Development in record time: the Audi Nuvolari in 405 days

405 days from the first sketch to a drivable prototype: the Audi Nuvolari represents a new pace in vehicle development at Audi. The ‘making-of’ video traces the project’s journey – from the initial concept ideas through development and testing to the endurance tests with the drivers of the Audi Revolut F1 Team and the world premiere in the south of France.

“The Nuvolari project impressively demonstrates just how quickly we at Audi can bring an idea to life – that is ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’,” says Audi CEO Gernot Döllner. The new model is far more than just a supercar. As a technological guiding star, the Nuvolari paves the way for future developments at Audi and provides important impetus for the brand’s technology portfolio. “The Audi Nuvolari is the most powerful and fastest road car we have ever produced,” says Rouven Mohr, Board Member for Technical Development.

At the same time, the project represents a new way of working at the brand with the four rings: experts from design, vehicle engineering, aerodynamics and powertrain have been working closely together from the outset in a self-sufficient, focused project team. Short lines of communication, quick decisions and the close integration of all disciplines enable the project’s rapid development pace. “The Audi Nuvolari demonstrates that, with the right mindset and close teamwork, rapid development is possible without compromising on quality,” says Chief Creative Officer Massimo Frascella.

A development journey across Europe

From the initial designs in Ingolstadt, through cold-weather testing with prototype vehicles in Lapland, lightweight construction in Neckarsulm, tests in the Ingolstadt wind tunnel and chassis tuning in southern Spain, right through to high-speed tests in Nardò, Italy: Experts everywhere are working hand in hand to get the Audi Nuvolari on the road in record time.

“When the Nuvolari took to the road for the first time, the best thing was seeing the expressions on the faces of the people who had developed it,” recalls Gernot Döllner. “Seeing for the first time how something that had previously been nothing more than a drawing came to life – that was indescribable.”

Fine-tuning with Formula 1 expertise

405 days after the initial idea, the project team presented the drivable prototype – now the drivers of the Audi Revolut F1 Team are putting it through its paces. Gabriel Bortoleto is driving the Nuvolari on the high-speed circuit at the Nardò Technical Centre. “I’m definitely going to push it to the limit.” His verdict after the test drives: “The car is extremely fast; the sound is incredible. I need more laps – I want more of that feeling.”

Test track in Neustadt an der Donau: F1 team-mate Nico Hülkenberg is also testing the Nuvolari to its limits. “The acceleration and the full system output of over 1,000 PS – that really makes a statement.”

On 4 June 2026, the Audi Nuvolari will finally make its grand entrance – first with its world premiere in Antibes, followed shortly afterwards by its road debut at the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Monaco. “We couldn’t have found a more fitting location for the Nuvolari’s maiden run,” says Gernot Döllner. Hülkenberg adds: “Monaco is one of the most demanding and challenging circuits. This is where we’ll be presenting the Nuvolari to the fans and the world.”

Outstanding design

The Audi Nuvolari is the first production car to feature the new design language – and is already receiving international recognition for it. At the British CAR Genius Awards, the supercar was named ‘Design of the Year’. The jury particularly praised the clean, understated design language, which brings fresh impetus to the supercar segment whilst producing a design that feels surprisingly new yet is unmistakably Audi.