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July 22, 2025 – The Audi Nuvolari prototype, a $700,000 plug-in hybrid supercar that signals a radical design shift for the brand, has been revealed in a first ride and drive session near Carmel, California. With 987 horsepower, a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 borrowed from the Lamborghini Temerario, and an all-new styling language called Radical Next, the Nuvolari is set to launch in limited numbers starting in 2027 for Europe, with U.S. deliveries beginning in early 2028. Only 200 units are allocated to the American market, plus roughly 100 for the Middle East and Asia (excluding China).
The Nuvolari’s exterior is a bold departure from the sharp, stretched lines of typical supercars. Instead, the body appears as a single, solid ingot, with uninterrupted panels and balanced proportions that make it look almost like a digital rendering in photos. In person, however, the detailing is breathtaking. The active rear wing integrates a stunning aluminum four-rings logo, while the entire rear end is finished in fine anodized aluminum with a heat-exhausting grate that feels both functional and elegant. The front grille, a billet aluminum piece, adjusts each row of louvers to a different angle to guide air into an S-duct for downforce – a piece of industrial design that rivals any current production car. Audi confirms the production version will retain the same design, though the grille will switch from billet to a cast aluminum component, and front side-marker lights will be added.
The interior marks a welcome return to Audi’s tactile, minimalist philosophy. Physical controls dominate, eschewing the trend of multiple screens. Metal elements are real metal, beautifully rendered. The cabin air vents are black-anodized aluminum with precisely cut slits that produce a satisfying ring when touched. The airflow control levers are a highlight: they require smooth, consistent force through most of their travel, then build resistance near the end before clicking into place with a satisfying feel. It’s a level of tactility that is rare in modern cars, and Audi promises this standard will cascade into future models under the Radical Next design language.
Under the skin, the Nuvolari shares its underlying architecture with the Lamborghini Temerario, but Audi adds a larger 7.3 kWh battery and three electric motors to boost total output to 987 horsepower – 80 more than the Lamborghini. The twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 revs to 10,000 rpm, producing 789 hp on its own. The combined system is not yet certified for U.S. markets, so final numbers may shift slightly. During the brief drive, the car idled with a deep rumble even in hybrid mode, but public roads in a wildlife sanctuary prevented any serious acceleration. A full dynamic assessment will require a dedicated track session.
Visibility is surprisingly good except for the rear, which lacks a view entirely. The prototype had a useless mirror, but the production version will replace it with a mirror-sized screen connected to a rear camera. The manual carbon-fiber seats are thin but comfortable, and getting in and out is far easier than in most supercars – no awkward contortions required.
The Nuvolari also serves as the flagship for Audi’s Radical Next design language, which will first appear in the production version of the Concept C electric sports coupe next year, then hit a high-volume model by 2028. CEO Gernot Döllner hinted that there is room in the lineup for a potential R8 successor, though it is not yet in development. Industry observers note that this focus on purposeful design and luxury tactility could help Audi reclaim its position as a design leader, especially as competitors chase ever-larger screens.
The Nuvolari is more than a supercar; it is a statement
