ABT Sportsline has revealed the RSQ8-LE 1000, a 1,000-hp interpretation of the Audi RS Q8 and the final model in a limited-edition trilogy celebrating the German tuning firm’s 130th anniversary. Just 30 examples are planned worldwide.
The RSQ8-LE 1000 follows the earlier RS6-LE 800 and carries several of that car’s anniversary cues into a significantly more powerful SUV package. Beyond the additional performance, ABT has fitted the RS Q8 with a wide-body matte carbon aero package, 23-inch satin-gold forged wheels and a numbered interior treatment specific to the limited edition.
The biggest change sits under the hood. Audi’s 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 receives ABT’s Power R package, increasing output to approximately 1,000 hp.
Getting there requires considerably more than an ECU tune. ABT fits its own turbocharger and intercooler along with a more extensive engine conversion incorporating an indirect water/ethanol injection system. The latter lowers temperatures within the engine, allowing it to run the increased charge required to produce the additional power while maintaining performance under sustained load.
The water/ethanol injection system and its corresponding maximum-performance setting can be controlled through the myABT app. Integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also allows the system to be accessed through the RS Q8’s infotainment display.
ABT also raises the RS Q8’s maximum speed to as much as 320 km/h, or approximately 199 mph.
Chassis modifications are handled through ABT Body Control, combining the company’s Level Control system with its eAWS adaptive roll stabilization. The latter uses actuator motors at both axles to continuously adjust the anti-roll system, with the intention of reducing body movement while retaining the ability to vary the chassis between more comfortable and performance-focused settings.
WIDE BODY, MATTE CARBON
The exterior treatment is extensive even by ABT standards. Matte exposed carbon is used for the front lip, front bumper attachments, air-intake surrounds and hood inserts. Wider fender extensions alter the stance of the RS Q8, while gloss-black wheel-arch vents receive RSQ8-LE 1000 identification.
Carbon mirror caps, B-pillar trim and sill pieces continue the treatment down the sides. At the rear, ABT adds a new bumper insert, bumper attachments and rear wing with Aeroblades.
A stainless-steel ABT exhaust system terminates in four 105-mm outlets.
Perhaps the most recognizable visual element is the wheel design. The RSQ8-LE 1000 runs ABT HIGH PERFORMANCE IR23 forged wheels measuring 23 inches in diameter and finished in satin gold. They’re paired with 295/35 ZR23 tires.
The gold finish follows the theme established by the RS6-LE 800 and is contrasted against the matte carbon body components. Neodym-colored RSQ8-LE 1000 and ABT logos provide additional anniversary-specific detailing, including matching decorative inserts in the front lip and rear bumper.
NUMBERED TO 30
ABT has given the interior a similarly detailed treatment rather than limiting the anniversary package to badges.
An Alcantara ABT steering wheel gets carbon shift paddles, while matte exposed carbon is used for the gear-selector cap, dashboard trim and seat-frame pieces. ABT branding appears on the front headrests with RSQ8-LE identification added to the shoulder areas.
Illuminated sill trims carry RSQ8-LE 1000 lettering, while door-mounted puddle lights project the anniversary logo onto the ground.
The most specific identifier is found in the center console. Each vehicle receives an ABT 130th Anniversary Coin accompanied by an engraving identifying its individual number within the 30-car production run.
“With the RSQ8-LE 1000, we are picking up exactly where we left off with the RS6-LE 800,” said Hans-Jürgen Abt. “The trilogy is complete, and all three models stand for what ABT has represented for 130 years: passion, craftsmanship, and the courage to keep setting new standards.”
The RSQ8-LE 1000 conversion is priced at €165,000 including Germany’s 19-percent VAT, before the cost of the donor Audi RS Q8. Installation adds another €20,000, with TÜV approval and vehicle transfer charged separately.
Production is limited to 30 examples worldwide.
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