ENGINEERS and stylists at Audi Sport have waved the high-performance wand over the latest Q8 SUV to come up with a pair of hot new RS variants - the RS Q8 SUV and RS Q8 SUV performance.

The company reckons that the new pair provide a more intense focus on the dynamic potential of the two high-performance versions of the recently-revamped flagship Q8 SUV.

There's a new front apron with striking air intakes, a distinctive honeycomb structure, and a blade in high-gloss black or matte grey on the performance version. At the rear there's now a diffuser between the two oval tailpipes.

Under the bonnet of the RS Q8 there's 592bhp, twin-turbocharged, eight-cylinder engine which develops 800Nm of torque from as low as 2,200rpm up to 4,500rpm providing acceleration from 0-62mph in just 3.8 seconds, going on to a electronically limited 155mph maximum.

Meanwhile, with 631bhp and max torque of 850Nm, the RS Q8 SUV performance ticks-off the benchmark 0-62mph sprint in 3.6 seconds and can hit a top speed of 174mph. It is the most powerful series-produced combustion engine in Audi Sport's history.

"Both the new RS Q8 SUV performance and the RS Q8 SUV embody sportiness and elegance. The top model of the Q8 series combines a passion for performance, prestige, and suitability for everyday use to create an exhilarating experience," says Rolf Michl, the company's managing director.

Under the skin the new SUVs come with all the high-performance gubbins you would expect including, of course, Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system, fast-shifting, eight-speed Tiptronic transmission, self-locking centre diff, roll stabilisation, all-wheel steering and specially-tuned, adaptive sport air suspension with controlled damping, which has been tuned specifically for the RS and launch control for the more powerful performance version.

Other additional special features for the performance version include an entrance LED which projects the lettering "RS performance" on to the ground and a shift light indicator which changes the rpm display from green to yellow to red, flashing in a manner identical to that used in motorsports to indicate the optimal time to change gears.

Full UK specifications will be announced in July with first deliveries expected in the early autumn.