A legacy continued

For the first time, the RS 5 model line brings together the RS 5 Sedan and the RS 5 Avant, successor to the RS 4, uniting two chapters of Audi Sport heritage under one nameplate. Since its introduction in 1999, it combined everyday usability with high performance across four generations. Following the consolidation of the A4 and A5 model families into the new A5 range, Audi Sport has aligned its performance line-up accordingly. The new RS 5 Avant now continues that lineage as its fifth generation under the B10 platform and, for the first time, sits alongside the RS 5 Sedan within a unified model line.

The transition from RS 4 to RS 5 reflects a broader evolution of the platform and a substantial advancement in performance architecture and chassis development, while reinforcing the quattro heritage that remains central to Audi Sport.

A new performance benchmark

The new RS 5 delivers 639 hp (470 kW) and 825 Nm of torque. Previous RS 4 and RS 5 generations produced 450 hp for nearly fifteen years, with only the limited RS 4 25 years edition reaching 470 hp. The increase to 639 hp marks the largest step in output across the RS 4 and RS 5 lineage to date.

Power is generated by a 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 producing 510 hp (375 kW), combined with a 177 hp (130kW) electric motor delivering 460 Nm of torque. Together, these outputs form the total system output of 639 hp, transmitted through a hybridised eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Engineered to handle sustained high-speed driving and demanding climatic conditions, the RS 5 has been developed with performance consistency suited to the varied road environments of the GCC. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 3.6 seconds. Despite an increase in weight to approximately 2,370 kilograms resulting from the electrified architecture, the RS 5 maintains performance on par with its predecessor, highlighting the efficiency of the new drivetrain and chassis development.

The 25.9 kWh battery, with 22 kWh net capacity, is integrated beneath the trunk floor. It enables up to 84 kilometres of electric driving, extending to 87 kilometres in city conditions.

World-first quattro with Dynamic Torque Control

At the heart of the new drive concept is quattro with Dynamic Torque Control. The newly developed rear transaxle enables electro-mechanical torque vectoring – a first in a production vehicle. Torque differences of up to 2,000 Nm can be distributed within 15 milliseconds and recalculated at 200 Hz.

A preloaded centre differential distributes torque variably between 70:30 and 15:85 front to rear. This configuration preserves the stability and traction associated with quattro while allowing a more rear-focused balance under dynamic driving conditions.

Performance driven design

The exterior reflects the technical evolution. At approximately nine centimetres wider than the base A5, the RS 5 adopts a broader track to support mechanical grip and stability at higher speeds.

The enlarged Singleframe grille and expanded air intakes address the cooling requirements of the higher output powertrain. At the rear, the redesigned diffuser integrates hybrid components and accommodates an optional tow bar. For the first time in an RS model, the oval exhaust outlets are positioned more narrowly, reflecting the revised rear architecture.

Darkened Matrix LED headlights and rear lighting elements create a sharper, more aggressive appearance and incorporate a checkered-flag light signature. Audi has also reinstated the classic RS badge typography on the exterior following customer feedback, returning to the font historically associated with RS models.

Interior and driver focus

Inside, the RS 5 maintains a clear driver focus. An 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit, a 14.5-inch MMI touch display and a 10.9-inch passenger display are fitted as standard. RS-specific views provide real-time information including G forces, lap times, drivetrain temperatures and torque distribution.

Optional RS ceramic brakes measure 440 mm at the front and 410 mm at the rear and reduce weight by approximately 30 kilograms, improving braking consistency under repeated high-speed use.

Introducing the RS 5 to the GCC

Commenting on the regional introduction, Rene Koneberg, Managing Director of Audi Middle East, said, “The RS 5 represents an important evolution for Audi Sport in our region. It brings together a well-established performance legacy with a new level of capability and technology. As expectations around performance continue to shift, this model demonstrates how Audi is progressing while remaining true to its core principles. We look forward to introducing it to customers across the GCC from November.”

In the GCC region, the RS 5 Sedan starts from USD 119,800 USD (incl. Roadside assistance, Registration and Service Package, excluding VAT), while the RS 5 Avant starts from USD 122,300 (incl. Roadside assistance, Registration and Service Package, excluding VAT)

With first units arriving from earl December 2026, the new RS 5 strengthens Audi Sport’s performance offering across the GCC, reinforcing the brand’s long-standing presence in the region.

• To discover more and configure your RS 5, visit: New Audi RS 5 Sedan 2026 | Audi Hybrid Car | Audi Middle East

Along the Vistula to the Baltic Sea

The record drive began on September 11 at 1:55 a.m. and took Marczyk across Poland along the Vistula, via Krakow, Sandomierz, Warsaw, Toruń, and Grudziądz to Hel on the Baltic Sea – and back along the same route. Marczyk drove the Audi A6 Sportback e-tron in regular traffic, with many stretches during rush hour, at an average temperature of 15 degrees Celsius. In the early morning in Grudziądz, the thermometer showed just seven degrees Celsius. More than 45 hours after the start, the drive ended between Toruń and Ciechocinek, having covered1,338 kilometers. Volkswagen Financial Services supported the project; Marczyk is a brand ambassador for the company.

“For the record attempt, I drove the Audi A6 Sportback e-tron performance. The car delivers 367 hp and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. Its battery has a net capacity of 94.9 kWh, complemented by an exceptionally low drag coefficient. There is enormous potential in that. Even for me, a result of 1,338 kilometers was a pleasant surprise,” says Marczyk.

How do you get from 777 kilometers to a world record?

The Audi A6 Sportback e-tron performance has a WLTP range of up to 777 kilometers – thanks to the intelligent interplay of aerodynamics, the powertrain, and thermal management. With a consistent focus on efficiency, Marczyk secured both his entry in the Guinness World Records and a range of 1,338 km. The world-record holder reveals how to make full use of the car’s potential:

• Get to know your car – its characteristics, driving modes, systems, and behavior under different conditions.
• Make the best possible use of regenerative braking – recovering energy during deceleration is one of the keys to efficient electric driving.
• Check tire pressure – the correct pressure reduces rolling resistance and helps lower energy consumption.
• Read the road and drive smoothly – anticipate what lies ahead and avoid unnecessary acceleration and abrupt braking.

Efficiency is a team effort

Miko Marczyk is the record-setter. But the technology in his car handled the long haul. The second model built on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE), the Audi A6 Sportback e-tron combines an 800-volt architecture with a battery offering a gross capacity of 100 kWh and a net capacity of 94.9 kWh. Regenerative braking can handle around 95 percent of all braking events in everyday driving, with regenerative braking power reaching up to 220 kW.

At higher speeds, aerodynamics take over: around 40 percent of the Sportback’s consumption in the WLTP cycle is due to aerodynamic drag. With a Cd value of 0.21, the Audi A6 Sportback e-tron is the most aerodynamic Audi of all time.

For Miko Marczyk, the trip ended with an entry in Guinness World Records. For the Audi A6 Sportback e-tron, the drive provided extraordinary evidence of how far efficiency can take you.

—–

Energy consumption: Audi A6 Sportback e-tron performance: power consumption (combined): 15.9–14.0 kWh/100 km; CO₂ emissions (combined): 0 g/km; CO₂ class: A.

Monterey Car Week as a platform for the brand’s renewal

Audi specifically chose Monterey Car Week for the first appearance of the Audi Nuvolari* in North America. The event is one of the world’s most important gatherings for collector cars and luxury automobiles, bringing together an exclusive group of attendees from around the world every year.

“Monterey Car Week is the pinnacle premium automotive stage for Audi to showcase the brand’s first halo supercar. With the Audi Nuvolari*, we’re representing what Audi stands for — progress built on substance — while further igniting, energizing, and growing the brand in the United States.”

– Vito Paladino, President of Audi of America

During Monterey Car Week, the Audi Nuvolari* was on display at the event’s most prestigious venues, including “The Quail” and the renowned Concept Lawn at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The public showcase was complemented by exclusive events for collectors and potential customers. Audi used the week to deepen its direct engagement with opinion leaders, the media, and the international collector community.

Road debut in California

The high point was the debut of the Audi Nuvolari* on the winding and scenic roads around Carmel-by-the-Sea, near the Monterey Peninsula. After making its track debut at the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix, the supercar took to American roads for the first time. The spectacular setting highlights the supercar’s distinctive character, defined by technological excellence, purposeful design, and an extraordinary driving experience.

Audi’s fastest production car of all time

With 1,001 PS of system output, a top speed of more than 350 km/h, and a high-performance hybrid powertrain, the Audi Nuvolari (Audi Nuvolari: fuel consumption (weighted, combined): 11.3–11.3 l/100 km; electric power consumption (weighted, combined): 7.8–7.8 kWh/100 km; CO₂ emissions (weighted, combined): 270–270 g/km; CO₂ class (weighted, combined): G; fuel consumption with discharged battery (combined): 14.7–14.7 l/100 km; CO₂ class with discharged battery: G) is the fastest and most powerful production vehicle in the history of the four rings. As a technology showcase, the supercar limited to 499 units combines motorsports expertise, innovative aerodynamics, and a newly developed Audi Space Frame with a carbon exterior to offer a fresh take on “Vorsprung durch Technik.”

Audi Nuvolari*: high customer interest

With the Nuvolari*, Audi is entering the high-performance segment for the first time. Although official presales in Europe do not begin until the fourth quarter of 2026, the supercar is already generating significant interest from buyers around the world. This is made clear by the positive response to its most recent appearances. The first deliveries are planned for the first half of 2027.

Further information about the Audi Nuvolari* as well as image and video material are available in the press kit. A YouTube documentary also provides insights into the development of the supercar.

The A6 Sedan suits that departure with the same discretion it brings to an arrival. Its presence remains unmistakable, even when the only audience is an empty stretch of road. The A6 Avant makes room for a more open-ended plan, accommodating the luggage that turns an afternoon drive into a weekend elsewhere without surrendering the character of the car.

In the A6 e-tron, the experience takes on a quieter register. Away from the noise of the city, electric driving feels less like a statement about the future and more like a natural way to move through the landscape, allowing the road and the weather to occupy the foreground.

A gentleman’s time is rarely entirely his own, which makes the decision to reclaim it feel all the more valuable. The destination need not be distant. Sometimes the necessary distance is found somewhere between the last city exit and the moment the mountains appear through the rain.

That is another side of the Audi A6, one made not only for the next appointment, but for knowing when it is time to leave the calendar behind.

• For more information, and to reserve your favorite model, visit:
  Audi A6 Sportback e-tron | Electric Car | Audi Middle East
  All New Audi A6 Sedan | Audi Models 2026 | Audi Middle East
  New Audi A6 Avant 2025 | Enquire now | Audi Middle East

“What impresses in the Nuvolari is the way all the systems work together – from the new quattro drivetrain and vehicle dynamics to aerodynamics and the braking system. Technologies such as the high-performance hybrid powertrain, active aerodynamics, and energy management are inspired by motorsports and have been consistently refined for road use,” says Kristensen, a nine-time Le Mans winner.

The Nuvolari is the fastest and most powerful production vehicle in the brand’s history – and the first to follow Audi’s new design philosophy. Just a few days ago, the supercar caused a stir when it made its UK debut in London. Deliveries of the vehicle, limited to 499 units, will begin in the first half of 2027.

Historic icons: the Auto Union Lucca makes its first public appearance in motion

Audi Tradition also showcased a number of legendary race cars from AUDI AG’s historic collection at Goodwood, including models from the Le Mans and rally eras, as well as the Auto Union Type C and Type D Grand Prix cars.

By presenting the Auto Union Lucca in public for the first time in motion at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Audi paid tribute to a pivotal chapter in motorsports history centered on the record-breaking drives of the 1930s. The Rennlimousine was part of the legendary Silver Arrows family. In 1935, it set a widely acclaimed flying-start mile record with a calculated average speed of 320.267 km/h. Audi recreated the Auto Union Lucca based on historical photos and technical documentation and unveiled it in Lucca, Italy—the site of the record-breaking drive-in early May.

Modern performance: Audi RS 5 on Goodwood Circuit

Audi also offered test drives in the new Audi RS 5 from Audi Sport on the Goodwood Circuit. The high-performance plug-in hybrid was displayed alongside its historic predecessors, the Avant RS2 and the Audi RS 4 Avant.

Audi has partnered Goodwood Festival of Speed since 2025.

• Audi Nuvolari | Discover Model | Middle East
• Audi Nuvolari at Goodwood Festival of Speed | audi.com

The four rings, introduced through the formation of Auto Union in 1932, gave that thinking its most enduring symbol. Each ring carried the identity of a different marque, but together they became something stronger than the sum of their parts. Over time, the emblem came to represent a particular kind of confidence. Quiet at first glance, unmistakable once understood.

In January 1971, that confidence found its words. Vorsprung durch Technik was introduced as Audi’s new advertising slogan at a moment when the brand’s model range was defined by technical breadth and ambition. Translated as progress through technology, the line did not invent Audi’s philosophy so much as give it a name. It carried forward the spirit behind the brand’s beginning, the idea that listening closely should lead to building better, and that progress should be proven through the way a car feels, moves and responds.

That philosophy has defined some of Audi’s most important moments. quattro changed the perception of performance by proving that power meant little without control. The Audi A8 brought aluminium construction into the luxury segment with conviction. The TT showed how design could become a cultural object without losing technical discipline. More recently, Audi’s electric models have carried the same thinking into a new era, where progress is measured through intelligence as much as power, while concepts like the Audi Nuvolari continue to hint at how that future might take shape.

For Audi Middle East, this story has a particular resonance. The region has always understood cars as more than products. They are expressions of taste, ambition and engineering appreciation. Customers here look closely. They value the sound of a performance model, the precision of a quattro system, the stance of a design icon and the thinking behind a new technology. In that sense, the Middle East is not simply a market for Audi but a place where the brand’s deeper qualities are recognised.

That is what makes Audi Founding Day feel relevant today. It is not a pause for nostalgia, nor a look back for its own sake. It is a reminder that the strongest automotive brands are built on ideas that remain useful. Listening. Improving. Refining. Moving with purpose.

More than a century after its founding, Audi’s name still carries the meaning it began with. The brand listened first, then built. The four rings have carried that principle through generations of change, and across the Middle East, that same idea continues to feel alive on every road where progress is not just seen, but felt.

The series began in Dubai on 7 June, followed by another Audi Dubai screening on 14 June. On 28 June, the concept widened across the region, with Audi Abu Dhabi, Audi Bahrain, Audi Dubai, Audi Kuwait and Audi Qatar hosting race day gatherings in their respective markets. More markets are set to follow, with Oman and Lebanon also preparing to bring the experience to their local Audi communities.

Each screening carries the personality of the market hosting it. Some take place in showrooms, where guests are surrounded by the world of Audi as the race unfolds. Others bring the community into lifestyle spaces, giving the afternoon or evening a more social feel. Excited fans can expect a range of experiences, from food and refreshments to Audi merchandise, brand accessories and, in selected locations, racing simulators that let guests move from watching the action to feeling a little closer to it.

In Dubai, the experience had an added pull with the presence of the Audi R26 showcar. Giving guests a closer look at the shape of Audi’s future in Formula 1®, the showcar added a sense of anticipation to the screening before continuing its journey across the Middle East.

For Audi Middle East, the Formula 1® Screening Series is a way of bringing the brand’s regional community into the story, with Audi’s first season ont the grid. It gives each market a platform to create local moments around a global sport, while building a stronger connection between the brand, its customers and the growing culture around Formula 1® in the Middle East.

The screenings will continue for selected races, with each market announcing upcoming events based on local plans and race timings. For those who want to be part of the next race day experience, the best place to follow the journey is through each local Audi Instagram page, where markets will share details of upcoming screenings and how to attend.

As the Formula 1® season builds, Audi Middle East’s Screening Series gives fans a new way to follow the action. Not from a distance, but together, in the company of a community gearing up for what is predicted to be an exciting finale.

The awards formed part of a wider programme dedicated to business discussions, collaboration and regional engagement. Across the gathering, dealer partners exchanged perspectives on performance, market priorities and the direction of Audi in the Middle East, setting the tone for the brand’s next chapter in the region.

The recognition ceremony celebrated achievement across Sales, Marketing, Aftersales and Business Excellence, spotlighting both market performance and the people whose work continues to shape the Audi customer experience.

Audi Dubai was named Dealer of the Year 2025, taking home the evening’s highest honour. The market also received Marketing Team of the Year and Sales Team of the Year, reflecting a standout year across key areas of the business.

Audi Oman was awarded Aftersales Team of the Year, recognising its commitment to service excellence and customer care. Audi Bahrain received the Business Excellence Award, marking strong performance and execution across the market.

To mark the top honour, Audi Middle East commissioned a bespoke, handcrafted sculpture by Paul McLine for the Dealer of the Year winner. Inspired by the Audi Type C Concept, the one-of-one piece was created exclusively for the occasion, bringing together the brand’s design heritage with a contemporary expression of achievement.

The evening also included a surprise display of the Audi F1 showcar, offering guests a closer look at one of the most anticipated chapters in the brand’s future.

For Audi Middle East, the Dealer of the Year Awards were not only a celebration of results, but a recognition of the partnership that drives the network forward. From showroom floors to service centres, the region’s dealers remain central to how the brand is experienced every day.

As Audi continues to build momentum across the Middle East, this year’s awards reflected the people and markets helping carry that progress into its next phase.

The day began at the Audi showroom in Ghala Heights, where guests gathered for a welcome session before setting off across Muscat. From there, the route unfolded through city roads, open highways and carefully chosen stops, including Al Sharqiya Aviation Center and The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat.

It was a drive designed to let the Q3 settle naturally into its surroundings. In the city, it moved with ease. On wider stretches, the experience became calmer, more open. Across each part of the route, Oman offered a different backdrop, from the rhythm of urban roads to the quiet confidence of long highways.

What made the experience feel considered was its pace. There was time to drive, time to pause and time for guests to take in the car beyond a first impression. Conversations with the Audi Oman team happened naturally across the day, giving attendees a closer sense of the model, its place in the Audi line-up and the ownership experience available in the Sultanate.

The all-new Audi Q3 is now in its third generation, and its appeal lies in how easily it fits into different parts of daily life. It has the presence of a premium SUV, but remains compact, practical and easy to live with. That balance came through clearly across the route, where the car felt just as suited to everyday journeys as it did to longer drives out of the city.

The experience spoke for itself. Oman’s roads gave the Q3 space to show its character, while the drive experience allowed guests to connect with the car in a way that felt direct and unforced.

By the end of the journey, the all-new Audi Q3 had made its case quietly. It was not about spectacle, but about ease, composure and the kind of confidence that becomes clearer with every kilometre.

The all-new Audi Q3 is now available at the Audi Oman showroom, represented by Premium Motors, in both SUV and Sportback variants.

• For more information, visit audi-oman.com

Design at its most visceral

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*.

High-performance hybrid powertrain with four drive units

For the first time in an Audi, all doors can be operated electrically – a feature you’ll soon come to rely on. Whether with a key, the myAudi app, the MMI, the brake pedal, or the seatbelt buckle – opening and closing the doors is intuitive and effortless. Thanks to their wide opening angle, getting in is always easy, whether with heavy shopping bags or a stroller. Furthermore, an extensive set of surround sensors with obstacle detection stops the door if there is not enough room for it to open – especially useful in tight parking spaces. This feature can also help improve road safety, for example by detecting approaching cyclists or other road users.

The Audi Nuvolari* is powered by a hybrid high-performance powertrain with a maximum system output of 736 kW (1,001 PS). It combines a 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine delivering 588 kW (800 hp) with three axial flux electric motors, each producing 110 kW. The lithium-ion battery has a gross capacity of 7.3 kWh.

The combustion engine delivers a maximum torque of 730 Nm and reaches up to 10,000 rpm — a range previously reserved for motorsports.

Two oil-cooled axial flux electric motors at the front axle deliver up to 2,150 Nm of torque. As an integral part of the quattro system, they support variable torque distribution. A third electric motor between the V8 mid-engine and the transmission completes the drive concept.

The high-performance drivetrain accelerates the vehicle from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.6 seconds1 and from 0 to 200 km/h in 6.8 seconds1, reaching a top speed of more than 350 km/h.

“With the Audi Nuvolari*, our entire team has once again demonstrated its technical expertise, innovative strength, and dedication,” says Rouven Mohr, CTO of Audi. “This is reflected not only in the vehicle’s performance and its Formula 1-inspired technologies, but also in the ability to transfer innovations quickly and precisely into a production vehicle.”

The quattro predictive ride

The quattro drive is one of Audi’s defining innovations and stands for traction, control, and

driving dynamics in all conditions. In the Nuvolari*, Audi further develops this principle and defines the next generation of all-wheel drive with the quattro predictive ride.

The system processes the current driving state based on a highly precise vehicle state model. Detailed sensor data — including steering angle, acceleration, yaw rate (rotation of the vehicle around its vertical axis, which determines steering response in corners), and current grip level — continuously feed into the control system.

If the system anticipates a potential loss of grip in a corner, it responds proactively as an integrated system.

The drive units distribute torque precisely in both longitudinal and lateral directions. The brakes stabilize the vehicle through targeted interventions and reduce slip. The aerodynamics adjust downforce according to the situation.

The electric motors at the front axle are a key element of the predictive dynamics system, enabling variable torque vectoring for agile cornering and stability at high speeds.

The intelligent and predictive tuning of vehicle dynamics ensures maximum traction and control — even during severe lateral and tire slip, on wet or snowy roads, and in changing grip conditions.

Drivers can also influence the system via rotary controls on the steering wheel, with four driving modes that prioritize powertrain, vehicle dynamics, and efficiency differently:

– E-Hybrid enables fully electric driving for urban and short-distance use.

– Balanced combines comfort, efficiency, and performance.

– Dynamic sharpens system response and enhances agility and precision.

– Dynamic+ focuses the powertrain entirely on an emotional driving experience.

For particularly demanding scenarios, vehicle dynamics can be further refined in Track Mode. This enables targeted adjustment of traction control to driving style and available grip. The settings range from Wet to Dry and from Race to Traction Control Off (TC Off) — allowing for transparent, controllable driving behavior right up to the physical limits.

Audi Space Frame with carbon exterior

The vehicle architecture of the Audi Nuvolari* is consistently designed for lightweight construction and high torsional rigidity. To achieve this, Audi combines proven Audi Space Frame technology with a carbon exterior — a first for Audi.

The Audi Space Frame with carbon exterior combines low weight with high structural strength, forming the basis for precise handling and controlled high performance. Almost all exterior components are made from carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP).

All carbon fiber components of the Audi Nuvolari* have been developed using Formula 1 expertise. A key element is prepreg autoclave technology, in which pre-impregnated carbon fibers are shaped and then cured under high pressure and temperature — ensuring maximum structural performance with minimal weight.

The carbon elements are produced in precise, manual layup processes that require a high level of experience, care, and craftsmanship. The quality of execution is crucial for both the structural integrity and the visual appearance of the components.

This manufacturing process enables highly complex geometries. Using CFRP, components can be designed consistently for function — from complex door panel structures to precisely aligned vertical frame elements that guide airflow through the concealed S-duct.

In areas exposed to particularly high temperatures, the Audi Nuvolari* uses specifically tuned heat-resistant materials that combine functional performance with distinctive visual accents.

Forged center-lock wheels are also making their debut in Audi’s production portfolio.

Active aerodynamics inspired by Formula 1

Audi uses active aerodynamics in the Nuvolari* to purposefully combine performance and efficiency. The system adjusts downforce, drag, and aerodynamic balance in response to driving conditions — ensuring maximum stability and precise vehicle control.

Each exterior element serves a clearly defined aerodynamic function, from the front splitter to the rear diffuser. Audi’s Formula 1 drivers provided targeted feedback during the development phase to fine-tune aerodynamic performance.

Front air intakes ensure effective brake cooling as well as efficient thermal management of the combustion engine and hybrid components. A vented front end, known as an S-duct, improves aerodynamic efficiency at the front axle — delivering additional downforce, reducing lift at high speeds, and improving cooling of the powertrain.

The central element of the active aerodynamic system is the deployable adaptive rear wing. It controls downforce and drag across three configurations: Closed, Low Downforce (LD), and High Downforce (HD).

In the Closed position, the rear wing is retracted to minimize drag and improve efficiency. In LD and HD configurations, different levels of downforce are generated depending on driving dynamics and the selected driving mode.

In performance-oriented modes such as Dynamic, Dynamic+, and Track, the rear wing operates fully automatically. On straights, the system shifts to the LD position to optimize top speed and stability. The Drag Reduction System (DRS), familiar from Formula 1, can be activated manually via a dedicated steering-wheel button to further lower the wing, reducing drag and increasing top speed.

Under braking and in corners, the wing moves to the HD position to optimize downforce for maximum performance and control. In this high-downforce configuration, the aerodynamic concept of the Audi Nuvolari* — depending on the driving situation — delivers more than 400 kg of downforce.

The rear wing position can be controlled both automatically and manually via a rotary control on the steering wheel — in all driving modes except E-Hybrid.

The aerodynamics concept has been refined down to the smallest detail — including the solid- metal Audi rings integrated flush into the deployable rear wing — and forms the basis for high cornering speeds and fast lap times on the racetrack.

Dynamic energy management

The energy management system of the Audi Nuvolari* is also inspired by motorsport. Boost and recuperation strategies are closely linked to torque distribution. As an integrated system, it continuously manages the interaction between power delivery and energy recovery — adapted to driving conditions, grip level, and driver intent.

Adaptive strategies for coasting and brake recuperation extend energy recovery to nearly all driving phases. At the front axle, electric deceleration takes on a significant portion of braking, while at the rear axle, coasting, partial load, and traction control phases are used for recuperation.

Purely electric deceleration of up to 0.3 g is possible — covering a large share of braking events in everyday and dynamic driving. This controlled deceleration stabilizes the vehicle while simultaneously charging the battery.

The integrated architecture of power delivery, torque distribution, and energy recovery becomes especially evident in the Launch Control function. Here, the system makes targeted use of stored energy for maximum acceleration — a concept derived directly from Formula 1, enabling maximum performance with controlled traction.

High-performance braking system

The braking system of the Audi Nuvolari* has been developed with a clear objective: maximum performance under extreme conditions through precise interaction between hydraulic braking and electric deceleration.

A motorsport-inspired brake-by-wire system enables variable distribution between recuperation and hydraulic braking. The brake pedal is functionally decoupled from actual braking force at the wheels to ensure a consistent and precise pedal feel.

At the core of the system is the new Audi Ceramic Pro braking system, designed for consistently high deceleration and precise control — even under sustained intense use on the racetrack.

At the front axle, ten-piston fixed calipers work with 420 × 40 mm brake discs, while at the rear, four-piston calipers are paired with 410 × 32 mm discs. This combination delivers balanced braking performance with high thermal stability and precise pedal feedback across the entire speed range.

The brake discs, derived directly from Formula 1, are based on a long-fiber carbon structure designed to withstand extreme thermal loads without compromising structural integrity or consistent friction characteristics.

A specially designed internal cooling system for the brake discs improves airflow and increases heat dissipation by up to 21 percent compared with conventional carbon-ceramic systems.

Reduced longitudinal vibrations under heavy braking, improved directional stability, and precise steering response shorten braking distances — particularly at high speeds — while increasing control and safety.

Under suitable conditions, a significant portion of deceleration is provided purely electrically. Only under higher braking demands or near the limits of vehicle dynamics does the system seamlessly bring in the hydraulic brakes.

With an energy absorption capacity of up to 2.8 megawatts, the braking system is capable of handling extreme deceleration loads — on par with a current Formula 1 car. This ensures consistently high braking performance without fading or overheating, even under extreme track conditions.

Interior and UI/UX

The interior of the Audi Nuvolari* is fully focused on the act of driving. A reduced architecture concentrates all controls on essential functions and positions them directly within the driver’s field of view — including key elements of the human machine interface (HMI).

This driver-centric approach prioritizes relevant information, while secondary content remains in the background. Digital displays and physical controls follow a consistent logic, enabling natural interaction.

Color accents in the HMI are a nod to the legendary Auto Union Type C race car, referencing the motorsport era of the 1930s, which was dominated by historic speed records.

This functional use of color is continued in the overall interior concept, dividing the cabin into two zones. The front section is finished in a deep, dark tone, designed to support concentration. Surfaces, materials, and accents are consistently aligned with this dark color scheme. In contrast, the rear section introduces a lighter tone, Shadow Dune.

Precision and craftsmanship define the entire interior — from controls and air vents to the frame of the central display, crafted from anodized aluminum.

Lightweight seats complement the driver-oriented interior concept. The carbon fiber structure in the seat base and backrest reduces weight while providing high rigidity and precise lateral support. The ergonomic design promotes a natural seating position and enables direct feedback from both vehicle and road.

Tazio Nuvolari

The Audi Nuvolari* stands for uncompromising performance and absolute focus. The pre-production prototype presented today was developed in a remarkably short time through close international collaboration.

It is named after Tazio Nuvolari, one of the most prominent figures in motorsport history. Born in Italy, he was known for his fearlessness, ingenuity, dedication, and a single-minded will to succeed.

¹Under specific conditions (battery initial temperature > 28 °C and a state of charge (SoC)

above 80%)