Audi’s Nuvolari Supercar Is Its Most Powerful Production Model Yet

Within the last 12 months or so, Audi has put its foot down decisively on the throttle when it comes to a public display of its rich legacy of innovation and performance. Within that timeframe, the marque has revealed a future-forward design language with its all-electric Concept C sports car, it entered a factory team for the 2026 Formula 1 season, and, today, Audi unveiled what it touts as “the fastest and most powerful production vehicle in the brand’s history”—the 987 hp Audi Nuvolari hybrid supercar.

Last year, as part of our Best of the Best automotive coverage, we opined that hybridization should be the area of power-train focus, stating; “What was once perceived as a temporary fix may, however, prove to be the golden mean.” In the same essay, we quoted Jonathan Hall, head of research and advanced engineering at U.K.-based consulting group Mahle Powertrain, who noted; “When extreme performance is needed, then hybrids provide a more compelling answer.” Audi is obviously on the same page, at least for the Nuvolari.

According to the official press release, the Nuvolari pairs a 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V-8—delivering 800 hp and 538.4 ft lbs of torque—with a trio of 147.5 hp (110 kW) axial flux electric motors. Two of the latter are located at the front axle and generate a total of 1,585.7 ft lbs of torque, while the remaining one is set between the eight-cylinder mill and the transmission. Juice comes from a 7.3 kWh lithium-ion battery. As for some of the key performance specs that result from this configuration, the zero-to-62 mph time is cited as 2.6 seconds, and the top speed is claimed to be greater than 217 mph—for a production Audi! (Interestingly, the 912 hp Audi RS e-tron GT Performance—a 2026 Robb Report Car of the Year contender—is limited to 155 mph.)

As for the drive experience, we have no idea yet what that’s like as the cover has just been lifted, but the Nuvolari has four primary drive modes that comprise E-Hybrid (the all-electric mode), Balanced (as the name suggests, it optimizes both the pairing of the ICE power plant and electric motors), Dynamic (delivering more athleticism), and Dynamic+ (even more athleticism and visceral engagement). In addition, there is a Track Mode which can be fine-tuned for wet or dry conditions, as well a race optimization and the ability to turn the traction control off.

The press release also mentions that the Nuvolari debuts Audi’s combined use of its space-frame chassis with a carbon body. Another premiere for Audi, at least on its production models, is the use of forged center-lock wheels.

As for the body style, it’s defined by active aero that has been inspired by elements found on Audi’s Formula 1 cars. This is most noticeable with the multi-positional rear wing, able to disappear completely, or elevate for either low or high downforce as required. While it’s designed to work on its own, the rear wing can also be put in a manual mode, with the driver selecting its position at will with the turn of a dial. And when it’s time to explore the car’s straight-line prowess, there’s a Drag Reduction System that can be brought into play.

Also key to this supercar’s handling is the brake-by-wire setup that, per Audi’s press release, offers “precise interaction between hydraulic braking and electric deceleration.” At the front, the Nuvolari relies on 10-piston fixed-caliper carbon brakes, while at the back it has a four-piston-caliper setup. And Audi claims that enhanced brake-cooling measures present a 21 percent improvement “compared with conventional carbon-ceramic systems.”

When it comes to the interior, there’s not a lot to go on at this point, other than it features a minimalist aesthetic, bolstered by carbon-fiber-supported seats. But from what we can see so far, dash controls will be more screen-driven than analog.

See Also

Ferrari Debuts Interior of Its All-Electric Luce. Here’s What to Know.

Named after last century’s Italian racer Tazio Nuvolari, Audi’s supercar is a declaration of intent to once again wow the market with the same automotive tour de force the four-rings marque was synonymous with early on. Its great hybrid hope, limited to 499 examples, is expected to be available by the middle of next year.

Click here for more photos of the Audi Nuvolari supercar.