Audi's design chief has admitted that the brand's new hybrid supercar, which will be the first ever produced by the manufacturer, is unlikely to turn a profit.
In a surprise announcement last week, Audi unveiled the Nuvolari, which promises to be the fastest and most powerful production vehicle in the brand's history.
It will also be the manufacturer's first supercar with a high-performance hybrid powertrain, with 1,001 PS and a top speed exceeding 217mph.
The Nuvolari will be limited to just 499 units, with deliveries of the supercar, which is expected to cost around £500,000, set to begin in the first half of 2027.
Audi's impressive high-performance hybrid powertrain will see the Nuvolari accelerate from 0-62mph in just 2.6 seconds, and 0-124mph in less than seven seconds.
Gernot Döllner, chairman of Audi, described the Nuvolari as "accelerating technological progress", pairing this with a "distinctive" design.
Despite this, Audi designer Stephan Fahr-Becker suggested that the car would "at best" break even for the German automaker.
He continued, saying: "We don't earn money with this car. If the profit is there, it is going to be minor.
The design chief of Audi said the brand was unlikely to make a profit from the Nuvolari supercar
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"We don't do it for the profit, but we're happy to do it because it's time to do something."
The Nuvolari takes its name from Italian driver Tazio Nuvolari, one of the most prominent figures in motorsport history.
He has often been referred to as one of the greatest racing drivers of all time, having won 24 Grand Prix races and even the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The Nuvolari was also inspired by Formula 1 technologies, including the Titanium paint used, which is present on the brand's F1 car and Concept C.
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The Audi Nuvolari is expected to have a price tag of around £500,000
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Mr Döllner added: "The Audi Nuvolari brings pure emotion and performance to the road. It also reveals how we are taking 'Vorsprung durch Technik' into a new era.
"With the Audi Nuvolari, we are accelerating technological progress and demonstrating that the company is picking up the pace - in development, decision-making, and innovation."
Audi hosted a presentation of the near-production prototype on the Côte d'Azur before the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Monaco this past weekend.
Drivers for the Audi Revolut F1 Team, Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, attended the presentation and were able to test the Nuvolari and gave glowing reviews.
Audi Revolut F1 drivers Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hülkenberg, with Audi CEO Gernot Döllner, at an event on the Côte d'Azur
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Mr Hülkenberg, who won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2015 with rival Porsche, described the Nuvolari as looking "really cool and unique".
He added: "For me, what truly counts is the overall package - that is, how the car feels, how precisely it responds, and how well performance and drivability complement each other. The Nuvolari really has a lot to offer.
"It's exciting to see just how much potential this car has, and the power of the high-performance hybrid powertrain - with over 1,000 PS - is truly impressive."
Similarly, Mr Bortoleto said the steering felt "clear and predictable" without understeer, as well as calling it a "very complete package".