1,001hp Audi Nuvolari revealed as brand’s V8 PHEV halo supercar

In a surprise announcement, Audi has pulled the covers off a new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) supercar dubbed the Nuvolari. Right off the bat, it’s important to clarify that the Nuvolari is not the successor to the beloved Audi R8. Instead, it’s a limited-run halo offering – just 499 units will be built, each retailing for 600,000 euros (Rs 6.64 crore).

1. Claims 0-100kph time of 2.6 seconds and over 350kph top speed
2. Active aero, braking, energy management systems derived from F1
3. Structure is almost entirely built from carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer
4. Driver-centric interior gets Alcantara and leather upholstery, aluminium trim

The Nuvolari is named after Italian racing driver Tazio Nuvolari, whom Ferdinand Porsche once called “the greatest driver of the past, present, and future”. Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Audi is using the Nuvolari name – it was last used for a V10-powered coupe concept car unveiled in 2003.

Audi Nuvolari powertrain and performance

First plug-in hybrid supercar from Audi

For the Nuvolari, Audi has used the same plug-in hybrid powertrain as that of the Lamborghini Temerario, combining an 800hp 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that can rev up to 10,000rpm, a trio of electric motors – two on the front axle, one in the gearbox – and a 7.3kWh battery pack. Total output is pegged at 1,001hp, routed to all four wheels via Audi’s famed Quattro AWD system and an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic.

The Nuvolari is claimed to have a 0-100kph time of 2.6 seconds, a 0-200kph time of 6.8 seconds and a top speed of over 350kph. Audi has also fitted the Nuvolari with F1-derived tech, particularly active aero – front air intakes and rear wing – as well as an energy management system, brake-by-wire tech and more.

Audi Nuvolari exterior design

Takes cues from the Audi Concept C, with a bit of R8 in the mix too

On the outside, the Nuvolari draws a lot of inspiration from the Audi Concept C that was unveiled in 2025, particularly the well-sculpted body lines, slim headlamps and tail-lamps with four pixel-like LED clusters, rectangular grille and ‘Titanium’ paint finish (also used for Audi’s F1 racer).

However, the Nuvolari also incorporates some cues from the R8, specifically the large air intakes under the headlamps and behind the doors, air exits underneath the tail-lamps, a tapering bonnet and muscular haunches. Other notable styling elements on the Nuvolari include a blacked-out bonnet duct, forged centre-lock alloy wheels, a rectangular engine bay with louvres, a high-set and wide exhaust and an aggressive diffuser.

The structure of the Nuvolari is almost entirely made from carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) in a bid to keep weight down and ensure high torsional rigidity, the latter of which is crucial for cornering performance.

Audi Nuvolari interior and features

Dual-cockpit layout thanks to the raised transmission tunnel

Inside, the Nuvolari sports a simple and driver-focused dashboard layout, upholstered primarily in Alcantara and leather. Ahead of the driver sits a chunky three-spoke steering wheel with an array of knobs and buttons, a pair of large paddleshifters and a digital driver’s display.

The centre console is an angled slab that includes a large infotainment touchscreen, the engine start/stop function, and toggles for the hazard lights and fuel filler cap, while the raised transmission tunnel (finished in Shadow Dune) divides the cabin into two zones and houses buttons for gear selection.

Lightweight sports seats are part of the package, and the Nuvolari’s interior also features anodised aluminium trim pieces and colour accents that pay tribute to Audi’s legendary Auto Union Type C racer from the 1930s.