The Audi Nuvolari shows what Frascella has in store for Audi

In June 2024, Massimo Frascella joined Audi, and with the Nuvolari, his new design language is making its second major statement with a monolithic supercar follows the rational minimalism of the lauded Concept C. 

Interestingly, the order books are set to open in late 2026, with deliveries beginning in 2027 for the evocatively named supercar. This means it will reach the market even before the production version of the Concept C, which is conceived as a purely electric sports car. The Nuvolari, by contrast, is a plug-in hybrid with a powertrain based on a twin-turbocharged four-litre V8, complemented by three axial-flux E-motors.

The significance of this project can hardly be overstated. It is intended to establish the “Radical Next” design language from the top down, to strengthen enthusiasts’ connection to the brand, and kick the gates wide open to Audi’s design future.

Standing before the Nuvolari, one is struck by its almost monolithic presence, its exceptionally sophisticated panel integration, and its purposeful sense of reduction

Fewer than ten executives came together around Christmas 2024 for initial discussions on this halo-car project, and it was clear from the outset that the focus would be on “sportiness of the future.” Three proposals were discussed: a more affordable model intended for higher production volumes; a pure battery-electric vehicle; and the concept that was ultimately selected, a V8 supercar with high-performance hybridisation. 

Frascella did not delegate the project. Instead, it serves as an almost prototypical expression of his own distinctive design philosophy. The overall theme was established quickly, followed by meticulous refinement of every detail.

Standing before the Nuvolari, one is struck by its almost monolithic presence, its exceptionally sophisticated panel integration, and its purposeful sense of reduction. It distinguishes itself not only from the more rounded first-generation Audi R8 penned by Frank Lamberty and from its more chiseled successor, but also from the highly aggressive design language of today’s Lamborghini models. If we had to pick a car to which the Nuvolari comes closest, it would be Luc Donckerwolke’s Phase I Lamborghini Murciélago.

Technologically, the Nuvolari, with its classic mid-engine proportions, is based on the Lamborghini Temerario, and will also be partially assembled at Lamborghini

The front end is dominated by a vertically-oriented grille featuring slats that are nearly horizontal at the bottom and become progressively steeper towards the top. On both sides, there sit horizontally arranged lighting elements under one cover, mirrored by the rear light signature. The side profile is defined by a vertical air intake, finished in a contrasting colour in the tradition of the classic R8. There are metallic air intakes instead of a backlight. The large exhaust is positioned between the taillights, while the panel beneath them is machined from a single piece of metal.

The interior, much like the Concept C, introduces retro-futuristic themes, emphasising horizontal architecture, crisp geometric forms, and a truly sensational combination of material quality and functionality. The personalisation options are near limitless, including microfibre, suede and leather every conceivable colour.

Technologically, the Nuvolari, with its classic mid-engine proportions, is based on the Lamborghini Temerario, and will also be partially assembled at Lamborghini. Yet it differs from its sister model in numerous respects and is positioned at a higher level.

The differences include an increase in output from 920 to 1001 horsepower (on par with the once-unimaginable figure of the Bugatti Veyron), a revised braking system and an Audi-exclusive technology called quattro predictive ride, which rapidly anticipates road conditions and driver input. The Audi also differs in one other important respect: it is intended to remain a standalone model, without derivatives of any kind. Exactly 499 units will be built and then production will end.

The rest of the numbers are no less impressive. Top speed exceeds 350 km/h (217 mph); the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes 2.6 seconds, the 0 to 200 km/h (125 mph) figure is 6.8 seconds. Beneath its carbon-fibre composite bodywork lies an aluminum space frame.

The Nuvolari rides on Bridgestone Potenza Race tires measuring 255/35 ZR 20 at the front and 325/30 ZR 21 at the rear. Only one wheel design is offered, representing an ideal compromise between maximum airflow and futuristic appearance. Colour choices, however, are almost limitless, extending to a finely woven, high-gloss carbon-fibre finish.

Audi intends to make a profit with the Nuvolari – but the project is about more than profitability. It serves as a declaration that a new era has definitively begun, even if current launches such as the Q7 and Q9 still reflect the design language of the Marc Lichte era. And it seems to convey a second, no less welcome message: the sportiness of the future will not be exclusively electric.