Manhart RQ 900: the Audi RS Q8 with 918 cv and 1180 Nm

The Audi RS Q8 already sits among the most powerful SUVs you can buy. Still, for those who feel there is always room for more, Manhart has unveiled an even more “spiced-up” take on Audi’s German performance SUV: the all-conquering Manhart RQ 900.

First revealed around a year ago, the Manhart RQ 900 will be built in a strictly limited run of just 10 units. It also pushes the RS Q8’s visual intensity to fresh extremes, largely thanks to the carbon-fibre body kit it wears.

Carbon body kit and exterior styling of the Manhart RQ 900

That kit includes a redesigned bonnet, a front spoiler, side skirts, a diffuser and widened wheel-arch extensions. Beyond making the RQ 900 look far more menacing, Manhart says these additions also improve its aerodynamics.

Also impossible to miss are the huge 24-inch wheels, finished with a gold stripe that neatly complements the colour theme chosen for this “monster” - sorry, SUV: black and gold.

The exterior changes do not stop there. At the rear, there are two spoilers - one extending the roofline and another positioned just above the rear lights - plus four massive exhaust outlets (which, in Germany, must be fitted with a silencer to comply with noise regulations).

Interior: gold accents and Manhart branding

Inside, the transformation is just as obvious. Gold detailing is spread throughout the cabin, and the name “Manhart” is stitched into both the front and rear seats of the German SUV.

And the engine?

In standard form, the Audi RS Q8 uses a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 600 cv and 800 Nm of maximum torque. After Manhart’s work, output climbs to an eye-watering 918 cv and 1180 Nm.

To deliver that substantial jump over the factory RS Q8, Manhart remapped the engine control unit and fitted a carbon air intake, a new intercooler and modified turbochargers. It also installed a completely new exhaust system and strengthened the gearbox.

Manhart has not published this model’s top speed or its 0 to 100 km/h sprint time. Even so, given the mechanical firepower on offer, it is reasonable to expect it to better the standard Audi RS Q8, which reaches 305 km/h (with the optional Pack Dynamic) and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3,8s.

How much does it cost?

Anyone hoping to secure one of the ten RQ 900 units Manhart will build must budget 22 500 euros for the power increase (and all mechanical changes), 24 900 for the carbon body kit, 839 euros for the paintwork, 9900 euros for the wheels, 831 euros for the lowered suspension, 8437 euros for the exhaust system and 29 900 euros for the new interior.

All told, this conversion comes to roughly 97 300 euros, before tax. And it is worth remembering that you must still add the price of the donor vehicle, the Audi RS Q8, which in the Portuguese market starts at 200 975 euros.