In a surprise announcement, Audi has pulled the covers off a new plug-in hybrid 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 – that incorporates some of Audi's F1 technologies.
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 either – it was last used for a V10-powered coupe concept car unveiled in 2003.
Audi Nuvolari powertrain and performance
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, which is routed to all four wheels via Audi's famed quattro AWD system and an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic.
The Nuvolari is claimed to dispatch the 0-100kph sprint in 2.6 seconds and 0-200kph in 6.8 seconds, stretching onwards to 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), the energy management system, brake-by-wire tech, and more.
Audi Nuvolari exterior design
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 bears a couple of nods to the R8 too, 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 carbonfibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) in a bid to keep weight down and ensure high torsional rigidity, which is crucial for cornering performance.
Uday Singh
Dhruv Dhaka
Glenn Noronha
