Audi News

Audi has confirmed that it is working on cheaper and faster versions of its recently facelifted 2026 Audi Q4 e-tron, with new additions primed to arrive on sale within 12 months.According to Audi product planner Herman Verbeek, speaking to Carsguide, the upgraded all-electric compact SUV will be continually improved from its introduction in Australia late this year as part of plans to extend the model's lifespan into 2030.Originally, the Q4 e-tron was supposed to have been replaced around 2028 by an all-new model that will sit on the Volkswagen Group's Scalable Systems Platform (SSP), which has now been pushed back until early 2030 over software challenges within VW's in-house Cariad division.Verbeek said the first model to arrive is likely to be a more powerful version of the Q4 e-tron that has been designed to sit above the current 250kW quattro performance.The product boss didn't disclose how much power the flagship Q4 would produce, but said that the new model wouldn't be badged either an S Q4 e-tron or RS Q4 e-tron, as neither model would offer the "agility or driving dynamics worthy of an Audi Sport model".The extra power will come from existing hardware, with the newly released APP 350 (up to 170kW) and existing APP 550 motor (210kW) will both be wound up to produce more power, while the front-mounted asynchronous electric motor (ASM) will have total output boosted from 80kW to more than 110kW.More good news for those on the hunt for a more affordable take on the Q4 e-tron, Verbeek said his team were working on two new batteries that would replace the current car's nickel-manganese cobalt (NMC) batteries, with today's entry 59kWh power pack set to be superseded by a new lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery that will be shared with the new inbound A2 e-tron crossover that will be released later this year.The cheaper LFP battery, which is expected to bring a 30 per cent cost saving over NMC cells, was originally destined to arrive earlier in the Q4 but was pushed back as Audi waited for the more energy-dense chemistry being developed by the VW Group's partner. The reason for the delay was that Audi was keen for the entry Q4 e-tron to weigh less than 2000kg, as some European underground car parks have strict weight limits that forbid any cars heavier than two tonnes from entering.The same weight limit is also applied to automated stackers, car lifts, ramps and car turntables.Verbeek did not confirm when the new batteries would arrive, but the senior Audi boss did rule out upgrading the current car's 400-volt electrics to 800-volts over the huge cost."We can't do it, we'd need to change everything, the battery, motors, inverters, control units, even the air conditioner condenser."The Q4 e-tron's MEB platform means current charging rates are limited at between 160-185kW, a long way off the 320kW the latest similarly-sized all-electric Mercedes GLA will be capable of, with the Audi taking around 27 minutes for a 10 to 80 per cent top-up, around 5 minutes slower than rivals with the more powerful electrics.

The latest all-new third-generation Audi Q7 large SUV underwent a dramatic redesign ahead of its official launch earlier this month.Speaking to Carsguide, a source working closely with the German car-maker confirmed that the Q7 was originally set to adopt wing grip door releases in place of conventional door handles, but that decision was reversed at the very last minute over safety concerns.In what's thought to be an unprecedented move on a car that was believed to have already been homologated for production, the flush, power-operated wing grip or shark-fin style exterior door releases were dropped following new regulations being rolled out next year in China, with senior Audi execs expecting a similar response from European legislators.Attracting designers and engineers to embrace hidden, pop-out or wing grip power-operated door releases was the intense pressure to create the most aerodynamic shape possible, in a bid to maximise an EV's range, or boost efficiency.According to reports, by deleting traditional door pulls, on average a vehicle's drag coefficient falls by up to 0.01Cd, which can equate to more than 3km of range under the European WLTP test cycle.The smoother, cleaner, unbroken lines are also seen as another benefit by designers, but now Audi has abandoned them with wider implications for the Volkswagen Group as a whole.Triggering the rethink has been multiple high-profile accidents that saw either occupants trapped within a car with failing door releases, or first responders struggling to gain access to a cabin in the event of an accident or fire.From January 1, 2027, new Chinese regulations dictate that power-operated door handles will now have to include a physical release for the first time, plus a range of other measures designed to boost safety.Since the new regs require an easily grabbable mechanical door release both inside and out, early indications hinting many Chinese brands are abandoning power-operated releases altogether, rather than adapting or evolving current designs, signalling a return to proper door handles.With a growing debate on the safety of electronic door releases already underway in regions like Europe, it's been hotly tipped that EU regulators and crash safety body EuroNCAP are also racing to implement new measures, or roll out new legislation.If that's not enough to put the likes of Audi off, last year the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced it too was investigating Tesla's pop-out door releases over safety concerns.A change in the rules could be costly for car-makers like Volvo who have recently gone ahead and introduced vehicles with the tech.To help circumvent the new rules, the Swedish brand introduced a mechanical override that incorporated a physical release.Should a crash or power failure occur, there's an internal power source that ensures the door release still operates.As well as safety, some owners have also reported reliability issues with power-operated door handles prone to fail in icy conditions when the mechanism can freeze over.The Audi insider did not state how much money it would cost to re-engineer the Q7 doors at such a late stage of development, but it's thought adding back conventional door handles will have cost the car-maker many millions of dollars, but will still be only a fraction of the cost of having to reintroduce them later on during the large SUV's model life.It's thought that instead of reverting to a set of conventional door handles, the new door levers still operate via a power-operated catches, as the large BMW X5-rival adopts some Rolls-Royce-style automatic doors that swing open via a touch of a button on the key fob.

Fuel prices in Australia are about to rise again. The federal government has announced the Fuel Excise cut will continue at a lower rate until the start of August.The original 50 per cent discount equated to 32 cents per litre off fuel prices, but this was due to end on the 30th of June.The government will now extend a smaller discount of 16 cents per litre until the 2nd of August. This announcement means fuel prices will increase across the board in addition to any other fluctuations from external factors. A 16 cent increase will see diesel fuel prices increase back above the $2 per litre mark across the country, having been more than $3 per litre at times over the past few months. The diesel-powered Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux utes remain two of the best-selling cars in Australia.E10 petrol will also creep up towards the $2 point as a result of this decreased discount. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has not ruled out further extensions to the Fuel Excise discount in the future if circumstances require it. "Of course we do live in a volatile world. Were there to be a massive global shock, my government will always respond,” Mr Albanese told Sky News. The news comes as rumours of an end to the Iran war heat up, with the conflict being the key driver of high fuel prices. There is still no freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz - the key gateway for many ships carrying oil globally.It has seen electric vehicle uptake in Australia soar, with budget Chinese options like the Jaecoo J5 EV and Geely EX5 growing by more than 200 per cent between May and June 2026. Tesla experienced a record-breaking month in May, shifting 6433 units - its highest sales number since the Electric Vehicle Council started collecting data. The government will also increase the Heavy Vehicle Road User Charge to 16 cents per litre, with it being free since April. 

The return of an Audi wagon favourite is on the cards for Australia.The Audi A6 Allroad could return to the brand’s Aussie showrooms for the first time since 2024.The A6 Allroad remains a strong prospect for Australia, but the local branch was unable to confirm its arrival just yet."This model is currently under evaluation for the Australian market," a spokesperson for Audi Australia said."This model is highly appealing, and we would welcome it for Australia."It comes after the car appeared in Australian sales approval documents earlier this year, hinting a confirmation is not too far away.There is potential for A6 Allroad to launch as soon as the end of this year.It will again be available with a V6 diesel engine, but Audi has also introduced a plug-in hybrid set-up to the range for the first time. The A6 Allroad doesn't have any direct rivals in Australia.It will have to compete with the much cheaper BYD Seal 6 Touring PHEV wagon, starting from $34,990 (before on-road costs).Pricing details have not been revealed yet, but it is expected to sit above the sedan variant currently on sale, starting from $123,600 (before on-road costs). The A6 Allroad's 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel has more power than its predecessor, boasting 220kW and 580Nm , while the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol PHEV set-up boosts power to 270kW and 500Nm. The diesel variant is marginally faster from 0-100km/h than the PHEV at 5.4 seconds. Audi said the PHEV has an all-electric driving range of 95km from its 26kWh battery. It offers fuel consumption of as little as 2.6L/100km, when the battery is fully charged. The car does not have DC charging capabilities, but AC charging at 11kW takes around 2.5 hours. All A6 Allroad models come with all-wheel drive as standard. On the inside, there is an 11.9-inch digital driver display and 14.5-inch central touchscreen, along with four-zone automatic air conditioning. There is also a panoramic sunroof available with a dimmable setting as opposed to a conventional shade. 

Audi has released images and Euro specification of its all-new, third-generation Q7 large SUV with a launch mild-hybrid powertrain combining a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine, featuring an electrically-powered supercharger, with an upgraded alternator starter and ‘powertrain generator’.Two versions will be offered initially, rated at 180kW/500Nm and 220kW/630Nm, respectively, both driving all four wheels via an eight-speed ‘Tiptronic’ auto transmission and Audi’s ‘quattro’ permanent all-wheel drive system with a new limited-slip centre differential.Supported by a compact lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, the powertrain generator “enables short periods of partially electric driving” at slower speeds, adding 18kW/370Nm to the mix.Available in Germany with five, six, or seven seats, the latter offers up to 722 litres of boot space with the third row folded and a maximum volume of 1980 litres with the third and second row down.The six-seat option is a first for the Q7, including adjustable captain’s chairs in the second row for a “business class feel”.Standard suspension is conventional steel with an adaptive air set-up optionally available.Equipment highlights include an illuminated panoramic sunroof with switchable transparency on the flagship seven-seat version, Bang & Olufsen premium audio, multiple digital instrument and media screens in the ‘Audi MMI panoramic display’, optional digital matrix LED headlights, digital OLED tail-lights, alloy rims ranging from 20- to 22-inch diameter and a stylized turn signal projected onto the ground in sync with the dynamic indicators (front and rear) to alert other road users, such as cyclists, to a lane change or turn.Unveiling the new Q7, Audi CEO Gernot Döllner said, “For more than 20 years, the Audi Q7 has represented the perfect premium SUV. With its new generation, we carry this mission forward.“It combines a sporty, powerful design with a highly versatile interior, first-class materials, and a wide range of technologies,” he said.Q7 production continues in Bratislava, Slovakia with orders opening in Germany in June 2026, with deliveries commencing in September.An Audi Australia spokesperson told CarsGuide, “The all-new Q7 will likely reach Australia in H1 of 2027. “Price and spec will be announced closer to then, as this is currently in the works but won’t be finalised until later this year,” they said. For reference, the new 180kW Q7 starts at €87,900 (~$140,000) in Germany with the 220kW version available from €90,500 (~$149,000).Current Aussie starting price for the out-going second-gen Q7 is $108,815, before on-road costs, for the 45TFSI quattro.

Audi RS5: Ready to enter the German ‘Big Three’ performance octagon with the BMW M4 and Mercedes-AMG C63S, the new Audi RS5, offered as a sedan and ‘Avant’ wagon, is a plug-in hybrid combining a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine with a powerful single electric motor for outputs of 470kW/825Nm. Pricing is already confirmed from $179,900, before on-road costs. Read moreBentley Bentayga Speed: Swapping out the British brand’s epic (but emissions constrained) 6.0L W12 for a fearsome 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 has made this luxurious SUV even faster and louder. How about 478kW/850Nm and $525,000, before on-road costs, when it arrives here in the next couple of months?Read moreBMW iX3: Arriving in early July, BMW’s much-anticipated 'Neue Klasse' iX3 is an ultra-modern mid-size five-door SUV with a pure-electric powertrain initially launching with one model, the 345kW/645Nm 50 xDrive (109,900, before on-road costs). The 235kW/500Nm iX3 40 ($89,900, BOC), which slips under the Luxury Car Tax threshold, will follow in Q4.  Read moreBMW M2 xDrive: New compact muscle coupe variant picks up all-wheel drive to put the 353kW/600Nm produced by its 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six-cylinder on the ground. Zero to 100km/h in 3.7sec with cost-of-entry at $172,900, before on-road costs when it arrives in Q4.Read moreBYD Atto 3 Evo: Prior to the all-new next-gen Atto 3 likely hitting Aussie showrooms sometime in 2027, the Evo version of the current model gives it rear-wheel drive. There’s also an all-wheel-drive flagship with 330kW available. Likely local touchdown in Q3.Read moreChery KP31: And you thought there wasn’t room for another ute in the Aussie market. The subject of a local naming contest (Orca is looking likely, as it tops BYD Shark) the Chery ‘KP31’ is scheduled for a Q4 launch, featuring a ladder chassis and a segment-first 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel and electric motor hybrid powertrain. A petrol-electric hybrid will arrive in 2027.Read moreCupra VZ5: Fire-breathing mid-size SUV variant powered by an Audi RS3-sourced 2.5-litre turbo-petrol five-cylinder engine sending 287kW/480Nm to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch auto transmission. Zero to 100km/h comes up in 4.2 seconds – 0.7 seconds quicker than the 228kW VZx, making it one of the fastest combustion-powered SUVs out there. Read moreDeepal S05: The Deepal S05 small-medium SUV joins the S07 mid-size SUV, likely offered in range-extender hybrid and/or pure-electric form. ADR compliance is locked in and pre-orders are open on the brand’s Aussie website.Read moreFerrari 849 Testarossa: Okay, the shopping list - milk, bread, eggs and a $932,648 Ferrari 849 Testarossa. Not for everyone, then. But what a car! Zero to 100km/h in 2.3sec courtesy of a twin-turbo V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain sending 611kW/842Nm to all four wheels. Coupe in Q4, with the roofless Spider arring in early ‘27.  Read moreGeely EX2: Set to arrive in the third quarter, this budget-focused electric compact SUV could start under $30K, before on-road costs. It has a single motor driving the rear wheels and two battery sizes are offered in China, providing 310km or 410km of range, respectively. Read moreGenesis GV60 Magma: Part of the upcoming next-gen GV60 line-up, the Magma is a performance-focused pure-electric powerhouse SUV riding on the same ‘E-GMP’ platform as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. Dual electric motors for 478kW/790Nm, 0-200km/h in 10.9sec and maximum velocity of 264km/h. Arrives in July.Read moreGWM Wey G9: The Wey G9 (name yet to be confirmed for Australia) is a luxury plug-in hybrid people mover scheduled for Q4 with the V9X PHEV SUV spilling over into 2027. Its chunky 44.2 kWh battery provides a claimed pure-electric driving range of up to 170 km with a combined range of more than 1000km. Read moreHonda Super One: Super by name, super by nature, this pure-electric ‘kei’ car is guaranteed to put a smile on your face with a likely Aussie starting price around $35,000. A front-mounted electric motor produces 70kW/162Nm and Honda claims up to 274km of range.  Read moreHyundai Palisade XRT Pro: A tough looking Toyota LandCruiser rival with twin, chassis-mounted tow hooks as well as more ground clearance for useful approach, departure and breakover angles. Add a rear electronic limited-slip differential for better off-road capability as well as downhill brake control and new terrain modes for mud, sand and snow. Read moreIsuzu D-Max EV: One of the most popular utes in the county could get a pure-electric option powered by front- and rear-mounted electric motors, producing 140kW, with front motor torque at 108Nm and rear motor torque at 217Nm for a maximum 325Nm and full-time 4WD. A 67kWh battery offers a driving range of 263km (WLTP). No launch confirmation yet, but Isuzu Ute Australia says “it will continue to monitor local needs and evaluate the reception of BEVs”. Read moreJeep Compass: Potentially a Q4 arrival, the new Compass rides on the same ‘STLA Medium’ platform as Stellantis stablemates such as the Peugeot E-3008 and E-5008. It will join the smaller Avenger in Jeep’s electrified line-up. There should be a choice of 106kW 48V eHybrid and 145kW plug-in hybrid powertrains, both likely based on the 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine carried over from the current-generation. Read moreKGM Musso Q300: Dual-cab only, powered by a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 150kW/441Nm mated to a six-speed torque-converter auto transmission with 4WD and a locking rear differential. Coil- or leaf-spring rear suspension options with a payload of 500kg for the former and 700kg for the latter. Features a 12.3-inch digital dash and matching multimedia touchscreen.   Read moreKia Seltos: Coming in Q4, We’re expecting a front-wheel drive version with outputs to be approximately 113kW/265Nm, plus an all-wheel drive with 131kW, though its rear wheels will be powered by an electric motor and not mechanically connected to the front wheels. The all-new Seltos should start around $30K, before on-road costs. A specific Australian suspension tune is already in the works.  Read moreLeapmotor B05: Lobbing in Q4, the Leapmotor B05 is a five-door, electric, rear-wheel drive, hot-ish hatch with 180kW/320Nm in the flagship Ultra variant. A choice of 56.2kWh or 67.1kWh battery, delivers a range of 500km or 600km (CLTC) and we’d be shocked if it wasn't among the cheapest warmed-over hatch offerings in the local market.   Read moreLexus ES: Electric versions of the striking all-new Lexus ES have been approved for Australian sale, the dual-motor, all-wheel drive ES500e flagship producing 252kW. The ES350e is powered by a single front-mounted electric motor delivering 170kW. However, the brand has confirmed hybrid powertrains will eventually be offered locally.  Read moreMazda CX-6e: Set to challenge the Tesla Model Y on price, the Mazda CX-6e is likely to land with a starting price around $54K. A 78kWh battery delivers a 450km (WLTP) range, the rear-mounted 190kW/290Nm electric motor drives the rear wheels and 0-100km/h comes up in 7.9sec. Its 195kW DC charging capacity is good for a 10-80 per cent top-up in under 25 minutes.Read moreMercedes-Benz GLB: Launch line-up of the pure-electric small SUV will be single-motor rear-wheel drive (200kW/335Nm) GLB250+ or dual-motor all-wheel drive (260kW/515Nm) GLB350. Its 800-volt architecture allows an ultra-rapid DC charging rate of up to 320kW. Three hybrid powertrains will be added later in front- or all-wheel drive all using a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 48-volt assistance. Read moreMG QS PHEV: Launched in plug-in hybrid form in the UK with an Aussie introduction likely this year. Plug-in hybrid uses a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine paired to an electric motor for around 220kW combined. A 24.7kWh battery pack grants it a WLTP-certified electric range of 100km.Read moreMitsubishi Pajero: One of the year’s most significant arrivals comes with the return of the Mitsubishi Pajero, with sights set on the upcoming Y63 Nissan Patrol and current Toyota LandCruiser 300. Most likely powertrain is an updated version of the 2.4-litre turbo-diesel powering the current Triton range (150kW/470Nm). Looking like a Q4 launch.Read moreNissan Patrol: Nissan Australia has confirmed orders for the new ‘Y63’ Patrol will “open in coming months” with vehicles on the ground at the end of the year or very early next. Its 3.5-litre V6 turbo-petrol engine is derived from GT-R’s and produces 317kW/700Nm, dwarfing the 298kW/560Nm outputs of the soon-to-be-defunct V8 of the Y62 Patrol. Read moreOmoda 4: New entry-level model for the brand with edgy, angular looks and a choice of internal-combustion, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure-electric power in the domestic Chinese market. Riding on Chery’s ‘T1X’ platform, the Omoda 4 is a likely Toyota Corolla Cross competitor.Read morePolestar 5: Headed our way in Q3, the 5.1m long ultra-slippery (Cd 0.24) Polestar 5 offers the performance, comfort and touring ability of the Porsche Taycan and its Audi e-tron GT sibling at an appreciably lower price. Two versions coming, both powered by dual motors - the Dual Motor (550kW/812Nm) at $171,100 and the Performance (650kW/1015Nm) at $193,100 (both before on-road costs).Read morePorsche Cayenne Electric: Dropping in Q3, as the name implies, this is a pure-electric beast with even the entry-grade (of three) Cayenne Electric ($167,800, before on-road costs) featuring dual motors, all-wheel drive and producing 325kW. The flagship Turbo accelerates from 0-100km/h in hypercar-equalling 2.5sec thanks to its stonking 850kW/1500Nm outputs.  Read moreRenault Symbioz: On course for a July touchdown, the Symbioz is a Hyundai Kona and Toyota Corolla Cross rival with an entry-level mild-hybrid 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine powertrain producing 104kW/245Nm. A 1.8L full-hybrid boosts that to 116kW/265Nm. Pricing starts from $36,990. Read moreSmart #5: It’s been a long time in the offing but the Smart #5 plug-in hybrid SUV is a likely Aussie arrival in the second half of the year. It offers up to 252km of pure-electric range and up to 320kW of total power from its 1.5-litre turbo-petrol, four-cylinder engine and three-speed hybrid transaxle motor powertrain. Claimed fuel economy is as low as 4.4L/100km (when its battery is depleted). Read moreToyota RAV4 PHEV: Another significant new entry. FWD variants of the RAV4 PHEV will be powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and front-mounted electric motor, producing 201kW. AWD variants add a rear-mounted motor, increasing power to 227kW. Pricing will start from $58,840, before on-road costs, making it roughly $15K more expensive than the car's base standard hybrid variant ($45,990).  Read moreVolkswagen T-Roc: Sleeker looking and bigger, with a more premium vibe, VW’s small SUV also features new powertrains. A 1.5-litre turbo-petrol mild-hybrid in two states of tune (85kW and 110kW) for FWD versions and a more powerful 2.0L mild-hybrid arriving later. A T-Roc R is confirmed to follow, too.  Read moreXPeng G9: As the legal cage fight between previous XPeng importer True EV and the XPeng factory continues, the priority is getting G6s back into showrooms. But the luxury G9 electric SUV is a possible addition. Rear- or all-wheel drive with two battery options, a driving range of up to 680km and loads of included features for an estimated starting price in the region of $70K.Read moreZeekr 8X: Upper mid-sized, plug-in hybrid luxury SUV to sit above the mid-size fully electric 7X and below the flagship three-row 9X. Pairs a 2.0-litre, turbo-petrol, four-cylinder engine (205kW/410Nm) with dual electric motors for a combined 660kW/935Nm and a 0-100km/h sprint in 3.7 seconds. A 55kWh or 70kWh battery pack with a 900-volt architecture allows ultra-fast charging and either a 320km or 410km EV driving range. Probable starting price in the $80K band.Read moreZeekr 9X: Ultra-luxury, upper-large, three-row SUV offering a dual- or tri-motor plug-in hybrid system, backed by a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine and a massive battery pack. The result is either 660kW/935Nm of combined power for the two lower variants, or 1030kW/1410Nm for the top-spec car, as well as between 300 and 380km of fully electric driving range. Standard equipment and features are suitably extensive. Expect a starting price just over $100K.Read more

Is the roof about to close on convertibles? It could be, as demand for open-top cars declines and car makers are forced to devote more resources to electrified powertrains and expanding SUV options.Audi has dropped any plans for a new-generation A5 Cabriolet, and with the R8 Spyder and TT also consigned to history, Audi currently has no convertible models available globally.The four-ring brand discontinued the previous generation A5 Coupe and Cabriolet in 2024, and with the A4/A5 models merging into a single offering, the focus is now on the sedan and wagon variants instead.Audi Australia product planner Peter Strudwicke admitted the demand for convertibles and coupes have dropped significantly in recent years, making the business case to develop two-door and drop-top models more difficult.“ I think if you look globally it varies a little bit by region, but the appetite for coupés and cabriolets, convertibles, whatever you want to call them, has been shrinking,” Strudwicke said. “And the appetite for SUVs has been increasing, and that's where a lot of our investment has gone into, SUVs. But also, the Sportback concept within SUVs to make them kind of coupe-like.” However, the news isn’t so bad for Audi’s arch-rivals, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.The BMW still has the 4-Series and the Z4 Roadster, and Benz has the CLE-Class last year. But none sell in big numbers.Audi didn’t completely rule out the return of a Cabriolet at some point in the future, with Strudwicke admitting: “Never say never.”

Audi has revealed a surprise new model, called the Nuvolari, a limited edition supercar it claims will be the brand’s most powerful and fastest production vehicle in its history.Only 499 cars will be built, making the 2027 Audi Nuvolari one of the rarest in the brand’s recent history, running short of the 660 units built for the Audi RS6 Avant GT wagon.The Nuvolari isn't a new version of the Audi R8 per se, but it's hard to deny the close links and lineage of a mid-engine, two-seater model using a drivetrain borrowed from sibling brand Lamborghini, in this case a hybrid V8.Full details haven't been revealed, but the numbers already confirmed are impressive.With a hybrid system consisting of a mid-mounted 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 and three axial flux electric motors (as opposed to more common radial flux), the all-wheel drive Nuvolari boasts 736kW. The engine alone produces 588kW of that (as well as 730Nm), while each electric motor has a 110kW maximum output. Two of those motors are mounted at the front axle and can collectively deliver 2150Nm of torque. The other is mounted between the engine and transmission. The result of all this is a 0-100km/h sprint in a claimed 2.6 seconds, on to 200km/h in just 6.8 seconds and an eventual top speed north of 350km/h.Oh, and the engine revs out to 10,000rpm, so it’ll sound rather intense while doing it.If it all sounds a bit familiar, the drivetrain is almost certainly a reapplication of the Lamborghini Temerario's, which is also a 4.0-litre hybrid V8 system featuring a 10,000rpm redline - though outputs there peak at just 676kW.The brand’s Chief Technical Officer, Rouven Mohr, said the Nuvolari is a display of “technical expertise, innovative strength, and dedication” that draws from Audi’s recent entry into F1.“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 Nuvolari features other high-end advancements from Audi like its ‘Quattro predictive ride’ which uses sensors to adjust suspension and damping before the car reaches a section of road. The car is also the first use of Audi’s space frame and carbon fibre exterior combination, drawn from the brand’s newfound F1 experience along with active aerodynamics.Similarly, energy recuperation to charge the 7.3kWh lithium-ion battery in coordination with the braking system is another area benefiting from F1 tech.Huge F1-derived 420mm discs at the front are clamped by 10-piston calipers under braking, while the rear features 410mm discs and four-piston calipers.“A motorsport-inspired brake-by-wire system enables variable distribution between recuperation and hydraulic braking,” Audi says.“The brake pedal is functionally decoupled from actual braking force at the wheels to ensure a consistent and precise pedal feel.”The Nuvolari name comes from Tazio Nuvolari, an Italian racing driver who made a comeback to Grand Prix motorsport with Auto Union, Audi’s predecessor, after having retired. He won the 1938 Italian GP, his home race, with the brand.Audi will start deliveries to Nuvolari customers in the first half of 2027.

Audi’s global boss has hinted that the iconic R8 mid-engined supercar might be making a return, and this next-generation model could be powered by the Lamborghini Temerario's astonishing hybrid V8The brand’s CEO Gernot Dollner revealed that despite tightening emissions laws, he still had the V8s on his mind."I'm a big fan of the V8," he said, according to Motor1. Audi is in the process of replacing the revered 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 in its high-performance saloons and SUVs with more efficient V6 hybrids.We’ve seen the Audi RS5 move from using a V8 10 years ago to a V6 plug-in hybrid in the just-launched new generation, Future versions of RS6, and others, are expected to also follow suit.But it appears there will still be a place for the V8, which Dollner admires. The new Lamborghini Temerario plug-in hybrid uses the same V8 paired with three electric motors. "There's no restriction to an engine like that," Dollner said.He’s not joking. The V8 in the Temerario can rev to 10,000 rpm, which is higher than any V8 production supercar has been able to hit. The output of the PHEV system is outrageous. The combined output of the V8 and motors in the Temerario is 676kW and the 0-100km/h sprint is over in 2.7 seconds.The same platform could easily be used for a new-gen R8 - Lamborghinis and Audi R8s have shared the same platform in the past.Production of the Audi R8 ended in 2024 after an 18-year run and during that time was powered by the V8 and a V10, also used by Lamborghini in its supercars.Whether a new Audi R8 actually happens will be down to demand, and of course Dollner.Emissions laws may not be the barrier some might think.Last year Audi Australian boss Jeff Mannering told CarsGuide the existence of more and more hybrids and EVs such as the Q4 and Q6 electric SUVs in the range means a couple of V8 models can be included without exceeding the overall fleet emissions limits.“A BEV, a PHEV, an ICE car - if you look at the market this is why the Q4 and Q6 are so important because it adds volume to BEVs, but we need plug-in hybrids as well because of those C02 targets,” he said. 

Audi wants to have it both ways. The German brand is planning to expand its new Q3 range with both a flagship, high-performance RSQ3 and a more frugal, budget-helping plug-in hybrid.Speaking at the launch of the new Q3 range, which is rolling out with 110kW, 150kW and 195kW variants initially, Audi Australia management have made it clear that more options are on the way.Officially Audi hasn’t confirmed plans for an RSQ3, but Matthew Dale, National Product Manager for Audi Australia, leaves no uncertainty what the local position would be when plans are announced.“ We'd love one tomorrow,” he told CarsGuide. “Definitely put our hand up for one.”While Audi is almost-certain to revive the RS badge for this latest generation Q3, exactly what form that takes remains to be seen. The previous generation was powered by the brand’s iconic five-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, but Europe’s strict emissions laws have put its future in doubt. That means Audi is likely having to develop a new powertrain for the RSQ3, which will need to balance performance with efficiency and emissions requirements both in Europe and around the world.Given the RS model accounted for up to 15 per cent of total Q3 sales in Australia with the previous generation, the local demand is expected to be high - five-cylinder engine or not. So the most likely scenario is Audi Australia is simply waiting for head office to confirm its existence and timeline before committing publicly.On the flip side, the finishing touches are being made to the arrival of the all-new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant of the Q3. Its omission was obvious, as the new Q3 launches at a time of sky-high petrol prices and an increased demand for electric vehicles.Officially the Q3 PHEV is under ‘evaluation’ but all signs point to its arrival in the not-too-distant future.“ The main reason for that is, obviously, the latest generation Q3 we locked in all of our ICE models,” Dale said. “We just want to make sure that, one, the product that's available in Europe is fit for the Australian market and Australian consumer. Two, it's been tested for Australian conditions as well. And three, it’s the latest generation of the product. So it's close to getting to the end of its evaluation and getting a decision, but we just want to make sure that all three of those areas are ticked prior to bringing a product to market.”Asked if he foresees any of these issues holding the PHEV back, Dale was confident the latest model, which reportedly boasts up to 100km of EV-only driving range, will be a good fit for Audi Australia. “No, the big thing is that space is moving so, so quickly with, say, battery technology,” he explained. “Not necessarily the hardware components of the actual PHEV itself, but with battery technology, it's moving so, so fast, and that's something that we've obviously shown in, say, A5 and Q5, is the latest generation products. We've moved from having, say, 30-40km range in a battery pack that is essentially the same size as today, up to closer to 80km of pure EV range. And that shows that, we're using the same hardware size, but the hardware inside and the software has been increased exponentially over that period of time to offer the latest products to Australian consumers, and I think that's where we're looking into to ensure that if we position a vehicle in the market, that we're bringing the latest product to Australia.”The addition of a Q3 PHEV would help expand the appeal of the popular small SUV to people looking to save money at the petrol pump. The recent surge in fuel prices has seen interest in EVs dramatically increase, which is good news for Audi, as it was one of the first luxury brands to make a major commitment to EVs.“ Definitely ,” Dale said. “We've seen, even through our dealer network and our partners that invest in our Audi dealerships, they're basically saying that just inquiry on electric vehicles alone has been astronomical and it's doing quite well. Hopefully we continue that momentum. But yeah, you can see based on, consumables like fuel prices and things like that, where the consumer pivots to alternative solutions and with our broad portfolio of plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles as well, even mild hybrid pluses and mild hybrids that we've got in this car as well, there's quite a broad range of products where consumers can pivot and have broader options.”