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Lamborghini Revuelto: The dawn of a V12 hybrid era

The Revuelto is not just a car; it’s a statement.

By Lisa Curtiss   |  

Celebrating six decades of unparalleled design and innovation, Lamborghini recently introduced the Revuelto, an electrifying fusion of its iconic V12 engine with a hybrid system. This High Performance Electrified Vehicle (HPEV) is the brand’s future, seamlessly integrating classic design motifs with modern eco-conscious mechanisms.

The Revuelto’s design architecture speaks the language of the future: streamlined aerodynamics, pioneering carbon frame design, and a staggering 1015 CV output driven by a combination of a novel combustion engine and three electric motors. This is further enhanced with the debut of a double-clutch gearbox tailored for a 12-cylinder Lamborghini.

Behind this engineering marvel stands a 128 CV/litre combustion engine that flawlessly intertwines with two axial flux motors and a radial flux motor. This is all powered by a potent lithium-ion battery pack, giving life to its full electric mode.

Stephan Winkelmann, Lamborghini’s chairman and CEO, draws attention to the Revuelto’s significance. He views it as a masterful blend that preserves the brand’s treasured V12 legacy while addressing today’s environmental demands.

Lamborghini Revuelto front view

The vehicle’s essence is captured in its carbon fibre structure, primarily sourced from the Sant’Agata Bolognese facility. Its unmatched weight-to-power ratio stands at 1.75 kg/CV, and it boasts acceleration capabilities that rival the best in the industry. The dynamics of the Revuelto are further amplified with electric torque vectoring and the option for four-wheel drive in electric mode.

Rouven Mohr, Lamborghini’s chief technical officer, regards the Revuelto as a beacon of responsive and reactive engineering, ensuring an unparalleled driving journey.

In terms of aesthetics, the Revuelto is a respectful nod to its V12 predecessors while carving its path of innovation. It maintains iconic designs like the scissor doors but infuses them with elements of modernity. Mitja Borkert, Lamborghini’s head of design, sees it as a culmination of Lamborghini’s heritage and the dawn of its design future. The Revuelto embodies this with features like the Y-shape light signature and aerodynamic blades reminiscent of aerospace machinery.

The interior design encapsulates a pilot’s experience, merging the digital and analogue spheres. Features like an 8.4” central touchscreen and a “swipe” function for smooth interaction between displays offer drivers an immersive experience. Moreover, drawing inspiration from the Essenza SCV12, the steering wheel integrates race-centric features and controls.

Lamborghini Revuelto side view

The Revuelto doesn’t compromise on practicality. It grants users more cabin space than its predecessors, ensuring comfort and convenience without diluting the Lamborghini essence.

The personalisation possibilities with the Revuelto are vast, from 400 bodywork colour options to 70 interior colour choices, emphasising the car’s versatility. Lamborghini’s commitment to sustainability is evident, adopting water-based paints and optimising material usage to minimize waste.

In aerodynamics, the Revuelto sets new standards. With principles of efficiency, component synergy, integration, and design at its core, it introduces features that enhance front and rear aerodynamic loads, markedly outpacing the Aventador Ultimae.

Lamborghini Revuelto interior

The ‘monofuselage’ stands as the backbone of the Revuelto. Inspired by aeronautics and crafted predominantly from carbon fibre, it offers unmatched torsional stiffness while shedding weight.

A deep dive into the powertrain reveals a 6.5-liter V12 engine working harmoniously with three electric motors. The layout is strategic, with the lithium-ion battery positioned where the transmission tunnel typically lies. This design choice aids electric driving, notably cutting down CO2 emissions.

Tracing Lamborghini’s history, the V12 saga began with the 350GT in 1963. Fast forward to today, and the Revuelto emerges as a next-generation V12, boasting a plug-in hybrid system and a lightweight L545 engine that doesn’t compromise the brand’s iconic sound.

The Revuelto’s four-wheel electric drive system further showcases Lamborghini’s tradition. The V12 drives the rear wheels, and electric motors command the front, with an additional electric motor bolstering the gearbox.

Lamborghini Revuelto side view detail

State-of-the-art features like a centralised lithium-ion battery, an innovatively placed eight-speed gearbox, and 13 dynamic driving settings, elevate the Revuelto’s standing in the automobile world. In addition, Bridgestone’s Potenza Sport tyres and an advanced Human Machine Interface (HMI) system ensure both performance and connectivity meet the highest standards.

Safety isn’t overlooked, as Lamborghini introduces a comprehensive Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) for the Revuelto, assuring driver protection and assistance.

The Revuelto is not just a car; it’s a statement. A testament to Lamborghini’s undying spirit of innovation, performance, and unparalleled driving experiences.

lamborghini.com/en-en