The development brief for the RS Q8 was to build on our success with the RS 6 (C8) by implementing tailored upgrades for this super SUV. Our class-leading ECU and TCU calibrations transform this beast into a much faster, smoother car suitable for daily commutes and school runs, or weekend blasts across the Continent.

For enhanced auditory pleasure and additional power, we retraced the steps taken with the RS 6 with minor adjustments along the way. We leveraged connections with Akrapovič, NGK, ITG, Nick K as well as our in-house Nortech Performance as we looked to replicate our success. The new software and hardware package gives the RS Q8 a split personality, being quiet and demure in Comfort mode before becoming loud and aggressive in Sport mode, all at the push of a button.

Our first step towards any transformation is to test the vehicle both on our in-house DynoJet 424x linked dyno cell and on the road. This evaluation serves to establish a baseline of the car’s performance capabilities and gives us a feel for what is needed to improve the driving experience. By assessing the vehicle under controlled conditions and real-world scenarios, we identified a few areas for improvement. We discovered the RS Q8 drives similarly to the very familiar Audi RS 6 (C8) and required a similar upgrade path.

The air intake system was better than the RS 6 but still left much room for improvement. The exhaust system was too restrictive and muted the engine’s potential sound. The factory gearbox calibration had conservative limits and shift strategies that inhibited the engine's capabilities without being smooth. The factory engine calibration left a lot of potential untapped. Addressing these areas of the drivetrain was essential to transform the RS Q8 into a true super SUV that rivals the performance of more exotic machinery while maintaining the luxury expected of a big Audi.

To unlock the full potential of the Audi RS Q8 with its upgraded components, we optimised the engine ECU calibration. Fuel delivery adjustments ensured optimal rates for the increased air intake and exhaust flow, facilitating efficient combustion at higher power levels. Ignition timing was precisely fine-tuned to match the enhanced airflow and fuel mixture, maximising power output and preventing knock or pre-detonation while maintaining factory safety margins, which is critical when running on 99RON fuel.

Turbocharger control system modifications allowed for higher boost levels, significantly increasing power without exceeding safe operating limits for the turbocharger or engine. Torque output curves were recalibrated to provide smoother power delivery across a broader RPM range, enhancing both performance and drivability. An optimised cooling strategy was used to maintain ideal engine temperatures, ensuring consistent performance under various driving conditions. Additionally, engine RPM and vehicle speed limits were adjusted to give a broader range of performance for both daily and spirited driving scenarios.

This RS Q8 is currently at the Stage 2 level, equipped with an ITG panel filter in the airbox, Nortech Performance downpipes, and an Akrapovič Evolution Line (Titanium) exhaust system. The next step is to add upgraded intercoolers for better performance consistency under extreme conditions. For improved intake flow and aesthetics, an Eventuri carbon intake is planned to round out the upgrades from Stage 2 to 2+.

The Stage 3 upgrade includes TTE1020 turbos and 4 bar MAP sensors, a package proven through our collaboration with QST on the record-setting RS 6 (C8), and easily adaptable to the 4M chassis.