The Show, which opens on 27 February 2004, will mark the first occasion that Audi has shown the Nuvolari quattro concept outside Europe.

First unveiled at Geneva Motor Show (March 4 – 16, 2003), the Nuvolari quattro is Audi’s vision of an elegant, powerful Gran Turismo for tomorrow. The concept is a synthesis of progressive technology combined with the road dynamics of a high-powered GT, enfolded in Audi’s typical design architecture.

Befitting such a car, Audi also plans to build its largest motor show stand to-date. At around 1200 square metres, plus a second storey and vehicle catwalk, Audi’s 2004 Melbourne International Motor Show stand is Audi's largest ever built for an Australian show, and was designed in Europe.

Audi Australia’s managing director, Graham Hardy, has confirmed the Nuvolari quattro is headed to Australia in a clear demonstration of AUDI AG’s intent to heavily invest in the future of its newest subsidiary.

With the Nuvolari quattro, Audi’s designers have created a two-door coupé with 2 + 2 seating and classic GT proportions. Its body is 4.80 metres long, 1.92 metres wide and 1.41 metres high with a wheelbase of 2.89 metres. With its low outline, long front section, potent-looking rear end and extremely short overhangs, the Nuvolari shows its potential even when not in motion.

The Nuvolari quattro, which has a Luna Silver paint finish, uses the Audi Space Frame principle for its aluminium body, which results in an excellent power-to-weight ratio and high rigidity. It thus forms the basis for this GT’s exceptional road dynamics.

According to Walter de’Silva, Head of Design for the Audi group, “The Nuvolari quattro outlines the direction that Audi’s exterior and interior design will take. We are aware of our brand’s heritage and will continue this success story in evolutionary steps.”

This car has the most powerful engine so far developed by Audi for use in a roadgoing vehicle. It’s 5.0-litre V10 ‘biturbo’ engine boasts FSI direct fuel injection, a power output of 441 kW (600 bhp) and a maximum torque of 750 Newton-metres.

The Nuvolari quattro concept car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds and has a governed maximum speed of 250 km/h.

Power and torque are delivered to the wheels according to traction needs via a six-speed automatic transmission using shift-by-wire technology. The driver can also select the gears manually at paddles on the steering wheel.

As a matter of course, an Audi as powerful as this features quattro permanent four-wheel drive and a motor-sport brake system with appropriately large, drilled brake discs which catch the eye behind the 9-arm wheels.

The aluminium suspension on the Nuvolari quattro also satisfies all the requirements of a high-powered Gran Turismo car. The four-link front axle, the trapezoidal-link rear axle and the adaptive air suspension are the key to excellent handling and typical sports-car liveliness. The air suspension improves the Nuvolari quattro’s ride comfort and confirms its role as genuine long-distance transport.

Size 265/720 R 560 PAX wheels (equivalent to a visible rim diameter of 20.6 inches) make for excellent road grip and feature safe run-flat operation in case of pressure loss.

Innovative technology can be found everywhere in this vehicle. A few examples include the electro-mechanical parking brake and the shift lever for the six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission that operate “by wire”, without any mechanical links. The powerful headlights and the rear lights use an LED light source and the rear lights have adaptive infrared control which adjusts the brightness of the LED diodes to match visibility and weather conditions.

The Nuvolari features the groundbreaking MMI Multi Media Interface for infotainment and vehicle system communication. This system has received praise from throughout the trade press for its advanced ergonomics and intuitive operating concept.

After the debut of the Pikes Peak quattro crossover study at the Detroit Motor Show, the Nuvolari was the second car unveiled by Audi in 2003 that reveals the future path that the Audi brand will take - a future notable for systematic sporting character, highly advanced technology, unique design and an emphasis on exclusiveness.

The name of the Audi study pays homage to racing legend Tazio Nuvolari, who was the last driver to win a Grand Prix in an Auto Union car on September 3, 1939 in Belgrade.

Nuvolari was born in Mantua, Italy, in 1892 and died there in 1953. He wrote motor racing history like none other in the first half of the last century. His trademarks were his daring, spectacular driving style and the yellow pullover he always wore in the car.