Lamborghini, the unrivaled champion of automotive excellence, unveils its latest masterpiece, the Revuelto. Blending raw power, striking design, and a daring leap into hybrid technology, this electrifying marvel shatters expectations and sets a new benchmark for performance. With 1,001 horsepower at its disposal and a seductive fusion of a V-12 engine and electric motors, the Revuelto roars onto the scene, proving that sustainability and mind-blowing speed can coexist in perfect harmony. Get ready to witness the birth of a new era as Lamborghini redefines what it means to be a hybrid supercar.
Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann emphasises that the company is now focused on four key aspects: sustainability, digitalisation, urbanisation, and geopolitics. This shift in direction is quite a departure for the automaker that has long been synonymous with visually stunning cars that captivate car enthusiasts worldwide for the past six decades.
The world that the all-new Revuelto enters is almost unrecognisable compared to the era when Lamborghini’s iconic 350 GT took the automotive stage in the swinging ’60s. The transition of legacy car manufacturers to electrification isn’t always an enlightening sight, and Lamborghini’s first fully electric car is still a few years away. Thus, the Revuelto acts as a transitional step, bridging the gap between Lamborghini’s renowned internal combustion engines and the emerging automotive landscape. The question remains: is it enough?
Indeed, it is. The Revuelto is a plug-in hybrid, but Lamborghini has ingeniously employed the technology to suit the extravagant nature of this Italian sports car manufacturer. With a record-breaking annual turnover of over €2 billion last year, Lamborghini claims that the Revuelto is not just a hybrid but an HPEV (high-performance electrified vehicle), a clever semantic twist to distinguish it from conventional hybrids. Performance has been increased by 30 percent while reducing emissions by the same amount. However, this hybrid aims not only to enhance performance and reduce emissions but also to expand the car’s dynamic capabilities.
The Revuelto is an intriguing machine with a sophisticated nervous system. Lamborghini’s chief technical officer, Rouven Mohr, explains, “Everything started with the V-12. We wanted a hybrid system that enhances the perception of the V-12, preserving its identity. The hybrid system is there to support and empower the driver, enabling them to go faster and, above all, improving handling. You won’t even realise it’s a hybrid. While driving, it feels like a much faster naturally aspirated V-12 and a lighter car thanks to torque vectoring. It feels agile and precise.”
At its core, the Revuelto boasts a naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V-12 engine aided by three electric motors, two of which are mounted on the front axle, and the third integrated into the new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The e-motor on the transmission also serves as the starter motor and generator. Numerous modifications, such as a 180-degree rotation of the engine in the bay to accommodate the gearbox and e-motor, have increased the output to 814 brake horsepower at 9,250 rpm. Additionally, the engine now weighs 17 kilograms less, coming in at 218 kilograms.
A 3.8-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, comprising 108 water-cooled pouch cells, is housed in the central tunnel. While it can be fully charged in just 30 minutes using a 7-kW power supply, the battery pack is more likely to be recharged through regenerative braking. Traditional automotive enthusiasts may not be ready to witness a Lamborghini hypercar tethered to an electric cord, while electric vehicle enthusiasts may perceive this hybrid as a cautious move.
The front axle electric motors are oil-cooled axial flux units, chosen for their compactness and high power and torque density compared to radial flux motors. Each motor generates 110 kW of power and weighs 18.5 kilograms. Although the
Revuelto has an electric range of approximately eight miles and can be driven silently in Città mode, Lamborghini emphasises that the electric technology primarily aims to enhance the car’s performance and high-speed dynamics. Alongside the third e-motor above the gearbox, the Revuelto achieves a remarkable total power output of 1,001 bhp, enabling it to reach a top speed of 217 mph and accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.5 seconds. However, specific details regarding emissions and fuel consumption have yet to be disclosed.
The Revuelto aims to be a more accessible Lamborghini compared to its predecessors. With the introduction of hybridisation, the car presents numerous possibilities to engage and embolden the driver. It offers a total of 13 distinct drive modes, including new additions such as Recharge, Hybrid, and Performance. In EV-only Città mode, the maximum power is limited to 180 bhp, while Corsa mode unleashes the full potential of over 1,000 bhp, with the e-axle optimised for maximum torque vectoring and all-wheel drive. Furthermore, the Revuelto promises to deliver enhanced agility and a more driver-friendly experience, making it more approachable on the limit. Although Lamborghini avoids labelling it as a “drift” mode, Sport mode with dialled-back stability control reportedly allows skilled drivers to indulge in exhilarating slides.
To ensure a surprisingly comfortable ride, the Revuelto incorporates magnetic dampers, a new suspension system, and advanced control software. The stiffer front and rear anti-roll bars, coupled with bespoke Bridgestone Potenza Sport tires, contribute to improved handling. The braking system features new-generation carbon ceramics, with 410-mm diameter discs and ten pistons at the front, and 390-mm discs with four pistons at the rear. The e-axle and rear e-motor actively contribute to the braking process, allowing more effective battery recharging through regenerative braking.
Lamborghini’s recalibrated Dinamica Veicolo (LDVI) system, equipped with accelerometers and gyroscope sensors positioned at the car’s centre of gravity, constantly monitors real-time data on lateral, longitudinal, and vertical loads, as well as body roll, pitch, and yaw. The system now includes torque vectoring monitoring, further enhancing the Revuelto’s agility and performance. Notably, the car’s aerodynamic design plays a crucial role, generating 66 percent more downforce than the Aventador. Key aerodynamic features include a large front splitter, geometric-looking panels that direct air to the rear brakes and engine, and a distinctive roof design that channels airflow to a pop-up rear wing.
Lamborghini’s expertise in carbon fiber technology is evident in the Revuelto’s new “monofuselage” chassis, drawing inspiration from the aviation sector. The lightweight chassis is approximately 10 percent lighter than its Aventador predecessor while boasting a 25 percent increase in stiffness, with a remarkable value of 40,000 NM per degree. Crafting the new tub takes 290 hours, compared to 170 hours for the previous model. Lamborghini skillfully employs various types of composite materials throughout the car’s structure. Forged carbon is utilised in the front crash cones, offering double the energy absorption of the Aventador’s aluminium counterpart at half the weight. In addition to its improved performance, forged carbon is more sustainable and generates less waste. However, pre-preg carbon fibre, renowned for its labor-intensive hand-laid-up and laminated process, remains the preferred choice for visible areas of the vehicle, as exposed and painted carbon fibre serves as a testament to the artistic expression of supercar design.
In terms of aesthetics, the Revuelto is an expression of Lamborghini’s distinctive design language. While it may not be as wild as some of its predecessors, the Revuelto still exudes a powerful and captivating presence. Its slightly elongated body is complemented by a black zig-zag element on the body side, cleverly diverting attention from the added length. The integration of buttresses connecting the roof to the rear wheel arches and the intricate paneling directing airflow add both visual appeal and functional aerodynamics. The iconic Y-shaped front light motif remains a signature feature, while the overall design of the front end exhibits a more refined and simplified approach.
Mitja Borkert, the design boss at Lamborghini, takes pride in how his team has seamlessly incorporated the required cameras into the car’s design. The camera housings resemble missile launchers, adding a touch of aggression to the car’s exterior. However, the true visual spectacle lies in the open engine bay, which frames the magnificent V-12 engine like a work of art, leaving onlookers in awe.
Stepping inside the Revuelto reveals a truly fabulous cockpit, arguably the finest in any Lamborghini to date. The redesigned steering wheel features a thinner rim, adorned with essential switchgear thoughtfully arranged for easy access. The Drive-mode button sits atop the left spar, while the EV button is conveniently positioned on the right. The configurable instrument screen is housed within a sleek binnacle, offering vital information to the driver. At the top of the central display, a large air vent adds a touch of drama, floating above a practical storage space.
Storage has been an area of improvement for Lamborghini, as the Aventador previously lacked any space for personal belongings. However, the Revuelto addresses this concern by providing a designated storage area for smartphones and even discreetly hidden cup holders. The screen content can be seamlessly swiped across to a display for the passenger, and the graphics are both coherent and crisply designed. The inclusion of physical buttons, such as the hazard warning light and start button, alongside the touchscreen controls ensures a tactile and intuitive user experience. Moreover, the Revuelto boasts 360-degree cameras, easing the typically challenging task of reverse parking a Lamborghini. The overall build quality and fit and finish of the early car prototypes have left a lasting impression.
As for its name, “Revuelto,” it draws inspiration from a renowned fighting bull that gained fame in the arenas of Barcelona during the 1880s. While the English translation may be “mixed up,” Lamborghini’s CEO, Stephan Winkelmann, explains that it aptly represents how the company has blended the two essential aspects of the car—the relentless pursuit of performance and the commitment to sustainability. By embracing hybridisation as an interim step towards full electrification, Lamborghini aims to adapt and find innovative solutions to ensure its position as a super sports car manufacturer in an evolving automotive landscape.
In conclusion, the Lamborghini Revuelto emerges as a persuasive transitional step for the iconic automaker. It successfully combines the electrification technology with Lamborghini’s signature performance and dynamic capabilities, all while introducing a more accessible and driver-friendly experience. With its breathtaking design, advanced engineering, and a focus on sustainability, the Revuelto paves the way for Lamborghini’s future endeavours in the new era of automotive excellence.