Audi has introduced a new flagship called the Nuvolari. The name comes from Tazio Nuvolari, the racing driver who competed for Auto Union years before the company evolved into Audi.
Only 499 examples are planned, with the company saying that deliveries are scheduled to begin during the first half of 2027. Audi also states the vehicle shown today is not a styling exercise. According to the information released, this is a pre-production prototype rather than a concept car.
Beneath the bodywork sits a hybrid system built around a mid-mounted 4.0-liter biturbo V8. Three axial-flux electric motors form part of the package, together with a 7.3 kWh lithium-ion battery. Audi points toward the Lamborghini Temerario when discussing the underlying mechanical ingredients.
Numbers tell much of the story.
Total output reaches 736 kW, listed as 1,001 ps, equivalent to 987 horsepower. The gasoline engine produces 730 Nm, or 538 lb-ft. The pair of electric motors located at the front axle contributes 2,150 Nm, or 1,585 lb-ft. An all-wheel-drive quattro system handles power distribution.
Audi quotes a 0-62 mph, or 100 kph, run of 2.6 seconds. The top speed figure exceeds 217 mph, which translates to 350 kph.
The company links several technologies to its Formula 1 program. Rouven Mohr, Audi CTO, said: “With the Audi Nuvolari, our entire team has once again demonstrated its technical expertise, innovative strength, and dedication.”
He added: “This is reflected not only in the vehicle’s performance and its Formula 1-inspired technologies, but also in the ability to transfer innovations quickly and precisely into a production vehicle.”
One of those systems is called quattro predictive ride. Audi explains that the technology continuously evaluates vehicle behavior and identifies situations where cornering grip might drop. Torque allocation then changes according to available traction, both lengthwise and side-to-side.
Aerodynamics played a major role in development. Audi Formula 1 drivers supplied feedback during the engineering phase. The Nuvolari receives a DRS function operated through a dedicated steering-wheel control. Activating the feature lowers drag and supports higher speeds.
The structure combines Space Frame technology with a carbon exterior. Audi says Formula 1 know-how shaped the development of every carbon-fiber component used on the car.
The interior follows a different philosophy. Instead of filling the cabin with layers of controls, Audi concentrated key functions directly within the driver’s view.
Visually, the Nuvolari adopts proportions associated with a mid-engine layout. The launch vehicle wears Audi’s Titanium finish, a color already used on the brand’s Formula 1 machines.
Audi has not released pricing information. Details regarding U.S. market availability also remain unannounced. For now, the Nuvolari enters the spotlight as the strongest production model Audi has ever created.
Audi Nuvolari – Photo Gallery
