Making its global debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show, the Audi RS Q8 made a serious impression with its high-performance specs and evocative styling. Audi’s new flagship performance SUV, the RS Q8 features a 4.0-liter V8 that produces 591-Nürburgring-slaying-ponies and 590 lb.-ft. of torque. The turbocharged engine screams from zero to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds, while going onto a top track speed of 189.5 mph when equipped with the optional ceramic brakes. These specs helped the RS Q8 achieve the title of the fastest production SUV to lap the Nürburgring racetrack with an official time of 7 minutes and 42.2 seconds.

All of this power is transferred to the wheels through Audi’s excellent quattro all-wheel drive system, which features a new wheel-selective torque control system to enhance handling by transferring power across each axle through individual wheel braking application. Further torque vectoring occurs through the quattro’s rear differential which can distribute torque between the rear wheels as required for improved traction, dynamics and stability.

From the outside, the RS Q8 has an aggressive appearance that is dominated by its octagonal single frame RS-specific radiator grille. Finished in gloss black, the large grille makes a powerful impression from the front, framed by the Q8’s large LED headlights and lower air splitter. The dynamic roofline ends in gently inclined D-pillars, which are supported by the Q8’s crazy wide wheel arches to give it an extremely planted, powerful stance. An RS roof-edge spoiler provides a striking finish at the top and provides downforce on the rear axle for improved balance at high speeds.

Look for the RS Q8 to arrive at Audi dealers later in 2020 with an expected starting price to be around $141,000.