New Audi Nuvolari Arrives as 987bhp R8 Successor

The output from the twin-turbocharged powerplant is identical, with 789bhp and 538lb-ft (730Nm) of torque heading to the rear wheels. The engine is augmented by a trio of axial flux electric motors with one found between the block and gearbox, and two on the front axle. This set-up grants the Nuvolari Audi’s signature all-wheel drive, torque-filling when changing gears, and LSD-like torque vectoring at the nose. The motors draw their power from a 7.3kWh capacity battery mounted within the spine of the car – enough to allow for short electric-only journeys, but its main hybrid system’s main purpose is to maximise performance.

As in the Temerario, each electric motor can deliver up to 148bhp independently, but Audi has loosened the shackles when working in unison to liberate an extra 80bhp. As a result, total system output stands at 987bhp, propelling the car from rest to 62mph in 2.6 seconds, and 124mph in 6.8 seconds. With its top speed in excess of 217mph, the Nuvolari becomes not only the most powerful road legal Audi to date, but also the quickest accelerating and the fastest in a straight line.

Mechanical grip comes courtesy of adaptive suspension and Bridgestone Potenza tyres measuring 255/35 R20 and 325/30 R21 at the front and rear respectively. This is augmented by up to 400kg of aerodynamic downforce produced by a unique front splitter, rear diffuser, and active rear wing.

Carbon ceramic brakes are housed within the forged centre-locking wheels, and use a long-fibre construction to cope with high deceleration loads. At the front axle, 420x40mm discs are gripped by ten-piston callipers, while 410x32mm discs and four-piston callipers feature at the rear. A brake-by-wire system is used to blend friction and regenerative retardation while maintaining a consistent pedal feel.

Coordinating the drivetrain, chassis and aerodynamics is the new Quattro Predictive Ride system using software to precisely control the chassis hardware. Taking steering angle, acceleration, yaw rate, grip levels and power demands into account, the system can react in real time and make adjustments to the powertrain, stability control, brakes and active aerodynamic elements. The system can even anticipate a loss of grip when cornering, and act to mitigate this ahead of time.

Styling-wise, the Nuvolari carries the same design philosophy as the Concept C with clean surfaces and functional details. The narrow front grille allows air to flow through an S-duct and exit ahead of the windscreen, while the outer portions of the bumper contain channels to help cool the brakes. The cabin taper inwards at the rear, appearing to be swallowed by the R8-style side blades, and the large upper inlets that give the car broad shoulders.

Side sills emphasise the car’s width further, and cut a line through the rear wheel arch that leads to an exposed carbon fibre rear bumper. Above the rear diffuser, a series of outlets work in conjunction with the louvred engine cover to aid powertrain cooling further, and provide a home for the high-level exhaust. This is flanked by four-segment tail lights, mirroring the design seen at the front.

The active rear wing sits flush when not required, and in an effort to maximise aerodynamic efficiency, the solid metal four-rings logo is embedded within the aerofoil itself. Titanium paint covers many of the Nuvolari’s CFRP panels, but a full suite of colours – and an exposed carbon finish – will be available to order.

The clean yet functional design ethos is applied inside, with gently curved surfaces forming the two-seat cabin. A brand new steering wheel sits ahead of the driver with an alcantara rim and quick-select dials to adjust the driving modes, traction control and active rear wing settings. Interestingly, the paddle shifters are mounted on the steering column rather than the wheel itself.

Physical switchgear made from anodised aluminium features throughout the interior, as does a mixture of leather and microfibre upholstery in two tones. Sections closer to the windscreen carry a dark shade, while the carbon-framed seats and armrests are presented in Shadow Dune on the launch car. The dashboard plays host to a digital driver’s display and portrait infotainment touchscreen that stretches down to the centre console, allowing mobile phones to be stored and charged behind. 

Audi’s new flagship model sees a return to the supercar market after the R8 bowed out in early 2024. Only 499 examples of the Nuvolari will be built, with each commanding a price tag of £500,000. Order books will open in the last quarter of this year, with customer deliveries set to begin in the first half of 2027.