Audi Nuvolari V8 hybrid revealed as R8 successor

Audi has confirmed it much-anticipated return to the supercar arena. Overnight, the brand revealed the two-door Nuvolari as a limited-run, 736kW plug-in hybrid V8 flagship that fills the space vacated by the R8. The new mid-engined supercar has not yet been confirmed for Australia, but European pre-orders will open in the fourth quarter of 2026 ahead of the first customer deliveries kicking off in the first half of 2027.

Limited to just 499 units globally, the Nuvolari is the fastest and most powerful production car in Audi’s history.

It shares some components with the Lamborghini Temerario, but gets more power and a number of exclusive technologies.

For instance, the Nuvolari’s twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 produces 588kW on its own, and is teamed with three 110kW axial flux electric motors fed by a 7.3kWh lithium-ion battery that can be charged by the engine or an external plug.

Spinning to 10,000rpm and producing 730Nm of torque, the V8 is the backbone of a plug-in hybrid system that combines for 736kW.

Two electric motors sit on the front axle, forming part of a new quattro all-wheel-drive system with variable torque distribution, while a third motor is positioned between the V8 and transmission – likely an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic.

The decision to base the Nuvolari powertrain on a development of Lamborghini’s existing Temerario hardware reflects a long-running tradition of sharing between the two brands.

“The R8 and the Lamborghini Huracan … shared basically their genes, or their platform. I think for every car project, you have to look for synergies, but synergies in a way where they are feasible,” Audi Sport CEO Rolf Michl told carsales in April.

Acceleration claims of 0-100km/h in 2.6 seconds and 0-200km/h in 6.8 sec can be achieved when the battery is at least 28ºC and has a charge of at least 80 per cent.

In a nod to Audi’s Formula 1 campaign, the Nuvolari’s design incorporates a deployable adaptive rear wing that can generate more than 400kg of downforce.

Also debuting is a new-generation Audi Space Frame structure, with carbon exterior panels, and a braking system that blends Ceramic Pro callipers with 420mm discs and a recuperation system that can absorb up to 2.8 megawatts of energy.

Audi chief executive Gernot Döllner said the Nuvolari is a “physical manifestation of Audi’s technological renewal” – a process the global boss has previously told carsales involves much faster vehicle development timelines.

While the Nuvolari’s profile has echoes of its Lamborghini cousin, it is visually distinguished by adopting the Bauhaus design language of the smaller Concept C.

The rear-end is more hardcore, with open venting and prominent louvres for the mid-mounted V8. Inside, some physical switchgear return in anodised aluminium.

Audi previously used the Nuvolari name for a groundbreaking show car in 2003 that ushered in Audi’s ‘singleframe’ grille and the V10 engine that eventually made its way into the first R8.

Audi sees the launch of the Nuvolari as a key part of getting its mojo back.

“We are making a deliberate move into the high-performance segment and staking Audi’s claim to be the most desirable premium automotive brand,” board member Marco Schubert said.

Australian supercar fans will be wondering whether any of the 499 Nuvolari units will make their way here, and news on that front may follow in the coming days.

If the Nuvolari is a runaway success, there is the further question of whether Audi could be tempted to build additional units.

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