Lamborghini unveiled its replacement for the Aventador Wednesday when it revealed the new Revuelto, its first plug-in hybrid.
“The new Revuelto is a milestone in the history of Lamborghini,” said Stephan Winkelmann, Lamborghini chairman and CEO. ” It is a unique and innovative car but at the same time faithful to our DNA: the V-12 is an iconic symbol of our super sports heritage and history.”
Winkelmann said the car possesses, “the perfect balance between delivering the emotion that our clients want with the necessity to reduce emissions.”
It’s just the start, as both the Lamborghini Urus and Huracan will have hybrid drivelines by the end of 2024.
Paying homage to the past
The Revuelto’s name is Spanish for restless, discontented, mischievous and rebellious, an apt description for the new supercar, which uses lightweight structural elements to keep weight down. Carbon fiber is the Revuelto’s principal structural component, seeing use in the fuselage, frame and much of the bodywork.
The vehicle’s overall rearward proportion pays homage to past Lambos, including the 1971 Countach prototype, as well as the Diablo, with which it shares its floating rear fender blade. It also possesses the Murciélago’s muscular demeanor and slanted nose.
But this is no retro wagon, with designers placing hooded headlights up and y-shaped running lights, and a V-12 engine visible through its cover. Out back, two large exhausts dominate the center the car, leaving little doubt as to its intentions.
The inside story
Inside, designers have opted for something fresh as well.
“The interior is a dramatic leap forward in defining the new design direction of Lamborghini,” said Mitja Borkert, Lamborghini head of Design. “Our philosophy of ‘feel like a pilot’ is vivid and visible in every detail: the driver and passenger are deeply integrated in the very lightweight Y-shape design of dashboard and center console, replicating the sensations of being in a race car but with a perfect intuitive balance between digital and physical controls.”
The company says the new cabin is roomier than before, and includes several storage nooks, which were noticeably absent in the Aventador. The race-inspired steering wheel houses the controls for the car’s driving modes, lift system and rear wing tilt. Lamborghini employed carbon fiber on the instrument panel and air vents, while using recycled materials for its microfiber seats.
A 12.3-inch instrument cluster faces the driver, while a vertically oriented 8.4-inch touchscreen anchors the center of the instrument panel. There’s also a 9.1-inch display in front of the passenger.
Yup, it still has a V-12
Powered by Lamborghini’s 814-horsepower, 6.5-liter V-12 and three electric motors — one at each wheel up front and one in the rear, the engine produces 535 pound-feet of torque along with 258 pound-feet from each of the front motors.
This allows the Revuelto to reach 100 kph (62 mph) in 2.5 seconds, 0.3 seconds faster than the Aventador, and boasts a top speed of 350 kph (218 mph). Credit the driveline, which generates a healthy 1,001 hp, as well as electric torque vectoring and four-wheel drive.
The its 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is mounted transversely behind the longitudinal-mounted V-12 engine. Uniquely, it offers continuous downshifting, which drops down multiple gears while braking. It’s driver actuated by holding down the left shift paddle. Drive modes include urban-oriented Città, dynamic Strada, thrill-inducing Sport and high-performance Corsa.
That said, don’t expect much electric-only range from the Revuelto, as it will be minimal at best, according to reports.
The Revuelto is Lamborghini’s first plug-in hybrid. The Revuelto’s 3.8-kWh battery pack is set between the seats, although its charging port is inconveniently placed inside the front luggage compartment. But you can also recharge it by changing the rear electric motor into a generator. Plugging it in completely recharges the battery pack in 30 minutes according to the company.
Weight distribution is 44% front, 56% rear.
The Revuelto also includes a number of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, including Active Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Adaptive Cruise Control.
“Revuelto takes a significant step forward,” said Rouven Mohr, Lamborghini chief technical officer. “Revuelto is a car delivering the highest performance but our objective right from the start was to confirm it at the very summit of driving emotions.”
Lamborghini didn’t announce pricing, but expect the Revuelto to hit showrooms later this year.
Why is the transmission mounted transversely?