This article is from page 60 of the 2005-10-04 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 60 JPG
AUDI have unleashed their new Nu- volari Quattro concept study, a vi- sion of tomorrow’s elegant, powerful Gran Turismo, at this year’s Motor Shows.
It combines future Audi design philosophy and the progressive tech- nology and dynamic road potential of a high-powered GT.
With the Nuvolari quattro, Audi’s designers have created a two-door two-seater coupé with classic GT proportions. Its lines are an evolu- tionary interpretation of the current repertoire of outlines typical of Au- di’s styling philosophy.
After the debut of the Pikes Peak quattro crossover study at the De- troit Motor Show, the Nuvolari is the ererO) LO MMOL TMA IHOMM ONC OMPAUECONMECIELO)US off the future of the brand: a future notable for systematic emphasis on sporting character, highly advanced technology, unique design and em- phasis on exclusiveness.
Gran Turismo – the term is syn- onymous with the ultimate high-per- formance, road-going long-distance sports car.
Time and time again, GIs were among the most fascinating and most beautiful cars of their day. Like no other type of vehicle, a classic GT combines the aura of performance and speed with styling that derives its aesthetic appeal from technology
and dynamism rendered visible to the onlooker.
Without a doubt, the Audi Nuvol- ari quattro, which has a Luna Silver paint finish, is such a car – this be- comes clear the very first time you see it. The combination of system- atic lightweight design and a highly rigid body is doubly important in high-powered GT’s such as the Audi Nuvolari quattro – for the car’s per- formance and also for resistance to vibration, which is a vital precondi- tion for dynamic driving.
Inside the dash panel, which 1s cov- ered by a semi-circular hood, com- bines classic GT architecture and advanced ergonomics.
The tiptronic gearshift lever has one shift gate. If the driver prefers to select gears manually, he or she can do so at shift paddles behind the three-spoke sports steering wheel – as in the Le Mans-winning Audi R8.
High power output, maximum torque, refinement and a fascinating sound – these are the basic character- istics of a perfect GT engine, with a fascination that lies both in its potent performance and its everyday us- ability. The 5.0-litre “biturbo’ V10 has these features plus the bite that comes from ample torque in all en- gine 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 600 bhp. The Nuvolari is also will-
ing to rev freely and let its vigorous power flow at all engine speeds – it accelerates from O to 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds and on to a maxi- mum speed of 250 km/h. The maxi- mum torque of 750 Nm is available at an engine speed as low as 2,000 rpm. All this results in powerful, not to say supreme, forward thrust.
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.
Indeed the entire concept is dedi- cated to Tazio Nuvolari – the legen- dary racing driver. 61 Grand Prix
victories and other international suc- cesses confirmed Tazio Nuvolari as one of the greatest racing drivers in the period before the Second World ee
He raced actively for almost thirty years, and it is to his artistry at the wheel that Auto Union owed many of its Grand Prix triumphs.