The internet has had a field day with automotive design, to say the least. Things started out on a bright note with the elegant and promising BMW Vision Alpina concept, launched at the Concorso d’Eleganza at Lake Como mid-last month. Then came the new four-door AMG GT, widely panned as too brutal, too ostentatious. And that was nothing against the Ferrari Luce, another five days later. Rarely has a car been subjected to such ridicule. Now there’s another European supercar – and this one, we predict, will leave the community a lot happier.
We are talking about the Audi Nuvolari, a mid-engined supercar that has progressed well beyond the prototype stage. In fact, what we are seeing now will be delivered from early next year. Audi will build exactly 499 units, sold from around 600,000 euros.
The Nuvolari radiates a classic mid-engine look, with four horizontally arranged lighting elements under one cover up front, mirrored by the rear light signature. It looks a bit like the Concept C, but lower and wider and far more aggressive
The side blade is finished in a contrasting color in the tradition of the classic R8. Instead of a rear window, there are metallic air intakes. And there’s a large central exhaust between the taillights, and the panel beneath them it is machined from a single piece of metal.
The Nuvolari’s size and proportions connect it both to the Audi R8 and the current Lamborghini lineup, and in fact it is technologically related to the Lamborghini Temerario. However, it is positioned well above the Temerario and far above the former Audi R8 – and Audi says there won’t be any derivatives or variants once the 499 units of the Nuvolari are delivered.
The Nuvolari will come in exactly one specification: It is a plug-in hybrid with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, complemented by three axial-flux E-motors. The power is channeled through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic, and the specs eclipse those of the Temerario: System output is a combined 1001 horsepower – not just more than the Lambo’s 920 hp but right on par with the classic Bugatti Veyron. Top speed exceeds 350 km/h (217 mph); acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes 2.6 seconds, 0 to 200 km/h (125 mph) a mere 6.8 seconds. The bodywork ist made entirely from carbon-fiber composite on an aluminum space frame.
The Nuvolari will be partially assembled at Lamborghini; differences include not just a higher power output but also a revised braking system and an Audi-exclusive technology called quattro predictive ride, which rapidly anticipates road conditions and driver input.
The car rides on Bridgestone Potenza Race tires measuring 255/35 ZR 20 at the front and 325/30 ZR 21 at the rear. Only one wheel design is offered, representing a compromise between maximum airflow and futuristic appearance. Color choices are almost limitless, extending to a finely woven, high-gloss carbon-fiber finish.
The interior, like the Concept C, expresses retro-futuristic themes, with a horizontal architecture, geometric forms, and a top-level combination of material quality and functionality. The personalization options are near limitless, including microfiber, suede and leather of every conceivable color.
What is the Nuvolari supposed to accomplish? It aims to make a statement of optimism and futuristic appeal – beyond Audi’s Formula One engagement and beyond the fully electric Concept C, launched last September to extremely positive reviews. The Nuvolari will hit the road before the Concept C comes close.
The project was conceived when a small group of designers and executives came together in late 2024 to discuss a halo-car project, defining “sportiness of the future.” An SUV was out of the question, but three proposals were discussed: a more affordable sports car intended for higher production volumes, a pure battery-electric supercar, and the ultimately selected concept, a V8 PHEV supercar.
The Nuvolari is named after Tazio Nuvolari (1892-1953), one of the greatest race drivers of all time – and late 1930s Auto Union driver. There is another concept car in Audi’s history named after him: The 2003 Audi Nuvolari, designed by Walter de’Silva as a predecessor of the A5. But there is no confusing that elegant coupe with today’s supercar.
Audi is clear that the Nuvolari is not a successor of the R8 (though they won’t rule out that such a car might come). This is despite the fact that just like the Nuvolari is based on the Temerario, the two generations of the R8 shared their platform with the Lamborghini Gallardo and Huracán.
The Audi Nuvolari emains a single-version V8 PHEV with a fixed top, and because it is intended to be a halo car for the entire Audi brand, the “Audi Sport” moniker won’t appear on the car – even though it is very much a baby of Audi’s performance division in Neckarsulm, where it will also partially be assembled.
