Audi unveils hybrid super sports car Nuvolari

Back in 2003, Audi unveiled the Nuvolari quattro concept study at the Geneva Motor Show. The occasion marked the 50th anniversary of the death of Italian racing driver Tazio Nuvolari, one of the most influential figures in motorsport history. Now, the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer is launching a limited-edition super sports car that revives this iconic name.

The Nuvolari is set to become the first production model to embody Audi’s new design philosophy. Its proportions are defined by a mid-engine layout, which Audi describes as featuring a ‘monolithic volume, a powerful stance, and a strong presence.’

The exterior is finished in the brand’s new signature colour, Titanium, which is also used for the Audi Concept C and the brand’s upcoming Formula 1 racing car.

In September 2025, Audi introduced the Concept C, a design study closely related to the newly unveiled Nuvolari—although it is fully battery-electric.

Visually, the Nuvolari is so reminiscent of classic super sports cars that it could easily be mistaken for a Lamborghini at first glance.

Hybrid powertrain with three electric motors

That is no coincidence. Speaking to Auto Motor und Sport, development board member Rouven Mohr admits: “The hardware comes from the Lamborghini Temerario.”

Unlike the Concept C, the Audi Nuvolari is powered by a high-performance hybrid powertrain with a maximum system output of 736 kW. The drivetrain combines a four-litre V8 biturbo engine with three axial-flux electric motors.

The internal combustion engine delivers 588 kW and a maximum torque of 730 Nm, according to Audi. The three electric motors each provide 110 kW. Two of these, which together generate 2,150 Nm of torque, are located at the front axle and enable variable power distribution. A third electric motor is integrated between the V8 mid-engine and the transmission. The required energy is supplied by a battery with a gross capacity of 7.3 kWh.

From a standstill, the Nuvolari is expected to accelerate to 100 km/h in 2.6 seconds, with 200 km/h reached in 6.8 seconds. Audi states a top speed of over 350 km/h.

According to the manufacturer, the Nuvolari will be the fastest and most powerful production vehicle in the brand’s history. However, Audi notes that these performance figures are only achievable under specific conditions, including a battery temperature above 28°C and a state of charge above 80%.

The new quattro drivetrain is designed to process the current driving state using a high-precision vehicle dynamics model. Based on detailed sensor data, acceleration, steering angle, yaw rate, and current grip levels are continuously fed into the system control.

Audi’s drivetrain also distributes torque precisely in both longitudinal and lateral directions. The two electric motors at the front axle enable variable electric torque vectoring, which the company claims enhances agile cornering and stability at high speeds.

In addition to predictive system control, drivers can choose between four driving modes. Audi offers an E-Hybrid mode that enables fully electric driving in urban areas and over short distances.

The manufacturer has not provided further details, but given the gross battery capacity of 7.3 kWh, the electric driving range is likely to be limited. The Balanced mode combines comfort, efficiency, and performance for everyday use.

For a sportier experience, a Dynamic mode is available, while Dynamic+ focuses on a more emotional driving experience. For particularly demanding scenarios, Track mode allows further customisation of the driving dynamics, enabling adjustments to traction control based on driving style and grip level.

Energy management is also closely linked to driving dynamics. Audi states that boost and recuperation strategies are continuously aligned with torque distribution.

At the front axle, electric deceleration handles a significant portion of the braking work, depending on the driving situation, while at the rear axle, overrun, part-load, and traction control phases are used for recuperation.

Under suitable conditions, Audi claims that purely electric deceleration of up to 0.3 g is possible. The hydraulic braking system is only engaged at higher deceleration demands or when approaching the limits of driving dynamics.

“With the Audi Nuvolari, our entire team has once again demonstrated its technical expertise, innovative strength, and dedication,” says Audi CTO Rouven Mohr. “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.”

The first vehicles are expected to be delivered in the first half of 2027. Audi has not yet disclosed a price for the high-performance hybrid, which will be limited to 499 units.

audi-mediacenter.com, auto-motor-und-sport.de (in German)