Surprise! Audi Unveils Nuvolari Supercar

Audi’s latest supercar, the Nuvolari, marks a return to the brand’s racing heritage. Named after Tazio Nuvolari, a legendary Italian driver from the 1930s who raced for Auto Union, the car is Audi’s first new model since the R8’s production ended in 2022. The Nuvolari is not a revival of the R8 but instead a new nameplate tied to Audi’s motorsport history. It will go on sale before the company’s upcoming electric targa sports car, signaling a shift in strategy for the German automaker.

At the heart of the Nuvolari is a plug-in hybrid powertrain. A twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine, capable of revving to 10,000 rpm, works with three axial-flux electric motors to produce 987 horsepower. That figure matches the original Bugatti Veyron’s launch output in 2005. Audi’s statement notes the car shares the V8 with Lamborghini’s Temerario but adds “Audi-specific application” to its design and performance.

The Nuvolari’s power surpasses the Temerario by 80 horsepower. It claims the title of Audi’s most powerful production car, beating the RS e-tron GT Performance. Top speed exceeds 217 mph (350 km/h), and it accelerates to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 2.6 seconds. The car also features a 7.3 kWh battery, nearly double the capacity of the Temerario’s, enabling short electric-only drives before the V8 engages.

Engineering details highlight Audi’s focus on performance and heritage. The Nuvolari uses a space frame made of aluminum and carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer, a first for Audi. Forged center-lock wheels and carbon-ceramic brakes with ten-piston front calipers are also included. The active aerodynamics, inspired by Formula 1, include an adaptive rear wing with three settings: Closed, Low Downforce, and High Downforce.

Interior design nods to both modern technology and historical roots. The car combines physical controls with screens, using color accents reminiscent of Auto Union’s 1930s Type C race car. A Titanium paint finish, also seen on the Concept C, ties the Nuvolari to Audi’s upcoming electric targa model.

Audi plans to produce only 499 units of the Nuvolari, with deliveries starting in 2027. The car is part of a broader effort to revive the brand’s focus on high-quality materials and performance, with the Concept C expected to follow as a production model. This approach aims to influence future models in Audi’s A and Q series.

The Nuvolari is not Audi’s first tribute to Tazio Nuvolari. A 2003 concept car previewed the design language later used on the A5. In 2014, a special edition TT honored Nuvolari in Italy. Now, the new supercar continues this legacy while addressing a gap in Audi’s lineup with its sleek two-door silhouette.