October 10th 2023
The headline might suggest a geography lesson is in order, but the truth is, the 2023 Geneva International Motor Show isn’t happening in its namesake Swiss city; it’s 2,900 miles away at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center in Qatar. This marks the return of GIMS after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Interestingly, there will still be a separate event in Geneva next year.
Notably, some major players are participating in this auto show in the capital of Qatar, including Audi. The Four Rings are set to unveil the 2024 Q8 to the public during this event, which concludes on Saturday, October 14. Audi decided to showcase the high-performance variant, the fiery-red SQ8, equipped with a substantial V8 powerplant. Under its hood resides a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre engine churning out a robust 500 horsepower and an impressive 568 pound-feet (770 Newton-meters) of torque.
The Q8 undergoes a mid-cycle refresh approximately five years after its initial release, introducing subtle design tweaks and enhanced lighting technology. Up front, you have the option of HD Matrix LED headlights featuring laser high beams, while the rear now incorporates OLED taillights. The updated grille showcases octagonal elements, and the 2023 GIMS show car boasts carbon fibre side mirror caps and rides on massive 23-inch wheels. Audi will also offer the high-performance SUV with smaller 22- and 21-inch wheel sets.
Despite its substantial dimensions and weight, the SQ8 displays remarkable agility, clocking in at just 4.1 seconds for the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint. At its top speed, it can achieve a governed 155 mph (250 km/h). If you’re seeking even more power, the RS Q8 facelift remains under wraps, but its unveiling is expected in the coming weeks or months.
In the future, Audi will offer both gasoline and diesel variants of the Q8, alongside a fully electric Q8 E-Tron / Q8 E-Tron Sportback. These represent updated versions of the previous E-Tron / E-Tron Sportback models.
Source and Images: Motor1