Having shown the prototype of the future Q8 in the beginning of the year, Audi has sent its flagship crossover to the famous German route Nürburgring, where the new Audi Q8 has been spotted doing test laps.

Judging by the pictures, the crossover’s shape corresponds to the Concept Car, but has undergone a number of changes: the radiator grille and the design of the air intakes are simplified, slightly different optics, new bumpers. Though the car is completely covered in camouflage, the silhouette and the profile of the test mule does reveal the true identity of the upcoming coupe-SUV. And though we can’t be entirely certain, this prototype appears to be ever-so-slightly lower to the ground. Perhaps we’re seeing the legs of an RS version being stretched. But, on the other hand, the manufacturer may simply use other chassis settings on the racing track.

The Concept car, shown in January in the US, was driven by a hybrid system that combined a 3.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, an electric motor and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The total output power of the system was 449 hp, the peak torque was 700 Nm. Audi claimed that the concept can accelerate  five-second runs to 60 miles per hour.

Another convincing version in favor of the forthcoming Q8 RS: Ingolstadts brought the concept car Q8 with a hybrid drive at the motor show in Geneva in March, but its power was already slightly higher – about 480 hp. So, if the concept in Detroit portended the standard serial Audi Q8, then their Geneva car was undoubtedly the pre-order of the RS version.

In any case, the Q8 will be Audi’s first step in the segment of large coupe-like crossovers, and it will happen in 2018. The main competitors of the future Audi Q8 should be other representatives of the German automotive industry – BMW X6 and Mercedes GLE Coupe.

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