McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

Audi News

Audi news from duPont REGISTRY News, updated daily with model reveals, first drives, technology launches and verified performance figures. Our coverage runs across the RS models and the expanding e-tron range, together with the road cars that sit beneath them. Audi is moving quickly on electrification, and we report each development as it is confirmed. Plenty of publications carry performance car news, but few carry it beside live inventory. Many of the Audis covered here appear on the duPont REGISTRY marketplace, so a review and a genuine asking price sit together. That combination is difficult to find anywhere else in luxury car news. For Audi news today, begin with the stories below.

By Khris Bharath – October 26, 2026

Audi Commits $4 Billion to Its First US Plant in Georgia

Audi plans to build its first U.S. factory in Georgia, committing around $4 billion and creating approximately 4,500 jobs. Governor Brian Kemp and Audi CEO Gernot Döllner made the announcement over the weekend. “We have much greater ambitions for Audi in America. The United States is one of the world’s most important premium markets, and we have not yet realized our full potential.” - Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG. According to Audi, Georgia's investment-ready site, skilled workforce, established automotive supplier network and strong logistics infrastructure were key factors behind the decision. The Middle Georgia Mega Site will also offer flexibility for future expansion. The plant will build premium SUVs aimed at North American customers, although Audi has not officially identified individual models. Models like the recently unveiled three-row Q9, which Audi CEO Gernot Döllner confirmed during Monterey Car Week was specifically tailored to American customers and the third-generation Q7, serve as the ideal candidates for Georgia production. We have already broken down where the Q9 lands against its rivals, and the short version is that Audi has been missing a three-row answer to the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7 for years. A U.S. factory dedicated to this class of premium SUV therefore makes complete sense. “Building a new plant from the ground up allows us to rethink manufacturing from day one. We can design highly efficient and flexible production processes, integrate advanced technologies, and develop a strong local supplier network. ” - Gerd Walker, Audi Board Member for Production and Logistics. When it comes to U.S. production, Audi has remained the odd one out among Germany’s major brands, relying entirely on imported vehicles. Last year’s tariffs turned that structural disadvantage into a considerably more expensive one. BMW has built vehicles at Spartanburg since 1994, Mercedes-Benz at Tuscaloosa since 1997, and Volkswagen at Chattanooga since 2011. However, the Ingolstadt-based automaker is not new to North American production, having built the Q5 at San José Chiapa in Mexico since 2016. What it has lacked is production inside the United States, leaving its American business more exposed to tariffs than locally producing rivals. Spartanburg has since grown into BMW’s largest production facility worldwide, offering Audi a compelling example of what U.S. localization can become. "Georgia has built a reputation as a place where global companies come to shape the future of their industries. Audi’s decision to establish its first American manufacturing plant here is another defining moment in that journey." - Brian P. Kemp, Governor of Georgia Audi says North America is the third major production pillar alongside Europe and China. Georgia will soon provide the manufacturing footprint to support those ambitions. Construction will commence in 2027, and production will begin in the early 2030s with a planned capacity of up to 200,000 vehicles annually. View All Audis for Sale Images: Audi

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 01, 2026

Audi Collaborates With 1 Hotels For The US Grand Prix

The thrill, excitement, and intense rivalry of Formula 1 is coming to Texas for the United States Grand Prix later this month. Held at the Circuit of the Americas near Austin, Texas, the race brings Lone Star style to the F1 calendar. Audi comes to the race in the midst of its inaugural season in the ultra-prestigious series, and as its first United States Grand Prix approaches, the manufacturer has announced a dining experience for the race weekend in partnership with 1 Hotels and the Michelin-starred SingleThread. From October 22 to 24, the three-night dinner experience is entitled Audi and 1 Hotels Present: Driven by the Journey, An Evening with SingleThread, and it will be hosted in Austin’s newly opened 1 Hotel. The experience features a five-course menu from the three-Michelin-starred California destination was founded by Chef Kyle and Katina Connaughton.With an automotive partnership with Audi, SingleThread is known for its integration of farming, hospitality, and dining. Aligning with the concept behind SingleThread, 1 Hotels combines luxury with sustainable design and a high level of service. The 1 Hotel in Austin is the first 1 Hotels property in Texas, and it is located within the 74-story Waterline, Texas’s tallest tower. Part of an expanded partnership between Audi and 1 Hotels, the race weekend dining experience is complemented by a house-car service and local drives from the hotel that are offered even outside of the race weekend. <- Gallery -> Combining an iconic luxury hotel property with a unique dining experience from a three-Michelin-starred brand, the new Driven by the Journey, An Evening with SingleThread from Audi and 1 Hotels is making Audi’s first United States Grand Prix race weekend an even more special occasion for the four-ringed brand and its guests. Reservations for the luxurious experience are open now. View All Audi For Sale Image Source: Audi

By Khris Bharath – September 07, 2026

Audi A2 E-Tron Revives an Efficiency Icon for the Electric Era

Audi has revived one of its most unconventional nameplates with the new A2 e-tron, an all-electric compact model built around efficiency, practicality and a comparatively accessible entry price. The A2 e-tron is the most energy-efficient production Audi yet. Its 140-kW efficiency-package configuration consumes a claimed 20.6 kWh per 100 miles, or 12.8 kWh per 100 kilometers, while the longest-range version can travel approximately 401 miles, or 646 kilometers, under Europe's WLTP test cycle. Audi will offer three battery capacities of 52, 61 and 84 kWh, alongside four output levels ranging from approximately 168 to 322 horsepower. Depending on the battery, a 10-to-80-percent DC fast charge takes between 24 and 29 minutes. Bidirectional charging allows the car to power external devices and, in supported European markets, supply energy to a home. "If we want to bring back the idea of the A2 for a new era, efficiency cannot be one requirement among many. It has to be the leading principle. The result is the most efficient Audi we have ever built. It translates directly into everyday usability: more range, less charging, fewer stops." - Gernot Döllner, CEO of Audi Unveiled in 1999 and produced from 2000 until 2005, the original A2 paired an aluminum body with low weight and an exceptionally space-efficient cabin. Its frugal 1.2-liter TDI variant returned roughly 79 mpg and achieved a 0.25 drag coefficient. But most notably, that car looked like nothing else on the road. Its tall, quirky monobox shape was engineered around aerodynamics and interior volume instead of kerb appeal, and while it has developed a cult following today, the market of the early 2000s was not ready for a premium hatchback that prioritized physics over presence. Sales fell short of Audi's ambitions and production ended after 176,377 examples. Audi once again revisited the name at Frankfurt’s 2011 Motor Show with an all-electric A2 concept promising 124 miles under European testing, though it never reached production. More than two decades on, the A2 e-tron revives that same efficiency-first philosophy. Its tall, aerodynamic hatchback profile, arcing roofline, pronounced wheel arches and spoiler-divided rear window recall the original, while slim LED lighting brings the shape in line with Audi’s current design language. Inside, a fabric-wrapped dashboard and curved dual-screen display give the spacious cabin a warm, minimalist character. Other highlights include a 0.24 drag coefficient, 14 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, and more than 300 components made using recycled materials. Prices in Germany start at roughly €38,200 or roughly $44,700, with deliveries beginning in December. For now, Audi says the A2 e-tron is primarily tailored to European customers and has not announced whether it will join the Audi lineup in the United States. American audiences meanwhile have recently revealed the new Nuvolari supercar, the Q7 and the all-new Q9, while the German brand’s current U.S. electric portfolio includes the Q4 e-tron, Q6 e-tron, A6 e-tron and the flagship e-tron GT. American appetite for these cars is demonstrably there. Q6 e-tron sales in the United States climbed from 966 units in 2024 to 17,207 in 2025 once availability improved. For now, though, the smallest member of Audi's electric family appears destined to remain a European-only proposition. View All Audis for Sale Images: Audi

By Khris Bharath – August 26, 2026

Audi Nuvolari Takes to American Roads for the First Time

The Audi Nuvolari, the German marque's recently unveiled limited-run hybrid supercar and R8 successor, was one of the brand's headline attractions on the Monterey Peninsula, appearing at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, before moving to the Concept Lawn at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Audi subsequently took the Nuvolari onto the roads surrounding Carmel-by-the-Sea, marking the first time its new halo car has been driven on public roads in the United States. It follows what has already been a busy summer for the Nuvolari, following appearances at Monaco and Goodwood. "Monterey Car Week is the pinnacle premium automotive stage for Audi to showcase the brand's first halo supercar" - Vito Paladino, President of Audi of America. With The Quail and Pebble Beach bringing together collectors, manufacturers and some of the world's most significant automobiles each August, Audi used the week to put the Nuvolari in front of its target audience. The California outing is particularly significant given the importance Audi is placing on the United States as it begins a broader renewal of its product range. Just over two weeks before the Nuvolari arrived in Monterey, Audi unveiled the all-new Q9 flagship SUV in New York, a vehicle developed specifically for American customers. "While the Q9 was specifically tailored to the needs of American customers, the Nuvolari serves as a technology and design flagship for the renewal of our brand. Together, these two vehicles show that we are consistently translating our strategic direction into compelling products." - Audi CEO Gernot Döllner. duPont REGISTRY was also on the ground throughout Monterey Car Week, and caught up with Audi CEO Gernot Döllner at The Quail, where we spoke with him about the Nuvolari, Audi's return to the supercar space, and what the model represents for the wider brand. Watch out for our exclusive interview in our upcoming print issue. The Nuvolari occupies the opposite end of Audi's range from the Q9. It is the most powerful production Audi ever created, combining a mid-mounted twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 with three electric motors for a total output of 1,001 PS, or 987 horsepower. <- Gallery -> Audi quotes a top speed of more than 217 mph, making it the fastest production car in the brand's history. Its technical package, developed in 405 days, also includes active aerodynamics, a new Audi Space Frame and extensive carbon-fiber bodywork. Production is capped at 499 cars. European presales do not open until the fourth quarter of 2026, with first deliveries in the first half of 2027, and Audi says interest is already running high without offering a number to support it. View All Audis For Sale Images by Audi

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 12, 2026

New Audi Nuvolari Debuts At Car Week

Audi recently unveiled a new halo car, the first supercar to wear the four rings since the iconic R8. It’s called the Nuvolari, and unlike the R8’s V10 engine, the Nuvolari features a plug-in hybrid powertrain and a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine, which together develop a formidable 987 horsepower that goes to all four wheels. Utilizing Formula 1-derived engineering and sporting a striking design inspired by Audi’s recent Concept C, the Nuvolari opens a new chapter for Audi Performance. In the midst of Audi’s inaugural season on the Formula 1 grid, Audi revealed the Nuvolari at this year’s Monaco Grand Prix. After that, the new supercar made an appearance in the UK, debuting at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, and this week, which is Monterey Car Week, the new Audi Nuvolari is debuting in the United States. Set against the backdrop of the stunning Monterey Peninsula, the public will be introduced to the fastest and most powerful production Audi supercar yet at Monterey Car Week. Limited to only 499 units, the car boasts a top speed of more than 217 mph, a new Audi Space Frame, active aerodynamics derived from the motorsport world, and the highly advanced Quattro predictive ride. About the Nuvolari’s presence at Car Week this year, Audi of America President Vito Paladino commented, “Once a year, the Monterey Peninsula becomes the pinnacle backdrop for premium and exclusive mobility, which makes it the ideal place to introduce our halo performance model to North America and share our excitement with customers, collectors, and enthusiasts. The Nuvolari is more than an extraordinary supercar; it is a defining moment for Audi, built on substance. Substance that delivers on what has always shaped Audi to be an iconic brand – performance, design, and innovation.” <- Gallery -> On Friday, August 14, the Audi Nuvolari will be at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, one of Car Week’s most prestigious events, marking the first public appearance of the car in the States, and offering guests access to the people behind the car. After that, the Nuvolari will be present on the Concept Lawn at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. With the iconic manufacturer entering a new era with its hybrid supercar, Audi’s presence at Monterey Car Week with the Nuvolari marks a turning point in the brand’s legacy. View All Audi For Sale Image Source: Audi

By Basem Wasef – July 28, 2026

First Look Analysis: Audi Q9 Takes on the Giants

Challenging foes like the Cadillac Escalade, Mercedes-Benz GLS and Range Rover, the new Audi Q9 is a 17 ½-foot-long, 6-foot-tall expression of not-so-quiet luxury that supersedes the Q7 as the most massive model to ever hail from Ingolstadt. The largest Audi in history was penned in the organic design language first seen in the Q6 e-tron, wearing a large imposing grille, gently contoured flanks and a lengthy silhouette resolving into a tall, stacked rear end. “We don’t have many creases any more,” senior designer Gary Telaak remarked truthfully at the Q9’s advanced preview in Munich. In the flesh, the full-sized sport ’ute brings an imposing visual vibe that’s about 75% SUV and 25% van – not quite the sexiest look in its base form, but incrementally more aggressive in S-Line trim and even sharper in SQ9 form. The Q9 gets a 429 horsepower 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6, while the gutsier SQ9 version is powered by a 591 hp 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. Helping manage the model’s massive proportions are power operated doors which bring Rolls-Royce-like levels of luxury to the table. The automation comes with typical German over-engineering that incorporates radar sensors to avoid door dings and a smooth shutting process that rolls down the door speed just as it approaches and latches. This level of attention to detail extends to the interior, a spacious cabin framed by a high-tech panoramic roof. In its top trim level, the largest roof in Audi history spans 16 square feet and incorporates a polymer dispersed liquid crystal safety glass designed to block 99.5 percent of UV radiation while being able to selectively turn sections of the surface opaque at the touch of a button. The 84 overhead LEDs can also be programmed to bathe the cabin in tinted light that complements the cabin’s multi-hued themes. Advanced lighting is a recurring theme with the Q9, starting with a complex welcoming floodlighting that unfolds an animated rhombus shape. The system is also functional: if you’re exiting the car and an approaching cyclist or car is detected, the system will project a visual warning onto the ground. The system’s radar sensors are sophisticated enough to prevent the doors from opening or lock them in place when partially open if a collision is imminent. The fancy lighting extends to the headlamps, which introduce Audi’s first Stateside implementation of digital matrix LED technology. The system, which is standard on SQ9 and optional on Q9, actively monitors traffic and illuminates around oncoming vehicles, dimming the lights where necessary so the view ahead is bright. The premium lighting package goes a step further with advanced turn signals that project arrows down onto the road, offering more dimensional visual cues for other drivers as to the intended direction of travel. The system can also project parallel lines ahead onto the road indicating the edges of the vehicle in order to help with alignment through tight spots. The cabin treats 7 passengers across 3 rows or 6 passengers with captain seating to a contemporary space complete with available features like matte open pore veneers and heated door and center armrests. A panoramic series of OLED screens face the front passengers with an 11.9-inch so-called virtual cockpit, a 14.5-inch central screen, and a 12.3-inch passenger display that offers a privacy mode. The setting enables streaming videos just for the passenger while the Q9 is in motion. The Q9’s multimedia system features an embedded ChatGPT model that is programmed to handle general interest queries beyond typical vehicle functions like navigation destinations. Convenience features include two wireless phone chargers that hold phones in place magnetically, while additional USB-C chargers across all three rows offer between 45 and 100 watts of charging power for laptops and tablets. Power folding rear seats enable up to 87.7 cubic feet of storage behind the first row, and the cabin feels spacious and airy with a commanding view thanks to front seats positioned an inch taller than the Q7. The top-tier Bang & Olufsen system features 1,360-watt and 22 speakers with so-called 4D sound, which hides actuators in the front seats. The 4D system enhances low frequency sound sensations by vibrating the front seats, an effect which can be dialed down for subtle backside sensations, or cranked up like premium multimedia seating at a movie theatre. Headrest speakers offer isolated sound for phone calls, navigation directions and surround sound elements. Though the nearly 3-ton Q9 has plenty of mass to contend with, it employs a few tricks to mask its heft dynamically. Available 4-wheel steering helps swing the rear around corners at low speeds while boosting stability at higher velocities. A standard adaptive air suspension system also adjusts automatically for speed, load, and driving conditions. Ride height can be adjusted as much as 3.5 inches, offering easier entrances and exits while also lowering the center of gravity during more spirited driving. A powerful V6 and an even brawnier V8 help the Q9 and SQ9 achieve best-in-class acceleration figures: 0-to-60 mph in 4.9 and 3.8 seconds, respectively. While outright performance won’t be the central focus of the Audi Q9 and SQ9, its dynamic capabilities should offer a compelling complement to its upgraded interior design and upsized road presence. Audi has historically been late to the large vehicle game, like when the A8 arrived on the scene in 1994, decades after BMW’s 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz’s S-Class. While the A8 has since come and gone, all eyes are now on the Q9 in the hotly contested flagship 3-row SUV segment. The market might be habituated to the usual players, but Audi’s $88,995 Q9 and $119,295 SQ9 will make a strong case for the new kids on the block when they arrive in showrooms later this year.

By Tyler Rampersaud – July 28, 2026

New 2027 Audi Q9 & SQ9 Unveiled

Over twenty years ago, the Pikes Peak Quattro concept previewed what would become a flourishing SUV lineup for the German luxury manufacturer. Named after Audi’s legendary rally presence on the precarious and challenging Pikes Peak hillclimb course, the concept showcased Audi’s luxury, along with spirited performance and all-terrain mettle. Specifically, however, that concept previewed Audi’s first SUV, the Q7. The Q7 was an instant success, and for two decades since its introduction, it has served as one of the flagships of Audi’s SUV lineup. Combining luxury, all-terrain capability, practicality, and engaging driving character, the Q7 exemplified Audi’s elevated luxury in the form of an SUV, and alongside it came models like the Q5, the Q3, the Q8, and more. However, a new SUV flagship is coming to the Audi SUV lineup: the highly anticipated Q9. Introducing new technology and luxury to Audi’s lineup, the Q9 is the brand’s new flagship, getting assigned the number “9” for the first time in the brand’s history. As its name suggests, it’s the largest Audi SUV yet, and along with it, elevated luxury features and design touches elevate Audi’s presence in the luxury automotive market. <- Gallery -> Two interior layouts of the Q9 are available, with seven seats as standard, and a six-seat layout available as an option. Taking on its flagship mantle, the second row features power-adjusting seats, the front seats are optionally available with ventilation and massaging, and the Q9 also features available powered automatic doors. The doors are soft-closing; they can be operated at different points in the vehicle, as well as through the myAudi app, and sensors prevent the doors from opening into traffic, pedestrians, or cyclists. Another interior highlight is the largest panoramic glass roof in an Audi yet, measuring at over 16 square feet, and it can be opened or tilted. Options for the sunroof include personalized ambient lighting, transparency modulation, and, at a later date, dazzling illumination. The exterior features a design that reaffirms and revitalizes Audi’s luxury character. Wheel sizes of up to 23 inches are offered, while advanced lighting technology is a highlight of the new luxury SUV flagship. Its curved OLED taillights are both beautiful and highly functional, paired with available advanced turn signals that project indicators onto the ground for added visibility and safety. Meanwhile, the Digital Matrix LED headlights bring advanced adaptive beam technology to the US market for the first time, optimizing visibility and safety for the driver while reducing glare for others on the road, making the road safer for everyone at night. Another lighting feature in the Q9 Prestige is an LED projected rhombus that welcomes passengers to both the front and rear of the vehicle, which also serves to alert surrounding cyclists and pedestrians that the doors of the vehicle are open. Also enhancing the safety factor of the Audi Q9 is level 2+ partial automated driving, which is available in the US. When equipped, drivers can let go of the wheel and let the car handle steering, acceleration, and braking at speeds of up to 85 mph, with lane changes being executed by activating the turn signal. Other high-tech aspects of the Q9 include an infotainment system that integrates an AI-powered voice assistant, a sound system with 22 speakers and 1,630 watts of output, and an integrated dashcam system that will record videos to a microSD card. Powering the new 2027 Audi A9 is a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine with 429 horsepower and 442 lb/ft of torque. An Audi staple, permanent Quattro all-wheel drive inspires driving confidence, working with a Tiptronic transmission. Also enhancing the dynamics of the Q9 is standard adaptive air suspension, with adjustable ride height that operates automatically or manually, available all-wheel steering that helps compensate for the Q9’s unprecedented wheelbase. For those that desire a more performance-oriented variant, Audi has also unveiled the new 2027 SQ9, the sportier counterpart to the Q9 luxury SUV flagship. Powering the new 2027 Audi SQ9 is a twin-turbo V8, which boasts 4.0 liters of displacement, 591 horsepower, and 590 lb/ft of torque. With a 0-60 time of just 3.8 seconds, the new SQ9 is the quickest three-row SUV in its class to accelerate to 60 mph, and its Quattro drivetrain features an electronically locking rear differential, as well as a rear-biased architecture, giving the new SQ9 decidedly exciting and performance-oriented dynamics, as well as impressive capability for everyday use. With deliveries in the US for both the Q9 and the SQ9 set to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026, the Q9 will be manufactured in Bratislava, Slovakia. The starting MSRP for the 2027 Q9 is $87,700, while the SQ9 carries a starting price of $118,000. Bigger and more ambitiously equipped than ever, the new 2027 Audi Q9 and Audi SQ9 are not just a new flagship for the brand, but represent a new attitude for Audi entirely. View All Audi For Sale Image Source: Audi

By Tyler Rampersaud – July 10, 2026

Audi Brings The Nuvolari To Goodwood

The Goodwood Festival of Speed, a traditional celebration of automotive excellence set at an even more historic venue, brings together the world’s premier cars, manufacturers, drivers, and enthusiasts to celebrate the past, present, and even the future of the automotive world. This year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed is seeing the presence of several new cars coming from the most celebrated manufacturers in the industry, and one is Audi. 2026 has been a formative year for Audi, with the brand entering its inaugural season on the Formula 1 grid and a new supercar coming to the brand’s lineup for the first time since the discontinuation of the R8. That supercar is the new Nuvolari, named after racing driver Tazio Nuvolari, and it uses a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 and a hybrid system to produce a system total of 987 horsepower. As a result, the Nuvolari is the most powerful production Audi yet, with a 0-60 time of 2.7 seconds and a top speed of 217 mph. The Nuvolari recently made its UK debut, ahead of the Goodwood Festival of Speed, in London, the largest city and capital city of the UK. Set against the city’s most prominent and iconic locations, the Nuvolari’s monolithic, minimal, and futuristic design, inspired by past icons like the R8, TT, Ur-quattro, and more, wowed onlookers. However, the car’s Goodwood Festival of Speed presence is even more exciting for enthusiasts. <- Gallery -> Its hybrid powertrain and Quattro predictive ride drivetrain were showcased in their full glory, thanks to the Nuvolari taking on Goodwood’s iconic hillclimb route, with legendary racing driver Tom Kristensen behind the wheel of the near-production prototype of the new supercar. Alongside it, a historic predecessor to the Nuvolari, the Auto Union Lucca, recreated from the 1930s, is making its first public appearance in motion at Goodwood, and the Audi RS 5, Audi’s first performance plug-in hybrid is also at the festival, being offered for test drives on the Goodwood Circuit. It’s also on display alongside its Avant predecessors, the RS2 and the RS 4. With only 499 units of the new Audi Nuvolari set to be produced, with deliveries of the supercar set for the first half of 2027, a new era is dawning for the legendary manufacturer, with racing, innovation, performance, exclusivity, and admirable engineering. View All Audi For Sale Image Source: Audi

By Tyler Rampersaud – July 09, 2026

Audi Brings The Nuvolari To London

London is one of the biggest cities in the world, and it combines thousands of years of history with rich culture and bold innovation. It is there where Audi decided to give its new Nuvolari supercar, a 987-horsepower V8 hybrid that will only see 499 examples produced, its UK debut. The new Audi Nuvolari is the first supercar from the iconic German luxury manufacturer since the discontinuation of the R8, a V10-powered beauty that was also Audi’s first production supercar. With a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 and a hybrid system, the new Nuvolari boasts nearly 1,000 horsepower, accelerating from 0-60 in just 2.7 seconds, and reaching a top speed of 217 mph. Meanwhile, its drivetrain takes full advantage of electrification to be one of the most dynamic systems in an Audi yet. Iconic locations in London served as the backdrop for the Nuvolari’s UK debut, including the streets of Mayfair and Kensington, and stunning examples of the city’s diverse architecture. Those locations are set against the monolithic, minimal, and dramatic form of the new Audi Nuvolari, whose design is inspired by Audi’s recent Concept C. In addition to the concept, legendary Audi models from the past inspired the design of the Nuvolari, including the original TT, the Ur-quattro, and the Auto Union Type C. <- Gallery -> Meanwhile, the Nuvolari’s performance engineering is derived from the manufacturer’s Formula 1 innovations, as Audi takes on its inaugural season in the ultra-prestigious racing series. A new Space Frame and a carbon fiber body work alongside its innovative hybrid powertrain and Quattro predictive ride drivetrain to deliver track-ready performance. Another nod to racing legacy is the name, whose namesake is Tazio Nuvolari, a racing driver whose legacy of fearlessness and success inspires the new supercar’s ethos. With its second supercar nameplate seeing the light of day, the Audi Nuvolari’s UK debut in London is the beginning of a new era. View All Audi For Sale Image Source: Audi

By Tyler Rampersaud – June 09, 2026

Audi Unveils New 2027 Q7

The Audi Q7 has been a celebrated luxury SUV for over 20 years. Introducing Audi to the luxury SUV market, the model combined sharp, elegant luxury with capability, practicality, and power to become a fast favorite among the Audi lineup and also opened the door for several other Audi SUV models to come after it. Now, a new generation of the Audi Q7 has just been revealed, and while it continues to provide much of what made the Q7 an icon when it was first introduced, it also introduces new features and technology that make it a pioneer in the luxury SUV landscape. While a five-seat layout comes standard for the new 2027 Audi Q7, an option is available for the first time to have two individual seats take up the second row, which creates a six-seat layout with the two seats in the third row. This new option enhances the Q7’s ability to serve as a long-distance, business-class luxury vehicle, providing added comfort to second-row passengers, with power adjustability available in all three rows of seating. A seven-seat layout is also available. Evolving lighting technology for the new Audi Q7 are optional digital Matrix LED headlights with micro-LED modules. These lights can project high-resolution patterns, giving drivers adaptive light distribution. In addition, the rear digital OLED lights feature communication lighting and an active digital light signature, bringing eight different light signatures to the rear lights and headlights. With more segments in the digital OLED panels than in the two previous generations, the rear light signatures are capable of producing three-dimensional effects. <- Gallery -> The door projection lights welcome the driver and passenger with a white rhombus projected on the ground, and the new Audi Q7 also integrates lighting functions with driver assistance features. For lane guidance and orientation lights, for example, light is displayed in the driver’s field of view in front of the vehicle to increase safety, making for advanced turn signals that are the first of their kind. For other drivers, a stylized turn signal is projected onto the ground at night at the front and rear of the vehicle, as well. The new Adaptive Driving Assistant Plus feature assists the driver with braking, acceleration, speed, and distance maintenance, as well as lane keeping in order to make long journeys more comfortable and effortless. Meanwhile, Trained Parking lets the driver teach the new Audi Q7 specific parking maneuvers. Reverse assist also helps drivers when backing out. Alongside the new 2027 Audi Q7, the performance-focused Audi SQ7 is also returning for the new generation. While a 2.9-liter turbocharged V6 engine powers the Q7 with 429 horsepower and 442 lb/ft of torque, the SQ7 features a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine with 591 horsepower and 590 lb/ft of torque. The Q7 is able to reach 60 mph from a standstill in 4.8 seconds, while Audi says that the SQ7’s 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds is best-in-class. Its rear-biased drivetrain offers a dynamic, performance-focused driving experience, even with six or seven passengers of seating capacity. The SQ7 comes standard with adaptive air suspension, and optional sport adaptive air suspension offers a 30-milllimeter lower ride height, as well as enhanced handling and an even sportier driving character. Manufactured in Bratislava as the past two generations of the Q7 have been, the new 2027 Audi Q7 and Audi SQ7 are an exciting evolution of a cherished luxury icon. View All Audi For Sale Image Source: Audi

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