Audi has unveiled what it touts as “the fastest and most powerful production vehicle in the brand’s history” the 987 hp Audi Nuvolari hybrid supercar.
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.
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.
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.
The body showcases 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.”
