The Avus quattro had an aluminium space frame, which helped reduce weight.

The bodywork on the Avus was designed by J Mays and inspired by Auto Union race cars of the 1930s, which featured unpainted aluminum bodies.

The car shown at the Tokyo Motor Show, however, was fitted with a precision painted dummy, crafted from wood and plastic.

Reason being, that at the time, its intended powertrain was still in development;[2] Audi-made W12 engines were not available to buyers until 2001, on the 2001 Audi A8 6.0 W12 quattro.

The Avus also features three lockable differentials, rear-wheel steering and a NACA-style duct mounted on the roof.