Audi Unveils 1,001-Horsepower HYBE-Driven Sports Car 'Nuvolari'

*This content was translated by AI.

Audi has unveiled the 'Nuvolari,' its first high-performance HYBE-driven sports car, boasting the fastest and most powerful performance in the brand's history. Named after the legendary driver Tazio Nuvolari, this Yangsan-type prototype will be limited to 499 units worldwide, with full-scale global deliveries scheduled to begin in the first half of 2027.

Audi has integrated a wealth of Formula 1 (F1) racing technologies to complete the HYBE system, predictive Quattro system, variable aerodynamic technology, and a new Audi Space Frame (ASF) based on carbon exterior materials. Nuvolari's powertrain combines a 4.0L V8 biturbo engine delivering a maximum output of 588kW (800 horsepower) with three axial flux electric motors, generating a total system output of 736kW (1,001 horsepower). The engine's maximum rotational speed reaches 10,000rpm, producing a peak torque of 730Nm.

Two oil-cooled electric motors mounted on the front axle support variable torque vectoring to enhance cornering stability, delivering up to 2,150Nm of torque, while the third electric motor is positioned between the midship V8 engine and the transmission. The total capacity of the installed lithium-ion battery is 7.3kWh, accelerating from a standstill to 100km/h in 2.6 seconds and to 200km/h in 6.8 seconds, with a top speed exceeding 350km/h. The newly introduced predictive Quattro ride system analyzes sensor data such as steering angle, acceleration, yaw rate, and grip in real time to predict potential grip loss during cornering and proactively control torque distribution and braking force. Drivers can select one of four driving modes—E-HYBE, Balanced, Dynamic, and Dynamic+—via a rotary switch on the steering wheel, and a separate track mode is also available for limit driving.

To maximize aerodynamic performance, the front features air intakes that assist in cooling the brakes and HYBE components, along with S-ducts that enhance downforce. The rear is equipped with a variable adaptive rear wing that automatically switches between three configurations—Closed, Low Downforce (LD), and High Downforce (HD)—depending on driving conditions. During high-performance driving, the drag reduction system (DRS) in the F1 style can be manually operated via a steering wheel button to minimize air resistance, generating over 400kg of downforce when set to High Downforce. For the first time, Audi has combined the Audi Space Frame (ASF) technology with a carbon exterior for the vehicle's body structure.

Almost all exterior components are made of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP), achieving both high strength and ultra-lightweight properties through the prepreg autoclave molding process used at high temperatures and pressures. Audi has also introduced center-lock forged wheels for the first time on a Yangsan vehicle. The braking system adopts a brake-by-wire method where hydraulic braking and electric regenerative braking are precisely coordinated. Most daily and dynamic driving scenarios are handled by pure electric deceleration of up to 0.3g, with an energy absorption capacity of up to 2.8 megawatts to handle the severe deceleration loads typical of racing cars. As physical braking devices, the Audi Ceramic Pro system is equipped with front 10-piston fixed calipers and 420x40mm discs, and rear 4-piston calipers with 410x32mm discs.

Through F1 technology-based long-fiber carbon structure discs and a dedicated internal cooling system, heat dissipation efficiency has been improved by 21% compared to existing carbon ceramic systems. The interior interior design excludes complex elements to allow drivers to focus solely on driving, placing essential control functions within the driver's line of sight. The HMI's color accents were inspired by the Auto Union Type C racing car, which set historical speed records in the 1930s, and the interior space is visually separated into a dark-toned front area to enhance concentration and a shadow-dull-toned rear area.

Meanwhile, details regarding the global market launch of Nuvolari, Audi's first-ever ultra-high-performance sports car, including certification specifications and final selling prices, will be announced separately in the future.

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*This content was translated by AI.