This is the new Audi RS Q8. It’s the fastest and most powerful SUV that you can get from Audi and that kind of reputation is rather impressive. Let’s take a look at 5 supercars that are slower than the RS Q8.
The Audi RS Q8 makes use of a twin-turbocharged hybrid-assisted 4.0-litre petrol V8 which delivers 441kW of power and 800Nm of torque. It’s also been built on the same platform as the Lamborghini Urus which enables it to perform as impressively as its Italian sibling. The 0-100km/h sprint happens in just 3.8-seconds before reaching its top speed of 305km/h (which is identical to the Urus).
1. The Porsche 911 Carrera 4S (2012)
Featuring a 3.8-litre 6-cylinder engine that produces 294kW, the German coupe reaches 100km/h from standstill in 4.1-seconds, while the cabriolet gets there in 4.3-seconds.
2. The BMW i8 (2017)
What would this list be without a BMW? The electrified exotic packs a turbocharged 1.5-litre 3-cylinder engine, mated to an electric motor, allowing the low-slung futuristic coupe to reach 100km/h in just 4.4-seconds.
3. The McLaren F1 LM (1995)
One of the most iconic supercars of all time makes its way onto the list. The 6-litre V12 allowed the F1 LM to thrust its way to 100km/h in 4.1-seconds, thanks to the half-megawatt total power output.
4. The Aston Martin DB11 V8 (2017)
The AMG-flavoured DB11 finds a spot on the list with a 0-100km/h time of 4.0-seconds. It’s 4.0-litre V8 produces 375kW and 675Nm of torque, as well as a R3 750 000 price-tag.
5. The Ferrari F40 (1987)
Ferrari’s legendary supercar was driven by a 2.9-litre turbocharged V8 engine, producing 351kW of power and 577Nm of torque. Smash the right-pedal and it did 0-100km/h in 4.1-seconds.
Also worth a look: the Audi Rs3 and the Out with the Old, In with the New: Audi A5 Replaces A4 in So.
FAQ
Q: How much does the Audi RS Q8 cost in South Africa?
The Audi RS Q8 will set you back around R2,800,000 in South Africa, making it one of the pricier performance SUVs on our market but still cheaper than most dedicated supercars.
Q: Is the Audi RS Q8 faster than a Ferrari F40?
Yes, the RS Q8 hits 100km/h in 3.8 seconds compared to the F40's 4.1 seconds, proving that modern SUV engineering has come a seriously long way since the 1980s.
Q: What makes the Audi RS Q8 so quick compared to supercars?
The RS Q8's twin-turbo hybrid-assisted 4.0-litre V8 pumps out 441kW and 800Nm, plus it shares the same platform as the Lamborghini Urus, giving it supercar DNA in SUV clothing.
Q: Can the Audi RS Q8 really beat a McLaren F1 LM in acceleration?
Absolutely, the RS Q8's 3.8-second sprint beats the F1 LM's 4.1-second time, showing how far automotive technology has advanced since the mid-1990s.
Q: Is the Audi RS Q8 worth buying over a traditional supercar?
If you need practicality with your performance, the RS Q8 makes sense at R2,800,000, but if you want pure driving thrills and exclusivity, a proper supercar will always deliver more character.
Should You Buy It?
The Audi RS Q8 is absolutely worth considering if you want supercar performance with SUV practicality. At around R2,800,000, it's not cheap, but you're getting a machine that embarrasses legendary supercars like the Ferrari F40 and McLaren F1 LM in straight-line performance. The best performance SUV under R3,000,000 in South Africa is definitely the RS Q8, offering 441kW, seating for five, and bragging rights over some serious automotive legends. Yes, buy it if you need one vehicle that does everything brilliantly, but maybe look elsewhere if you want the pure, raw emotion that only a dedicated supercar can deliver.
