Audi Shocks With New Nuvolari SupercarAudi (Audi)The Audi supercar is back at last, but it's not in the form of a new R8. Instead, say hello to the all-new Audi Nuvolari.Named after the famous and fearless Italian race car driver Tazio Nuvolari, this Audi, predictably, has a lot of Italy in it. We'll require a deeper dive than Audi is providing for this initial look to get all the details, but the Nuvolari sounds a whole lot like the Audi version of the Lamborghini Temerario. As history shows, there's nothing wrong with that; after all, the outstanding R8s were, in many ways, the Audi version of the Lamborghini Huracan and Gallardo.Audi (Audi)Specs are relatively scarce so far, but several of the important ones are present. A 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 sits in the middle, and it's aided by three axial flux electric motors. Two of those motors sit on the front axle, while the third is integrated with the transmission. Audi did not specify a transmission, but we suspect it's the same as the Temerario's eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.AdvertisementAdvertisementCombined output is a towering 987 horsepower, with 800 of those coming solely from the V-8. Lamborghini faithful will likely notice that 987 is 80 more ponies than the Temerario is rated for; that said, the internal combustion section of the Audi only has 11 horsepower more than the Lambo, and the three electric motors all have the same 148 horsepower as the Temerario, so we'll need some additional explanation on the combined output math there. Total torque isn't listed, but the engine can serve up 538 pound-feet, which is identical to the Temerario. Another commonality between the two is the stratospheric 10,000 rpm redline.Audi (Audi)Audi claims a 0-62 mph time of 2.6 seconds, and 0-124 mph in just 6.8 seconds; top speed sits at 217 mph. Audi credits "a range of innovations inspired by Formula 1" for these performance stats and more. The manufacturer's participation in Formula 1 helped it develop the "high-performance hybrid powertrain, quattro predictive ride, active aerodynamics, and the new Audi Space Frame with carbon exterior."Just like the Temerario, the electric motors are key to the Nuvolari's handling prowess. Audi calls this AWD system "Quattro predictive ride." The electric motors up front enable torque vectoring to assist cornering and stability and also assist heavily in braking with brake recuperation. Fully electric driving is possible thanks to a small 7.3-kilowatt-hour battery pack, which is notably larger than the Temerario's 3.8 kWh pack.The braking system uses a brake-by-wire approach and debuts a new Audi Ceramic Pro setup. Audi doesn't specify exactly, but it sounds like it's using CCM-R brake discs with "long-fiber carbon structure," a technology derived from Formula 1 brakes you can read all about here. These are paired with 10-piston front calipers and four-piston rears.Audi (Audi)A new Audi Space Frame makes up the car's structure, and while Audi doesn't have much to say about that, it is very proud of the Nuvolari's carbon exterior. "Almost all" exterior components are manufactured from CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced polymer), which is a first for Audi. Formula 1 manufacturing techniques like prepreg autoclave technology is being used to produce the body parts.AdvertisementAdvertisementAudi is introducing a new design language with this supercar, one that emphasizes "taut surfaces" and presents as a "monolithic volume." What it really looks like is a supercar interpretation of the design previewed on the Concept C. It's a complete 180 versus the other Audis on sale today; every line is straight, or near to it, with rectangular and squared-off motifs being found all over, giving it a brutalist minimalism unlike any other supercar currently in showrooms. Many of the details stand out, as well, such as the S-duct in the front hood and the single wide exhaust exit mounted high on the rear end. The lights both front and rear are pared down to just four individual glowing dashes, which seems quite fitting for the overall design.Audi (Audi)The car is painted in Titanium—a new color you might remember from the Audi Concept C, but that can also be found on the brand's F1 car. Yes, it's a silvery-gray, but Audi believes it to be the best shade to highlight the car's lines and interact with the carbon elements. The wheels are the first example of a forged centerlock design on a car with the four rings.Active aero plays a big role in the car's performance, with the key piece being a rear wing that adapts to the situation; it can be fully closed for minimum drag, but goes into a "High Downforce" mode under braking and in corners before shifting to "Low Downforce" mode on the straights. There's even a DRS button on the steering wheel you can hold to manually fully close the wing on straights, for maximum top speed. When in High Downforce mode, Audi claims the wing produces up to 882 pounds of pressure. Also helping keep the Nuvolari glued is a front splitter, a rear diffuser, and vented front end S-duct that both produces downforce and helps cool the powertrain. Audi says its current Formula 1 drivers "provided targeted feedback during the development phase" that helped shape the final aero package.Audi (Audi)The interior aims to keep its focus on the driver. Audi divides the space into two zones, with the front section being darker to reduce distraction and the rear finished in Shadow Dune to give it some contrast. Seats are made out of carbon fiber, while anodized aluminum is used judiciously throughout for elements like the air vents, controls and central display frame. The color accents used in the screen itself are meant to be a callback to the Auto Union Type C.AdvertisementAdvertisementAudi says it made sure to concentrate all controls within easy reach of the driver. There are only a few physical buttons present in the center stack, and a vertical touchscreen sits at an angle between the center console and dash. A simple steering wheel houses a few knobs, while enormous paddle shifters mounted to the column have a dramatic flare. The cluster itself is shrouded on both sides, giving it a rather driver-oriented feel. Audi doesn't let us see much of the inside yet, but elements like the giant structure-like door pull sure do look promising.If there's a sad part of this announcement, it's that Audi is limiting production of the Nuvolari to only 499 examples. The car you're looking at today is a pre-production prototype, and while Audi says it "was developed in a remarkably short time through close international collaboration," that's the closest we'll get to Audi explicitly calling out Lamborghini as technical partners. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the first half of 2027; Audi didn't mention a price in the official release, but according to other members of the media in attendance at its unveil, it'll run you at least £500,000 ($672,000 USD at current exchange rates). And if you're in Monaco this weekend for the Grand Prix, you just might see it lap the course.You Might Also LikeIf You Can Only Own One Car, Make It One of TheseThese Are the Most Popular Cars by State
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