Things have been quiet at German automaker Audi — until now with the reveal of the Nuvolari, which will be the brand’s fastest and most powerful model ever when it hits the road. However, the big question is: Will American’s get a chance to own one?
Audi’s new supercar, the Nuvolari, can hit 217 mph, but will it hit U.S. roads? Probably.
Maybe. Probably.
Audi’s first-ever supercar, the Nuvolari follows in the footsteps of many of its competitors with a hybrid powertrain. The new model puts out more than 985 net horsepower, including 800 hp from its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. The rest comes from three electric motors.
Coming to America
Before knowing the zero-to-60 mph time or what the cost is, it’s important to know if the car is actually coming to the U.S. — especially since Audi’s building just 499 model. It sounds like the answer is yes.
“The arrival of the Audi Nuvolari to the U.S. is subject to a future announcement and will vary from what is detailed in the global release below,” the company outlined separately in the release.
“Final market-specific information, including performance specifications, pricing and EPA-rated mileage/emissions figures for the Audi Nuvolari will be subject to a future announcement and may vary from the information provided in this press release.”
Need for speed
“With the Audi Nuvolari, we are accelerating technological progress,” said Gernot Döllner, chairman of the Board of Management of Audi AG, in a statement. “It shows what is possible when the focus is on technology, performance, and execution through teamwork — and when we achieve progress together.”
This will be the view most get of the Nuvolari with a zero-to-62 time of 2.6 seconds.
What’s possible is neck-snapping power, including a zero-to-62 mph sprint in 2.6 seconds and to about 125 mph in just under 7 seconds. “These figures are enabled by a range of innovations inspired by Formula 1, including the high-performance hybrid powertrain, quattro predictive ride, active aerodynamics, and the new Audi Space Frame (ASF) with carbon exterior,” the company noted.
The design exploits Audi’s new design philosophy, which melds the performance characteristics of a supercar, but works to develop a distinctive exterior that allows people who see it to essentially say, “Yes. That’s an Audi.” This means clean, tight surfaces, advanced technology integrated well, and intelligent dynamics.
The first views of the midengined beast feature that look and a signature color: Titanium. Get used to that hue as it will be the identifier for it and future high-performance models. The color was used previously on the Audi Concept C and Forumula 1 race cars.
MORE AUTO NEWS
- Putting the Latest SUVs to the Test in the Festival of Mud
- Dogfight Coming in Midsize Truck Market
- Lexus Scraps Plans for All-Electric LF-ZC Flagship
Behind the driver
The new model is powered by a 800-hp twin-turbo V8 and supplemented by three axial flux electric motors pushing the combined total to 987 net horsepower. Two oil-cooled axial flux electric motors at the front axle deliver up to 2,150 Nm of torque.
The cabin in the Nuvolari gives the driver the inputs they need and little more.
As an integral part of the quattro system, officials note, they support variable torque distribution. A third electric motor between the V8 midengine and the transmission completes the drive concept. The end result is a top speed of more than 217 mph.
All of this is tied to the brand’s iconic quattro drive, helping to increase control with better traction in the most difficult of driving conditions. The new system is designed to help the driver by using various data inputs to better help the driver manage any loss of grip or other issues that could slow them down.
Better control
All of that shows up with the development of four drive modes for the Nuvolari. They include:
- E-Hybridenables fully electric driving for urban and short-distance use.
- Balanced combines comfort, efficiency, and performance.
- Dynamic sharpens system response and enhances agility and precision.
- Dynamic+ focuses the powertrain entirely on an emotional driving experience.
For particularly demanding scenarios, vehicle dynamics can be further refined in Track Mode. This enables targeted adjustment of traction control to driving style and available grip. The settings range from Wet to Drive and from Race to Traction Control Off (TC Off) — allowing for the driver enjoy a controlled vehicle that can still be pushed to its limits.
Audi will build just 499 models of the Nuvolari. Pricing hasn’t been released.
“With the Audi Nuvolari, our entire team has once again demonstrated its technical expertise, innovative strength, and dedication,” said Rouven Mohr, CTO of Audi, in a release. “This is reflected not only in the vehicle’s performance and its Formula 1-inspired technologies, but also in the ability to transfer innovations quickly and precisely into a production vehicle.”
A driver’s environment
While the Nuvolari is filled with the latest technology, climbing into the cabin the driver will find a simple, focused space that provides them with what they need and little more. This approach prioritizes relevant information, while secondary content remains in the background, Audi notes. Digital displays and physical controls follow a consistent logic, enabling natural interaction.
Color accents in the HMI are a nod to the legendary Auto Union Type C race car, referencing the motorsport era of the 1930s, which was dominated by historic speed records.
This functional use of color 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 color scheme. In contrast, the rear section introduces a lighter tone, Shadow Dune.
0 Comments