We've known for a while now that Audi is cooking up a hot RS version of the flagship Q8 SUV to take on the BMW X6 M. As you'd expect for a high-performance RS model, the RS Q8 will be much more powerful and look more aggressive than the standard Q8. Audi hasn't officially unveiled the RS Q8 yet, but the performance SUV has already set a new lap record at the Nurburgring.

According to the official Nurburgring website, the Audi RS Q8 is now the fast production SUV to ever lap the Green Hell with a time of seven minutes and 42.253 seconds. Impressively, that's over seven seconds faster than the previous record-holder, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S, which posted a time of 7 minutes and 49.3 seconds last year.

Behind the wheel was Audi factory driver Frank Stippler. You can also watch the record-breaking lap in full in an official video posted by the Nurburgring.

Spy shots have shown that Audi's new flagship performance SUV will feature new side skirts, larger intakes, and a restyled front grille. At the back, the RS Q8 will also sport a large diffuser and Audi Sport's signature oval exhaust tips seen on other RS models. Stiffer suspension, beefier brakes, and unique wheels will improve the SUV's driving dynamics.

Under the hood, the RS Q8 packs the same 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 as the RS6 Avant, so it should produce around 592 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. 0-62 mph is estimated to take around 3.8 seconds while top speed is expected to be 190 mph. We won't have to wait long for the Audi RS Q8 to break cover, because the hardcore performance SUV will reportedly debut on November 20. That means there's a good chance we'll get to see it up close at the 2019 LA Auto Show.