Two hours before the start of the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix, Brazilian driver Gabriel Bortoleto and German driver Nico Hulkenberg performed two quick laps through the streets of the principality of Monte Carlo. The exhibition marked the first public appearance of the Audi Nuvolari, a super sports vehicle that stands out for its 1001 horsepower.
The test served as a promotional action for the German automaker, which is preparing its official entry into the Formula 1 grid. Both Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg are part of the brand’s project for the main category of world motorsport.
Technical details and estimated price of the Audi Nuvolari
Officially presented on the French Riviera, the model is equipped with a mechanical package consisting of a twin-turbo V8 engine and three electric thrusters. The hybrid system allows the car to reach a maximum speed of 350 km/h, with acceleration that goes from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.6 seconds.
Built on a special aluminum structure and with a body made entirely of carbon fiber, the vehicle weighs 1,730 kilos. Although the official value has not been released by the manufacturer, the market price is estimated at around R$4 million. Audi confirmed that production of the model will be limited to 499 exclusive units.
Brazilian driver highlights power and new phase of the automaker
The tested model represents the most powerful street car developed by the German company in more than a century of history. Gabriel Bortoleto evaluated the vehicle’s performance on Monaco’s urban track and praised the combination of the combustion engine with hybrid technology.
The Brazilian competitor highlighted the high torque and roar of the twin-turbo V8 engine, pointing out that the launch signals the success of the commercial strategy under the management of the company’s current CEO, Gernot Döllner. For the driver, the global strengthening of the brand has a direct impact on the development of his own sporting career with the team.
Drivers’ performance at the Monaco Grand Prix
Despite the performance with the street car, the weekend’s Formula 1 round did not convert performance into points for the brand’s representatives on the track. Gabriel Bortoleto faced mechanical problems before the start and had to start the race from the pit line. The Brazilian performed a recovery test and crossed the finish line in 11th place.
Nico Hulkenberg faced a similar scenario of disadvantage after the checkered flag. The German driver completed the Monte Carlo circuit among the top ten on the track, but received a ten-second penalty applied by the sports stewards. With the increase in total race time, the competitor fell to 13th place in the official classification.