Gabriel Bortoleto, an Audi F1 driver, recently completed a track test of the new Audi Nuvolari supercar at the Nardò Technical Center in northern Italy. The test focused on refining the vehicle before its limited production release.
Bortoleto’s assessment highlighted the car’s clean and predictable turn-in, noting a lack of understeer despite its performance capabilities. He described the balance as neutral and precise, giving confidence through corners.
The Nuvolari, named in honour of racing legend Tazio Nuvolari, is Audi’s most powerful road car to date. It boasts a combined system output of 1001 PS (987 bhp) from its high-performance hybrid powertrain.
This mid-engine plug-in hybrid supercar combines a 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine with three axial flux electric motors. The V8 engine alone produces 800 hp and revs up to 10,000 rpm.
The car is projected to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 2.6 seconds and achieve a top speed exceeding 217 mph (350 km/h). These figures are comparable to a Formula 1 car.
Production of the Nuvolari is strictly limited to 499 units worldwide, with deliveries scheduled to commence in the first half of 2027. Order books for Europe are expected to open in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Both Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg have been involved in the Nuvolari’s development. Hulkenberg is a current race driver for the Audi Revolut F1 Team, which debuted in the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Bortoleto, also an Audi F1 driver, is in his second Formula 1 season in 2026, having joined the team when it was Sauber in 2025. He is a former FIA Formula 3 (2023) and Formula 2 (2024) champion.
Audi officially entered Formula 1 in 2026 as a works team, taking over Sauber. The team’s car for the current season is the R26, and Mattia Binotto serves as CEO and Team Principal.
The Nuvolari incorporates Formula 1-inspired innovations, including its high-performance hybrid powertrain, quattro predictive ride system, and active aerodynamics. Its structure features an Audi Space Frame (ASF) with a carbon exterior.
The Nardò Technical Center, where Bortoleto conducted his test, is a high-speed testing facility in Italy, owned by Porsche and operated by Porsche Engineering. It features a 12.6-kilometer high-speed ring.
The supercar, clad in a camouflage livery during the Nardò run, is anticipated to sell for approximately £500,000. Its design introduces Audi’s new philosophy with taut surfaces and integrated technology.
Bortoleto stated, ‘Running the Audi Nuvolari at Nardò and working closely with the development team on the setup was a really great experience.’
He added, ‘What stands out immediately is how clean and predictable the car feels on turn-in. There’s basically no understeer, which is impressive given the level of performance.’
Hulkenberg also commented on the car, noting, ‘The Nuvolari really has a lot to offer. It’s exciting to see just how much potential this car has, and the power of the high-performance hybrid powertrain – with over 1,000 PS – is truly impressive.’
A promotional lap around Monaco in early June saw the Nuvolari’s livery switched from red to yellow, also in honour of Tazio Nuvolari.
Audi’s long-term ambition in Formula 1 is to challenge for world championship titles by 2030, leveraging its motorsport expertise across its automotive projects.
