Audi Nuvolari: 405 Days to a Running Prototype

Testing under extreme conditions: the Audi Nuvolari at the Nardò Technical Center. Image No. A264240. © AUDI AG. Editorial use free of charge. Source: https://www.audi.com/en/photos/detail/the-audi-nuvolari-in-405-days-133428

Audi put 405 days on the Nuvolari’s development clock: first sketch to a car that could be driven. CEO Gernot Döllner called the project “a striking example of how quickly we at Audi can bring an idea to life.” The world premiere was June 4, 2026 in Antibes, then a road showing at the Monaco Grand Prix.

Full-scale clay model at Audi Design. Image No. A264238. © AUDI AG. Editorial use free of charge. Source: https://www.audi.com/en/photos/detail/the-audi-nuvolari-in-405-days-133426
Full-scale clay model at Audi Design. Image No. A264238. © AUDI AG. Editorial use free of charge. Source: https://www.audi.com/en/photos/detail/the-audi-nuvolari-in-405-days-133426

A focused project team pulled design, vehicle technology, aerodynamics, and powertrain into one group. The path ran from Ingolstadt sketches and wind-tunnel work to cold-weather tests in Lapland, lightweight construction in Neckarsulm, suspension work in southern Spain, and high-speed running at Nardò in Italy.

Audi Revolut F1 drivers then took over testing. Gabriel Bortoleto at Nardò: “The car is extremely quick, the sound is incredible.” Nico Hülkenberg at Neustadt an der Donau pointed to “the acceleration and the full system output of more than 1,000 PS.” Limited to 499 cars, European pre-orders in Q4 2026, first deliveries H1 2027. It is the first production car in the new design language and won Design of the Year at the UK CAR Genius Awards.

Source: The Audi Nuvolari in 405 days.

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