Dear lord, Audi is readying an RS Q7

Audi has confirmed to TopGear.com that a high performance version of the brand new Q7, revealed at the Detroit Motor Show earlier this year, is in the works.

When pushed whether this go-faster Q7 would earn the firm's RS badge, insiders confirmed to TG only that this fast Q7 would be built in the traditional ‘Audi style'. Which is industry-speak for 'probably, yes'.

So, the company's biggest, fattest SUV is about to get a whole lot faster thanks to some RS treatment. The brand new Q7 has lost a significant amount of blubber over its predecessor - some 325kg - so any RS version would make the most of that svelte new chassis.

There's no word on exactly what might power an RS Q7, but our man suggested a high performance TDI engine could make the final cut. "The question is what the better engine would be for a car like this," our insider said. "Would it be a diesel or an FSI [petrol]? Perhaps a diesel, but maybe not a V12 because it's too heavy."

Should the company opt for petrol power, however - to compete with BMW's own 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 in the X5M and AMG's monster 5.5-litre turbo V8 in the GL63 - then the twin-turbo unit doing excellent service in the RS6 would be plenty fast. In that car, it's good for 560bhp and a 0-62mph time of 3.9 seconds.

Expect a slightly lower ride height than the regular Q7, better suspension technology to cope with the added stress of hauling that power around safely, dynamic steering and a car that can behave itself around the Nürburgring. No, really.

"Every Audi is tested around the Nürburgring - every car, even the Q7 - but it's not scary. It will be great, a high performance Q7. We have the perfect solution for that sportive SUV," our man added.

So, we'll have to "wait some time' before we see the production RS Q7, but prepare yourself. It's happening.

Should Top Gear ever conduct the ultimate super-SUV triple test - 575bhp X5M vs 557bhp GL63 AMG vs RS Q7 - we'll give you plenty of advance warning. Y'know, so you can make it to your local earthquake shelter in good time...

Picture: Audi RS Q3 grille