"Audi has announced the Nuvolari, a hybrid supercar... claimed to be the brand's fastest and most powerful production model."
Overview
Audi has officially unveiled the Nuvolari, a hybrid supercar named in honor of Italian racing legend Tazio Nuvolari. Limited to just 499 units globally, this model marks a new benchmark for the brand in terms of both speed and power.
Powertrain
At the heart of the Nuvolari is a 4.0L bi-turbo V8 engine producing 588kW and 730Nm, which is paired with three axial flux electric motors (each contributing 110kW). This combination yields a total system output of 736kW (1,001PS).
- Performance: 0–100 km/h in 2.6 seconds; 0–200 km/h in 6.8 seconds; top speed >350 km/h.
- Battery: A 7.3 kWh lithium-ion unit powers the hybrid system.
- Origin: The drivetrain is derived from the Lamborghini Temerario.
Technology
The Nuvolari features a "quattro predictive ride system" that uses sensor data—including steering angle, acceleration, yaw rate, and grip—to manage variable torque distribution in real-time.
- Drive Modes: Options include E-Hybrid, Balanced, Dynamic, Dynamic+, and Track Mode, with traction control settings ranging from Wet to TC Off.
- Active Aerodynamics: A deployable rear wing offers Closed, Low Downforce, and High Downforce settings. It also includes an F1-inspired DRS system activated via a steering wheel button. Downforce exceeds 400 kg in high-downforce mode.
- Braking System: The vehicle uses a brake-by-wire system with regenerative braking (capable of up to 0.3g deceleration). It is equipped with Audi Ceramic Pro brakes featuring ten-piston front calipers (420x40 mm discs) and four-piston rear calipers (410x32 mm discs), with an energy absorption capacity of up to 2.8 MW.
- Regenerative Braking: Electric deceleration reaches up to 0.3g, supported by adaptive coasting and recuperation modes.
Design and Construction
The Nuvolari is built with a carbon-fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) exterior mounted on an Audi Space Frame. It rides on forged centre-lock wheels—a first for a production Audi.
The interior adopts a minimalist, driver-focused design. Color accents are inspired by the legendary Auto Union Type C, and carbon-fibre seats are used to reduce weight.
Efficiency and Emissions (Preliminary, European Market)
- With battery above 80% charge: Combined fuel consumption of 11.3 L/100 km; CO₂ emissions of 270 g/km.
- With battery discharged: Combined fuel consumption of 14.7 L/100 km.
Production and Availability
- Production is strictly capped at 499 units worldwide.
- Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the first half of 2027.
- Audi Australia has been contacted regarding potential local availability.
Background
The Nuvolari is widely considered the spiritual successor to the Audi R8, which ended production in 2024. The R8 previously shared platforms and engines with the Lamborghini Gallardo and Huracan.
Notably, the Nuvolari's V8 hybrid system produces more power than the Lamborghini Temerario (667 kW), breaking a long-standing tradition where Audi models offered less power than their Lamborghini counterparts.