Audi has admitted its new £533,000 Nuvolari supercar is unlikely to ever turn a profit.
Audi designer Stephan Fahr-Becker said that “at best” the car would break even.
Only 499 of the hand-built vehicles will be produced, and just 20 will come to the UK.
Speaking at the launch of the 987bhp hybrid supercar in Monaco, Mr Fahr-Becker said: “We don’t earn money with this car. If the profit is there, it is going to be minor.
“We don’t do it for the profit, but we’re happy to do it because it’s time to do something.”
The £533,000 Nuvolari features a twin-turbo V8 with three electric motors, which combine to produce 987bhp.
It is capable of hitting 60mph in just 2.6 seconds, 124mph in 6.8 seconds and can top 217mph.
Audi UK managing director José Miguel Aparicio told Car Dealer Magazine that the brand had flown five high-net-worth customers out to Monaco to see the car.
He told the magazine that “all five” ordered a Nuvolari within 24 hours of it being revealed.
One opted for a £100,000 optional extra which exposes the car’s carbon fibre bodywork, he said.
Mr Aparicio confirmed the sales were the “most expensive Audis” ever sold in the UK.
The launch, which took place on Thursday evening, was shrouded in secrecy. Even top executives at the car manufacturer required to sign non-disclosure agreements before they were shown details of the car.
Customers were flown out to Monaco without even knowing a car would be launched.
The car maker took over a billionaire’s £200m villa in the heart of the principality for the unveiling, which took place against the Formula 1 weekend backdrop. Audi finished 11th and 13th in the race which was won by Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.