Audi Introduces A New Hybrid Supercar: The Nuvolari
With the all-new Nuvolari (named for the legendary motor racing driver of yesteryear), German premium car maker Audi is unveiling its first supercar with a high-performance hybrid power-train, further accelerating technological progress. You can still see shades of the fabulous R8 sports car in the sleek design. With 987BHP (1,001PS / 736kW) and a top speed of more than 217MPH (349KPH), the Nuvolari is set to become the most powerful and the fastest production vehicle in the history of the famous four-ringed brand. Deliveries of this remarkable supercar at the time of writing will be limited to 499 units beginning in the first half of 2027.
The prestige Audi Nuvolari accelerates from 0-62MPH (100KPH) in a blistering 2.6 seconds and reaches twice that in 6.8 seconds. These figures, we learn, are enabled by a range of innovations inspired by Formula 1, including the high-performance hybrid power-train, quattro predictive all-wheel-drive ride, active aerodynamics and the new Audi Space Frame chassis with carbon exterior. This car is all about technological progress, focussing on technology and performance.
High Performance Power-Train
The Audi Nuvolari is powered by a mid-mounted hybrid high-performance power-train combining a 4.0 litre V8 bi-turbo. engine delivering 789BHP (800PS / 736kW) with three axial flux electric motors, each producing 110 kW. The lithium-ion battery has a gross capacity of 7.3 kWh. The combustion engine delivers a maximum torque of 730 Nm and reaches up to 10,000 rpm; this being a rev range previously reserved for motor-sport cars.
Two oil-cooled axial flux electric motors at the front axle deliver up to 2,150 Nm of torque. As an integral part of the quattro system, they support variable torque distribution. A third electric motor between the V8 mid-engine and the transmission plus the benefit of very high-performance braking completes the drive concept. Forged centre-lock wheels are also making their debut in Audi’s production portfolio.
Quattro Predictive Ride
The quattro drive is famously one of Audi’s defining innovations and stands for traction, control and driving dynamics in all conditions. In this this brilliant new supercar Audi have further developed this principle, defining the next generation of all-wheel-drive with the quattro predictive ride.
The system processes the current driving state based on a highly precise vehicle state model. Detailed sensor data, including steering angle, acceleration, yaw rate (rotation of the vehicle around its vertical axis, which determines steering response in corners), and current grip level, continuously feed into the control system. If the data anticipates a potential loss of grip in a corner, it responds proactively as an integrated system. The drive units distribute torque precisely in both longitudinal and lateral directions. The brakes stabilise the vehicle through targeted interventions and reduce slip. The aerodynamics adjust downforce according to the situation. The electric motors at the front are a key element of the predictive dynamics system, enabling variable torque vectoring for agile cornering and stability at high speeds.
Inspired By Formula 1
It’s always interesting how technology trickles down from the F1 race series. Thanks to that track-side development Audi uses active aerodynamics in the Nuvolari to purposefully combine performance and efficiency. The system adjusts downforce, drag and aerodynamic balance in response to driving conditions, thus ensuring maximum stability and precise vehicle control. Each exterior element serves a clearly defined aerodynamic function, from the front splitter to the rear diffuser. Audi’s Formula 1 drivers provided targeted feedback during the development phase to fine-tune aerodynamic performance, it seems.
More on this: Front air intakes ensure effective brake cooling as well as efficient thermal management of the combustion engine and hybrid components. A vented front end, known as an S-duct, improves aerodynamic efficiency at the front axle, delivering additional downforce, reducing lift at high speeds, and improving cooling of the power-train. The central element of the active aerodynamic system is the deployable adaptive rear wing. It controls downforce and drag across three configurations: ‘Closed’, ‘Low Downforce’, and ‘High Downforce’. In the ‘Closed’ position, the rear wing is retracted to minimise drag and improve efficiency. In the other configurations, different levels of downforce are generated depending on driving dynamics and the selected driving mode. In performance-oriented modes like ‘Dynamic’, ‘Dynamic+’ and ‘Track’, the rear wing operates fully automatically. The aerodynamics concept has been refined down to the smallest detail, including the solid-metal Audi rings integrated flush into the deployable rear wing and forms the basis for high cornering speeds and fast lap times on the racetrack.
A Premium Interior
The interior of the Audi Nuvolari is as would be expected from this prestige manufacturer and then some: The interior is fully focused on the act of driving. A reduced architecture concentrates all controls on essential functions and positions them directly within the driver’s field of view, including key elements of the human-machine interface (HMI). This driver-centric approach prioritises relevant information, while secondary content remains in the background. Digital displays and physical controls follow a consistent logic, enabling natural interaction.
Colour accents in the HMI are a nod to the legendary Auto Union ‘Type C’ race car, referencing the motor sport era of the 1930s, which was dominated by historic speed records. This functional use of colour is continued in the overall interior concept, dividing the cabin into two zones. The front section is finished in a deep, dark tone, designed to support concentration. Surfaces, materials and accents are consistently aligned with this dark colour scheme. In contrast, the rear section introduces a lighter tone.
Precision and craftsmanship define the entire interior, from controls and air vents to the frame of the central display, crafted from anodised aluminium. Lightweight seats complement the driver-oriented interior concept. The carbon fibre structure in the seat base and backrest reduces weight while providing high rigidity and precise lateral support. The ergonomic design promotes a natural seating position and enables direct feedback from both vehicle and road.
An Astonishing Exterior
The vehicle architecture of the supercar is consistently designed for lightweight construction and high torsional rigidity. To achieve this, the premium German brand combines proven Audi ‘Space Frame’ technology with a carbon exterior; a first for the company. This ‘Space Frame’ combines low weight with high structural strength, forming the basis for precise handling and controlled high performance. Almost all exterior components are made from carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP).
All carbon fibre components of the Nuvolari have been developed using Formula 1 expertise, apparently. A key element is something called ‘prepreg autoclave technology’, wherein which pre-impregnated carbon fibres are shaped and then cured under high pressure and temperature, ensuring maximum structural performance with minimal weight. The carbon elements are produced in precise, manual lay-up processes that require a high level of experience, care and craftsmanship; always an Audi positive attribute. The quality of execution is crucial for both the structural integrity and the visual appearance of the components. In short, they’ve got this right first time.
The company say that this manufacturing process enables highly complex geometries. Using CFRP, components can be designed consistently for function; from complex door panel structures to precisely aligned vertical frame elements that guide airflow through the concealed S-duct. In areas exposed to particularly high temperatures, the Nuvolari uses specifically tuned heat-resistant materials that combine functional performance with distinctive visual accents.
MHH International With Audi
The limited production Audi Nuvolari stands for uncompromising performance and absolute focus. The pre-production prototype was developed in a remarkably short time through close international collaboration and is as you see it in our images. The much-lamented Audi R8, particularly in V12 guise, was and remains a great car. This successor will surpass that model in all departments. We’ll no doubt here much more about this car in the near future.
In the meantime, there are many other models in the wide Audi range and include cars for every situation and preference. You can see the MHH International current stock on these pages of our new website. Please get in touch to find out about our export service for new and used cars from the UK to destinations around the world, including New Zealand and Kenya; twenty-seven countries in all are served. Find out too about VAT-free options and finance opportunities.
