Color Check: Ascari Blue and Neodym Gold Matte on New Audi RS Q8

In the context of the new and facelift RS Q8, Ascari Blue isn’t an Audi exclusive color. Nevertheless, getting a closer look at the color in the real world lighting of these new shots from Audi UK, as well as how it pairs with Neodym Gold Matte wheels from the RS Q8’s latest parts bin convinced us to run a gallery anyway.

First, let’s consider Ascari Blue. Like some other colors and shades at Audi (looking at you Nardo Grey), Ingolstadt quietly launched the paint color as a most definitely Audi exclusive offering. Our first memory of the color was being painted on a collection of Ascari Blue RS show cars from Audi Sport GmbH at a European Auto Show. It eventually filtered into standard color palettes at first for RS cars, but most recently on many, many more – the new A5, new A6 e-tron, SQ8 and more. Like Nardo Grey, it is a fantastic color, though one that likely suffers from its own success and subsequent ubiquity. It is no longer on the more exclusive side of Audi exclusive color offerings.

But yes, it’s still handsome. It also pairs interestingly with these new double Y-spoke 23-inch wheels finished in Nodym Gold Matte. For starters, the wheels aren’t far from the great-looking wheels seen on some of Audi’s more recent concept cars, while also seeming to harken both the brand’s 6-spoke Avus heritage, and also perhaps the split spoke look of wheels made most famous on the B7 RS 4. Whatever the inspiration, some or all of the above, the wheels look great… especially in a subtle gold matte.

Granted, the blue and gold motif in the context of the United Kingdom does have echos of Subaru Rally’s 555 era with Colin McRae, but for a car nerd reference at that depth we’re guessing the same critic will appreciate Audi’s own first player position as early all-wheel drive proponent and world rally champion in its own right… though maybe more Mouton than McRae.

Back to the RS Q8, we’ve added it here for color check purposes. If you like Ascari, then you probably don’t mind seeing how it pairs with gold. And if you’re interested in the new RS Q8, then you probably appreciate seeing some of the first real-world shots of the car thanks to our friends at Audi UK.