Since 1966, the year of the introduction of the timeless and revolutionary Miura, Lamborghini has orchestrated the release of only four other rear mid-engine V12 flagships. These are therefore extremely rare events for the bull brand, which carefully protects the irreverence, but above all the sacred status of this line created to awaken the senses. Here is the Revuelto, the last in the running that will ensure that dreams survive.
Unveiled a little less than a week ago, the new star of the constructor from Sant’Agata Bolognese thus takes on the name of another bull. According to Lamborghini, Revuelto terrorized the crowded bullfighting arenas in Barcelona in 1880. His name also means “scrambled” or “agitated” when translated directly from Spanish to French, which also reflects the mixed character and feverish of its mechanics as well as the gray zone that it exploits between the electric and the thermal.
Because, you see, this Revuelto is the first Lamborghini to receive a plug-in hybrid heart. To be sure to keep purists interested, the V12 is ever present with its haunting musicality. It’s been revamped, with a series of improvements that push intervention to a very late 9500 rpm. This crescendo produces at its peak 814 hp alone.
Then come the three electric motors, two at the front and one housed in the rear dual-clutch transmission (8 gears), increasing the count to 1001 hp. The small 3.8 kWh battery can power all motors, thus ensuring all-wheel drive in electric mode. We do not advance autonomy, despite the possibility of supplying the car with electricity by means of a plug. When the orchestra activates, it catapults from a standing start from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.5 s with a peak of 350 km/h.
The features of this Revuelto, which seem partly inspired by the Sián – Lamborghini’s first hybrid model – take on a rather evolutionary character. Still looking hewn by Lockheed Martin’s stealth fighter team, this supercar’s design is distinguished by its prominent Y-shaped front and taillights. The high hexagonal exhaust pipes complete the work with aplomb. It’s spectacular.
The wheelbase is also 79mm longer than the Aventador, increasing its overall length by just 49mm, suggesting shorter overhangs. At 4.9m, it remains an imposing car, 400mm longer than a Porsche 911. To enhance overall agility, steered rear wheels are employed, along with a livelier steering gear ratio.
Moreover, despite the use of carbon fiber in most of a platform 10% lighter and more rigid than that of the Aventador, this Revuelto is considerably heavier than its predecessor, at 1772 kg without the gasoline and necessary fluids, which is 222 kg more. This is the price to pay for consuming less. The disproportionate power should, however, hide these extra pounds without a hitch.
