Audi Nuvolari: the prototype created in record time

The development of a car, from the start of the project until it becomes a production car, is a slow and complicated process. Sometimes years pass before the first prototype is functional and can be used in track tests, prior to its testing in real-world conditions. But in the case of the Audi Nuvolari, that span of time has been considerably shorter.

In just 405 days it went from the first design sketch to the first functional prototype of the model being built. A timeframe that is not usually seen with this type of model, and which has allowed the work of the design and engineering team of the brand with the four rings to be admired.

The Audi Nuvolari is not meant to be just a supercar; it is the foundation on which the rest of the brand’s vehicles will be built in the coming years. To that end, Audi has created the fastest and most powerful road car it has ever built.

To develop this model, a closed team of experts in design, vehicle technology, aerodynamics and propulsion systems was assembled. The direct lines of communication between all of them have allowed the development time to be considerably reduced.

Over these 405 days, the project moved from the initial designs in Ingolstadt to extreme cold-condition tests with technical prototypes in Lapland. Lightweight construction was also carried out in Neckarsulm, wind tunnel testing took place at Audi’s headquarters, chassis adjustments were made in southern Spain, and high-speed tests were run at Nardò (Italy). All the teams working on the development of the Audi Nuvolari coordinated their efforts to get the vehicle ready in the shortest time possible.

Speed testing at Nardò

The Nardò circuit became the track where the prototype was fully tested. In this test it was driven by Gabriel Bortoleto, who belongs to the Audi Revolut F1 team. Another member of that team, Nico Hülkenberg, was in charge of driving the Audi Nuvolari at the Neustadt an der Donau test track. In these two tests they were able to experience the more than 1,000 CV of power the car has and enjoy the sensations.

The presentation of the Nuvolari took place on June 4 in Antibes. The second presentation was held at the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix, where it impressed spectators with its design. This will feature in future Audi models and it was recognised by being named “Design of the Year” at the CAR Genius Awards in the United Kingdom. A design that adds something more to a supercar and is entirely Audi.

https://youtu.be/hvTy_eHnAj4