The Abt Audi SQ8 Develops 503bhp, Nearly 1000Nm

Abt Sportsline has given the SQ8 a fiddle, giving it more power and a terrifying torque output
The Abt Audi SQ8 Develops 503bhp, Nearly 1000Nm

Anyone wanting a fast Audi Q8 has - up until recently - had two main options. Buy the SQ8 TDI, or hang on until the even more powerful RSQ8 arrives.

We say ‘up until recently’, as a third option has now emerged. German tuner Abt Sportsline has just revealed an upgrade programme for the SQ8, and the raw numbers are a little bit scary.

Image via Auditography
Image via Auditography

The twin-turbo diesel V8 with its lag-killing electric compressor is already good for 429bhp and 664lb ft of torque, but once Abt is done with it, the 4.0-litre unit kicks out 503bhp and 715lb ft of torque. Of if you’d prefer, that’s 970Nm. Crikey.

Image via Auditography
Image via Auditography

With the extra grunt, the Abt SQ8 will charge from 0-62mph in 4.45 seconds. About the same as a Porsche Cayman S with PDK, to put that in some sort of context.

So that the exterior reflects all that under-bonnet brawn, Abt can add a new splitter, sides skirts and a diffuser. It sits lower than the standard SQ8 on 23-inch wheels for extra silliness.

Remote video URL

Although we’re not 100 per cent sure on what’s been changed in terms of pipework, we don’t know that there have been some exhaust tweaks. As seen in a new video from Auditography, it sounds a lot fruitier than before.

Do you like the look of what’s been done here, or would you rather the standard SQ8?

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Comments

Robert Gracie

1000Nm of torque, probably enough to restart a dead planet somewhere!

10/28/2019 - 15:40 |
26 | 0

Would be a fascinating bit of trivia to work out what the torque of Earth’s rotation is

10/28/2019 - 16:04 |
10 | 0

Aaah yes, I know this line very well. Jeremy Clarkson reviewing the Brabus S Bi-Turbo Roadster.

10/28/2019 - 18:19 |
6 | 0
Anonymous

Could probably turn the earth backwards with that torque

10/28/2019 - 15:50 |
4 | 0
Anonymous

“513bhp and 715bhp”

I think you mean 715 lb-ft…

10/28/2019 - 16:06 |
2 | 0
Matt Robinson
Matt Robinson

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Yes! Corrected

10/28/2019 - 16:28 |
2 | 0
Anonymous

Finally, they used the correct unit for torque!

10/28/2019 - 23:33 |
20 | 4
Martin Burns

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

What makes Nm any more correct than lb-ft? Both are SAE certified (Si is standard unless otherwise stated, which for the case of torque, is stated) SAE Specification J1349

10/29/2019 - 03:28 |
10 | 12