Audi hinted at the release of the Audi SQ8 in August last year with a teaser image featuring six soon-to-be-revealed RS models, including the RS Q3, RS Q3 Sportback, improved RS4 Avant, RS6 Avant, and RS7 Sportback.
The sixth in the lineup and the latest to be revealed was the Audi SQ8. Set to rival the likes of the BMW X6, Mercedes GLE Coupe and Porsche Cayenne Coupe, the Audi SQ8 has the same 429 bhp diesel engine as its boxier brother, the SQ7. However, thanks to its smaller, sleeker design and superior drive and suspension technologies, the new SQ8 offers an impressively smooth drive.
Read on to discover what parts of the Audi SQ8 are set to inspire any aspiring mechanic.
A Powerful Engine that Accelerates Like a Sports Car
The Audi SQ8 features one of the most powerful diesel engines on the market. A 4.0 litre, twin-turbocharged, mild hybrid, it can reach an immense 429 bhp and 664 lb ft of torque – more than most petrol-powered super SUVs!
What does this mean for the driver? The Audi SQ8 can accelerate 0 – 62 mph in just 4.8 seconds, a sports car rate of speed.
Its mild hybrid engine is made up of two turbochargers supplemented by a compressor, and features a belt-alternator starter and small lithium-ion battery to enable some engine-off coasting. This technology is reported to save half a litre of fuel for every 100km driven. Whilst it’s a modest saving, it will make a difference to the drivers and the environment. These kinds of hybrid models are becoming more and more common, and you can expect to work on a fair few when you become an auto mechanic.
Audi SQ8’s Signature Interior Lets Passengers Coast in Luxury
Unlike the SQ7, Audi Sport’s SQ8 has just five seats rather than seven. Whilst this allows for fewer passengers, it creates significantly more leg room and storage space.
The dashboard features no less than three user-friendly high-res touch screens. As expected, the sports car-esque design creates a feeling of luxury with stainless steel pedals, aluminium door sill inlays, and leather seats with embossed logos.
Become an Auto Mechanic to Understand the SQ8’s Superior Drive and Suspension Technologies
The top-of-the-line ‘Vorsprung’ edition features all of the extra technologies which make the SQ8 such a smooth drive, including all-wheel steering, sport differential, adaptive air suspension and roll stabilization.
You can see the SQ8 for yourself in this video:
Whereas earlier models of this type of car had a tendency to roll slightly due to the sheer power of the engine, the active roll stabilization technology in the Audi SQ8 ensures the driving experience is physics-defyingly flat.
Similarly, the all-wheel steering in this vehicle means that changing direction requires no more than a slight turn of the steering wheel. This is also thanks to Audi’s sport differential software, which means that the torque is directed towards the outside wheel when turning or accelerating. When you become a mechanic, you’ll see first-hand just how big a difference small things like this can make to a car’s maneuvering and handling.
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