Audi is preparing to take its performance legacy into new territory—and American collectors will have a limited opportunity to participate.
Following the Nuvolari’s U.S. debut at Monterey Car Week, Audi of America has announced that 182 examples of its new flagship supercar will reach the United States, with customer deliveries expected to begin in the first half of 2028. Global production will be limited to 499 vehicles.
With an estimated 987 horsepower, a hybrid V8 powertrain and a starting MSRP of $700,000, the Nuvolari promises to become the fastest and most powerful production Audi ever built.
For enthusiasts who have followed Audi’s evolution through the quattro era and the R8, this represents an ambitious next chapter.
A High-Revving V8 Meets Electric Performance
At the center of the Nuvolari is a biturbo V8 paired with three electric axial-flux motors: two at the front axle and one at the rear.
Audi estimates that the V8 will deliver 789 horsepower, reaching maximum output between 9,000 and 9,750 rpm. The electric motors contribute an additional 198 horsepower, bringing anticipated maximum system output to 987 horsepower.
The projected performance figures are equally dramatic:
- 0–60 mph: Approximately 2.5 seconds
- Top speed: More than 217 mph
- Estimated system output: 987 horsepower
- Worldwide production: 499 examples
- U.S. allocation: 182 examples
These remain preliminary manufacturer estimates, with final specifications subject to change.
Beyond the numbers, the combination of a high-revving combustion engine and electric assistance promises a distinctive driving experience, pairing V8 character with the immediate response of electric power.
Motorsport Thinking, Applied to the Road
According to Audi, the Nuvolari draws on expertise associated with its Formula 1 involvement, including hybrid energy management, brake-by-wire technology, active aerodynamics and launch control.
Its ceramic pro brake discs use a long-fiber design that Audi says improves heat dissipation by 21% compared with its standard ceramic brakes. The aim is consistent braking performance under the demanding conditions a car of this capability can create.
The Nuvolari also introduces quattro predictive ride, a system that uses sensors and real-time vehicle modeling to assess available grip, steering inputs, acceleration and vehicle behavior.
That information helps coordinate torque distribution, braking interventions and aerodynamic balance. Four-way adjustable suspension adds control over low- and high-speed compression and rebound, giving the chassis another tool for managing performance.
Carbon Fiber With a Purpose
The Nuvolari pairs a new Audi Space Frame architecture with extensive carbon-fiber bodywork, pursuing the rigidity and low weight expected of a flagship supercar.
Its aerodynamic package includes a three-stage deployable rear wing and a Formula 1-inspired Drag Reduction System. Audi says the active aerodynamic elements can generate more than approximately 880 pounds of downforce when maximum aerodynamic performance is required.
For collectors, the engineering also becomes part of the visual appeal. An available exposed carbon-fiber exterior puts the material itself on display.
An Extensive Palette for a Small Production Run
Limited production does not mean limited personalization.
Audi plans to offer more than 50 gloss exterior colors, over 10 matte finishes and additional bespoke paint choices through Audi Exclusive. Buyers can also choose from 13 brake-caliper colors.
Inside, the selection includes three primary Dinamica options, 33 leather colors, 12 seat-belt colors and two switchgear finishes. Additional Audi Exclusive materials and combinations expand the possibilities further.
For buyers pursuing a particular specification, those choices create considerable room to shape the car’s personality—from understated finishes to a more expressive combination of paint, upholstery and exposed carbon fiber.
What Collectors Should Know
The Nuvolari brings together several qualities that attract enthusiast attention: a small production run, flagship status, ambitious engineering and extensive personalization.
Those characteristics make it a compelling car to follow, although limited production alone does not establish future collectibility or value. Buyers should focus on the specification they want to own, understand their dealer’s allocation and ordering process, and confirm final pricing and equipment.
Audi says orders remain open through authorized U.S. dealerships for a limited time. The announced starting MSRP is $700,000, with deliveries scheduled for the first half of 2028.
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