High power output, maximum torque, refinement and a fascinating sound – these are the basic characteristics of a perfect GT engine, with a fascination that lies both in its potent performance and its everyday usability. The 5.0-litre ‘biturbo’ V10 has these features plus the ‘bite’ that comes from ample torque in all engine speed ranges and a willingness to run up to high speeds that is second to none.

This engine is a new design, capable of mobilising an impressive 441 kilowatts of power (600 bhp). FSI petrol direct injection, the advanced technology that is setting new standards and has already paved the way for historic victories in the 2001 and 2002 Le Mans 24-hour races and the American Le Mans Series, makes a decisive contribution to the engine’s performance.

Among the most impressive features of the Audi Nuvolari quattro’s ten-cylinder ‘biturbo’ FSI engine’s are its willingness to rev freely and the vigorous power flow available at all engine speeds. It accelerates the Gran Turismo from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds and on to a maximum speed that has been governed to 250 km/h. The maximum torque of 750 Nm is available at an engine speed as low as 2,000 rpm and remains constant over a broad engine-speed range. All this results in powerful, not to say supreme, forward thrust, the ideal precondition for driving long distances in a sporting style and also when storming up winding mountain passes.

quattro permanent four-wheel drive

The Nuvolari quattro transmits the power from its engine to the road via the quattro permanent four-wheel drive layout, which is still unrivalled and provides excellent traction and lateral stability while minimising the effects of the driveline on the self-steering properties. This is a precondition for the car’s enormous cornering speeds and high dynamic stability. In other words: it offers maximum levels of both driving pleasure and active safety.