Audi has introduced a new 978-hp supercar called the Nuvolari, which is not a replacement for the R8. The Nuvolari is a hybrid car that uses a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 engine, producing 789 horsepower and a 10,000-rpm redline, along with three axial-flux electric motors to increase the total output to 978 horsepower. The car has a claimed top speed of 217 mph and can go from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.6 seconds.
The Nuvolari project began in March, just 440 days ago, and was carried out by a small team working in secrecy. The car's bodywork is made entirely of carbon fiber, a first for Audi, and features a center-lock design for the forged aluminum wheels. The S-duct up front and active rear wing contribute to a maximum of 882 pounds of downforce, and the active aero integrates with the traction control, stability control, suspension, and engine management in a system that Audi calls "quattro predictive ride."
View Price on AmazonThe Nuvolari has a fully electric drive mode, although the range is expected to be limited due to the small 7.3-kW battery. The car also features drive modes called balanced, dynamic, and dynamic plus, as well as a track mode with its own settings, including wet, dry, race, and traction control off. The tires are Bridgestone Potenza Race rubber, sized 255/35R-20 up front and 325/30R-21 rear, and the Ceramic Pro brakes are capable of deceleration "on par with a current Formula 1 car," according to Audi.
The interior of the Nuvolari is designed to be concept-car cool and uncompromising, with features such as a center console armrest that does not flip up to reveal a storage cubby or phone charger, and no cupholders. The steering wheel features actual buttons and knobs, with no haptic gimcrack. The Nuvolari is a limited-edition car, with a production run of just 499 units and a base price of $686,613.
Source: caranddriver.com
