Attitude before taste? This is ABT’s 700bhp RSQ8

The Audi RSQ8 is effectively an RS6, only taller, heavier and less pleasant to look at. Which means that like the RS6, ABT is more than happy to turn its 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 up a notch.

Or two. With the German tuner’s engine control module the RSQ8 produces 690bhp and 649lb ft of torque – increases of 98bhp and 59lb ft over the Very Not Slow standard car, which can already do 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds despite a kerbweight on par with Windsor Castle’s.

Besides the engine upgrade, ABT will also equip your RSQ8 with something called ‘Level Control’, which decreases its ride height by 25mm in Comfort mode and 15mm in Dynamic mode. There’s also something called ‘Coffee Mode’, which lowers the RSQ8 by 65mm from standard, presumably to make a) it look better and b) getting in and out (while holding the hot caffeinated beverage of your choice) that bit easier.

At least ABT has resisted the temptation to fit massive spoilers, skirts and wheels. Indeed, its aesthetic modifications are mercifully subtle. Not that the RSQ8 is particularly subtle to begin with, of course.

Does this thing take your fancy? Or would you stick with the RS6 instead? We know what we’d do.