As part of the product upgrade, the SQ8 TFSI now runs on the established 4.0 TFSI with 373 kW (507 PS) and 770 Nm of torque with fast- shifting eight-speed tiptronic and quattro permanent all-wheel drive. At low to medium loads and acceleration speeds the cylinder on demand system deactivates cylinders 2, 3, 5, and 8 in the upper gears. The switching process takes just milliseconds and goes virtually unnoticed by the driver. To achieve the sporty sound, there is an exhaust flap on each tailpipe that modulates the sound depending on load and rev speed.