For Less Than $100K Manhart's RQ 900 Gives The Audi RS Q8 Customized Looks And 905-Hp
by AutoExpert | 6 July, 2021
The Audi RS Q8 is an SUV that comes with a lot of power and performance right out of the factory, but what happens when the client wants something more? Manhart Performance's RQ 900 is the answer, with Lamborghini Urus-beating specs and a spicier appearance for added exclusivity.
The Manhart RQ 900 was first revealed over a year ago, with previewing of the final product. As the first of the RQ 900s is about to be delivered, Manhart returns for the big reveal.
In factory configuration, the RS Q8 has a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that produces 591-hp (441 kW / 600 PS) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque. Manhart ups the power to 905-hp (675 kW / 918 PS) and 1,180 Nm of torque, making it more powerful than Mansory, ABT Sportsline, and MTM's equivalents. In fact, behind Wheelsandmore's 996-hp proposal, this is the second most powerful tuned RS Q8.
Manhart engineers added an Eventuri carbon intake, their own intercooler, turbo performance kit, and sports downpipes with 200-cell catalytic converters (the latter two are not permitted by Germany's TÜV) to accomplish this power boost. They also upgraded the automatic transmission to cope with the massive torque. Manhart didn’t provide performance estimates, but we expect the RQ 900 to be significantly faster than the stock vehicle, which accelerates from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.8 seconds and with a top speed of 190 mph (305 km/h).
The RQ 900 is far less smooth in appearance than the basic RS Q8. The gold designs contrast with the black tone and blacked-up accents all around the body. Wider fenders, a front splitter, side skirts, a double rear spoiler, and a more pronounced diffuser are among the new features. Active valves and four 100 mm tailpipes with ceramic or carbon coating are included in the new stainless steel exhaust system.
The massive Manhart "Classic line" wheels are coated in matte black with a 24-inch gold ring and have 295/30 ZR24 front and 355/25 ZR24 rear tires. The stock air suspension is also lowered by 30 to 40 mm, and if you're not satisfied with the Audi Sport carbon-ceramic discs, Manhart provides braking system modifications as an option.
The dashboard, center console, doors, and steering wheel all have golden accents to match the outside graphics. Manhart put their own floor mats and fresh leather upholstery throughout the interior with ornamental stitching.
If you want to turn your Audi RS Q8 into a Manhart RQ 900, you'll need €22,500 ($26,699) for the performance, €24,900 ($29,547) for the bodykit, €839.5 ($996) for the decals, €9,900 ($11,748) for the wheels, €831.93 ($987) for the suspension-lowering software, €8,437.82 ($10,012) for the exhaust/downpipes, and €29, So, without VAT, the enhanced version will cost €67,409.25 ($79,989), plus the cost of the donor automobile.
