The Audi RS Q8 is one of the most powerful SUVs on the market, but because there are always those who want more, Manhart has just launched a version of the German SUV that is even more “spicy”. Here's the “almighty” Manhart RQ 900.
Announced about a year ago, the Manhart RQ 900 is limited in production to just 10 units and takes the RS Q8's visual aggressiveness to new levels, largely due to the carbon fiber kit it displays.
This is made up of a new hood, front spoiler, side skirts, diffuser and wheel arch expanders. In addition to the more aggressive look, these extras improve, according to the German trainer, the aerodynamics of the RQ 900.
Also highlighted are the huge 24-inch wheels with a gold stripe that contrasts perfectly with the color scheme that Manhart chose for this “monster” — sorry, SUV: black and gold.
But the visual differences are not exhausted here. At the rear, we can also identify two spoilers — one that extends the roofline and the other just above the taillights — and four huge exhausts (which in Germany have a silencer due to noise laws).
Inside, the changes are also very noticeable, highlighted by the golden details throughout the cabin and the name “Manhart” emblazoned on the front and rear seats of the German SUV.
And the engine?
As standard, the Audi RS Q8 is powered by a 4.0 liter twin-turbo V8 engine that produces 600 hp of power and 800 Nm of maximum torque. Now, and after passing through the hands of Manhart, it started to produce an impressive 918 hp and 1180 Nm.
To achieve this considerable power increase over the factory RS Q8, Manhart reprogrammed the engine control unit and installed a carbon air intake, a new intercooler and modified the turbos, in addition to installing an entirely new exhaust system and of having reinforced the gearbox.
Manhart did not reveal the maximum speed that this model is capable of reaching or the time in the sprint from 0 to 100, but judging by the mechanical power, it is to be expected that it will be faster than the factory Audi RS Q8, which reaches 305 km/h of top speed (with the optional Pack Dynamic) and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8s.
How much does it cost?
Anyone who wants one of the ten RQ 900s that Manhart will produce will have to pay €22,500 for the power increase (and all the mechanical changes), €24,900 for the carbon body kit, €839 for the paint, €9900 for the rims, 831 euros for the lowered suspension, 8437 euros for the exhaust system and 29 900 euros for the new interior.
After all, this transformation costs approximately 97,300 euros, before tax. And it is important to remember that to this value it is still necessary to add the price of the “donor car”, the Audi RS Q8, which in the Portuguese market starts at 200 975 euros.