Audi Nuvolari Concept: The Twin-Turbo V10 Coupe That Lit the Way Forward

[Source: Car Buzz]

The Audi Nuvolari Quattro concept car debuted back in 2003 and brought V10 power and LED headlights with it.

Audi has long been recognized as an industry leader in the field of automotive lighting. So, it is fitting that they were one of the first to show a car using LED headlight technology. LED lights not only offer a bright, crisp white light, but they use considerably less power and typically last longer than either halogen or xenon lights. Win-win-win. Oh, and they look cool too. Another win!

The Audi Nuvolari Quattro was named after the famed racing driver, Tazio Nuvolari. Nuvolari won multiple Grands Prix behind the wheel of Auto Union race cars and played an integral role in developing them. A concept named after this man had to be something special. And the Audi Nuvolari Quattro certainly was that.

In addition to the cutting-edge LED headlights, the Nuvolari Quattro featured a 5.0L twin-turbo V10 engine that was good for 600 horsepower. With power like that, the car better have good headlights! That V10 engine was the spiritual successor to the normally aspirated 5.2L V10 that would later be found in the Audi R8 and the Lamborghini Gallardo. Tazio Nuvolari would approve.

Besides the headlights and V10 powerplant there are not a lot of details about the Nuvolari Quattro concept car that are unusual. The concept was of course blessed with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system. The transmission was a six-speed automatic. A fully independent suspension with air ride on all four corners supported the car. Its chassis was constructed out of strengthened aluminum to keep weight down. The concept was envisioned as a long-distance luxury GT car.

The Nuvolari Quattro never went on sale, but it is still considered a successful concept. The exterior design heavily influenced the A4 and A5 models of the day. In addition, the R8 eventually got a version of the V10. And every Audi model now sports LED headlights. It’s tough to ask for more from a concept than that.