March 2022 was a very dark time for the world of supercars and the community, as Audi announced that they had officially discontinued the production of the internal combustion-powered R8. However, there were rumors that the successor to the R8 was happening and that it was going to be fully electric, judging by the recent trend among manufacturers who resurrect legendary nameplates but make them electric, which tends to have a not-so-good reception, to say the least. Meet the limited- run  Nuvolari - not R9 or something with a letter and number like Audi usually names their vehicles.

They made the replacement electric..didn't they?

Not quite. You see, Audi, which has recently come under scrutiny for making strange decisions, such as dropping, chopping, and changing nameplates and adding very frustrating features like haptic buttons to their piano black-based interiors, and the list goes on. However, we are so glad they've decided to keep the fire of the R8 alive by ensuring that the new Nuvolari has a hybrid 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine.

Sending shots straight to the Lamborghini Termerario

The new Nuvolari will feature a 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine delivering 588 kW with three axial flux electric motors, each producing 110 kW to make a combined output of 736 kW. As for the three electric motors, two oil-cooled axial flux electric motors are positioned at the front axle to deliver up to 2,150 Nm of torque. As an integral part of the quattro system, they support variable torque distribution. The third electric motor, located between the V8 mid-engine and the transmission, which completes the drive concept. The electric motors are powered by a lithium-ion battery that has a gross capacity of 7.3 kWh.

0-100km/h claim?

This car will dust the 0 to 100 km/h in 2.6 seconds and from 0 to 200 km/h in 6.8 seconds, reaching a top speed of more than 350 km/h.

Is this a garage Queen or is it "Born on the track" as well?

"Audi uses active aerodynamics in the Nuvolari to purposefully combine performance and efficiency." The Nuvolari has some tricks that allow it to be an absolute weapon when the situation needs it, the whole exterior is made for it you see. Audi reckons the Nuvalori's whole exterior has a clearly defined aerodynamic function, from the front splitter to the rear diffuser.

Furthermore, the gaping front air intakes enhance brake cooling and thermal management, while the S-duct improves aerodynamics. There is also an adaptive rear wing that adjusts downforce and drag in three settings: Closed, Low Downforce, and High Downforce, optimizing performance accordingly.

The exterior is something straight out of a Sci-Fi movie or concept

Audi gets very creative when designing the exterior of their vehicles. This car, in particular, features a design language first seen on the Audi Concept C, which was positioned as the TT spirit's successor and pays homage to the legendary racing driver Tazio Nuvolari and the historic Auto Union racers. It has heavy engineering thanks to the F1-derived technology that helped form all of the panels, which have a very unique role on the vehicle.

"As the first production vehicle that follows Audi's new design philosophy, the Nuvolari will combine the high-performance character of a supercar with a distinctive design. Taut surfaces, seamlessly integrated technology, and intelligent aerodynamics define its appearance. The mid - engine layout defines the proportions, resulting in a monolithic volume, a powerful stance, and a strong presence. The exterior is characterized by Audi's new signature color, Titanium, a paint also used on the Audi Concept C and the Audi Formula 1 race car. In combination with carbon elements, it highlights the precise lines of the Nuvolari."

The body of the Nuvalori is what Audi calls a Space Frame technology-built body with a carbon exterior made up of a complex, low-weight, high-structural-strength tub that is constructed with these elements in mind: "precise handling and controlled high performance." All of the body panels are made entirely from carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP). These panels are made through "prepreg autoclave technology" forming.

The front of the vehicle is similar to the Audi Concept C as it features hollow side venting that gives the headlights a floating effect, as well as allowing for the front of the closed-off rectangular grille with an illuminated four- ring emblem to stand out more prominently. The side profile is quite reminiscent of the R8; in fact, one might say it looks more similar to the first-generation Type 42 Audi R8 due to the low-slung stature and the signature airflow-guiding carbon fiber sideblade. Forged center-lock wheels are also making their debut in Audi's production portfolio.

The rear is as understated and minimalistic as the whole ethos of the Nuvolari's design language. Here, you have a semi-closed-off appearance that houses a single higher-mounted exhaust outlet like the current Temerario would have. This exhaust is then flanked by integrated rear LED lights that have four signatures to signify its Quattro essence.

Interior space continues the theme of minimalistic nature

"The interior of the Audi Nuvolari is fully focused on the act of driving." The interior positioning completely directs everything towards the driver, who has the option of looking at an infotainment screen or a driver's display. The cabin is covered in a mixture of leather and race-tex materials and consists of color accents in the HMI that nod to the legendary Auto Union Type C race car. There are real buttons and switches, from what we can see in the pictures, which is a huge plus for Audi.

Can you get one ?

Maybe leaning into absolutely not. The Nuvolari is said to be a limited-run vehicle, which will only have 499 units made, and if you know anything about limited- run vehicles, it's that by the time they are revealed globally, someone already owns one. Would you even spot one on the road? I highly doubt it too. But in the name of the supercar title being alive at Audi, I would say this is the coolest thing I have seen from them in recent times.