Lamborghini’s Revuelto: A bold evolution of supercar legacy

Lamborghini’s upcoming Revuelto represents a pivotal shift in the supercar landscape as the Italian automaker boldly embraces electrification. As the successor to the Aventador, the Revuelto is not merely an update but an all-new ground-up development, and it marks Lamborghini’s first foray into series-produced plug-in hybrid technology. The Revuelto is tasked with upholding the legendary lineage of Lamborghini flagships, which includes iconic names like the Miura and Countach. The hybrid drivetrain powering the Revuelto serves as a harbinger of the brand’s electrified future.

Visually, the Revuelto appears as an evolution of the Aventador, preserving Lamborghini’s distinct design language. While slightly longer than its predecessor, it retains the familiar proportions that make it unmistakably a Lamborghini. The design details offer a deeper level of complexity and elegance compared to the Aventador. Recessed headlights, high-mounted dual exhaust tips, and an exposed carbon fiber engine cover showcasing the V12 powerplant are among the notable features. Importantly, the design avoids overtly emphasizing its hybrid nature.

Lamborghini’s design philosophy prioritizes the engine and powertrain as the focal points of attention, avoiding distinctive markers that scream “hybrid.”

Under the Revuelto’s striking exterior, Lamborghini has made significant technical advances. The heart of the car is a brand-new dry-sump 6.5-liter V12 engine, maintaining a naturally-aspirated configuration in a time when downsizing and forced induction are prevalent. Lamborghini’s Chief Technical Officer, Rouven Mohr, emphasized the significance of preserving the V12 engine as a representation of Lamborghini’s emotional appeal and heritage.

The V12 engine remains mid-mounted, but Lamborghini engineers have repositioned it 180 degrees so that the output shaft faces the rear. A new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission is mounted transversally to form a T-shaped drivetrain, driving the rear wheels exclusively. Meanwhile, the transmission tunnel, previously home to Lamborghini’s tunnel-named gearbox, now houses a 3.8-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack and three electric motors—one integrated into the transmission and two powering the front wheels. This setup enables torque vectoring and grants the Revuelto around six miles of electric-only driving range, though the hybrid system is designed for performance rather than full electric operation.

The Revuelto’s hybrid system boasts a total output of 1,001 horsepower and 793 pound-feet of torque, making it the most potent street-legal, series-produced Lamborghini to date. With these figures, the Revuelto accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in a blistering 2.5 seconds and boasts a top speed exceeding 217 mph.

The hybrid system integrates seamlessly with the Revuelto’s driving dynamics. With brake-by-wire technology, brake energy recuperation, and electronic driving aids, the supercar achieves impressive handling on the track. Features like torque vectoring, rear-wheel steering, and brake pedal response deliver a natural and engaging driving experience.

Furthermore, the Revuelto exhibits a surprising increase in practicality over the Aventador. Its interior offers additional space, including storage behind the seats, and a more substantial front trunk area. The model even reimagines the placement of the charging port in the trunk, minimizing the need for manual charging by taking advantage of its fast recharging capabilities.

In conclusion, Lamborghini’s Revuelto gracefully navigates the complex transition to hybrid technology without compromising the supercar experience. The elegant design, powerful V12 engine, and seamless integration of electrification preserve Lamborghini’s legacy while marking a defining moment in the brand’s history. The Revuelto will arrive in the United States in 2024, and its demand remains astonishingly high, with orders placed by individuals who have yet to experience its exhilarating performance.