The most obvious changes are aesthetic, so we'll get down to the oily bits in a moment. An aero package incorporates carbon fiber elements in the new front lip and grille surrounds, mirror caps, side skirts, fender vents, wheel arches, rear fascia, and rear spoiler. Lightweight 23-inch flow-formed wheels make the car appear lower, while a stainless steel exhaust system with 4.7-inch quad-exit pipes rounds off the exterior upgrades.

Inside, carbon fiber adorns the seat covers, start/stop-switch-cap shift lever cover, center console, and steering wheel. Meanwhile, the door sills, floor mats, and that center console bear "1 of 125" lettering. Bet your neighbor's Urus isn't that rare. Why 125? Because ABT is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year.

Finally, ABT Sportsline addressed the issue of power. The firm has produced a number of special cars over the years and is certainly capable of equalling or bettering the insane figures that other tuners have achieved with the RS Q8, but we'd bet that few if any of those tuning shops offer ABT's two-year/50,000-mile warranty.

In any case, output has still been improved to the point that the Lambo owner can't get one over on you. The RSQ8-R is boosted from 591 hp to 690 hp, while twist increases from 590 lb-ft of torque to 649 lb-ft of torque. The 0-62 mph dash is also reduced from 3.8 to 3.4 seconds.

We couldn't find pricing for the body upgrades on ABT's site, but all the other goodies that are available individually add up to $10,511, with the power boost accounting for just $3,890 of that figure. Still a saving on a Urus, then.