Lamborghini has unveiled the Revuelto, its first HPEV (High Performance Electrified Vehicle) plug-in hybrid super sports car, in South Korea.
The Revuelto, a cornerstone model of Lamborghini’s electrification strategy, combines the iconic V12 engine with three electric motors to deliver an explosive performance of up to 1,015 horsepower. The introduction of a double-clutch transmission to the V12 engine maximizes sportiness and driving thrills.
Lamborghini is set to advance its electrification roadmap for its entire lineup by 2024, starting with the Revuelto, its first plug-in hybrid super sports car. The electrification plan, involving an investment of €2.5 billion by 2028, marks Lamborghini’s largest project to date.
Francesco Scardadoni, Head of Lamborghini Asia-Pacific, expressed, “I am pleased to introduce the Revuelto to our fans and customers in Korea who love Lamborghini’s iconic V12 engine. The Revuelto is a key player in our electrification strategy, ‘Cor Tauri’, and represents a unique and innovative car born to break existing molds.”
The Revuelto’s powertrain features a new engine that synergizes with two front axle-mounted motors, achieving a remarkable weight-to-power ratio of 128 CV/L. A radial electric motor is positioned above the eight-speed double-clutch gearbox, the first of its kind for a Lamborghini V12 model. The three electric motors are powered by a high-performance lithium-ion battery pack (4500W/kg), enabling electric driving mode.
The carbon fiber used in the Revuelto is a special material created with Lamborghini’s unique technology. It is utilized across all body parts, except the doors and bumpers, including the new monofuselage chassis. This material enables weight reduction while achieving the highest power-to-weight ratio in Lamborghini history at 1.75kg/hp (CV) alongside the powerful engine output.
The Revuelto delivers peak performance thanks to enhanced technology. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.5 seconds and reaches 200 km/h in under 7 seconds, achieving a top speed of over 350 km/h. This extraordinary output results from the introduction of electric torque vectoring combined with all-wheel drive, available even in electric driving mode. The Revuelto demonstrates that a super sports car can express tremendous performance both on track and in everyday driving.
Through the Revuelto, Lamborghini presents the future of design. While maintaining consistency based on Lamborghini’s design DNA, the Revuelto establishes a completely new style. It connects with the iconic and legendary V12 engine models of the past, opening a door to a new future.
The Revuelto has evolved with a brand new design, drawing inspiration from legendary previous V12 engine models. It introduces vertically opening scissor doors, a unique trait defining the DNA of Lamborghini V12 supercars, which shapes Revuelto’s character. Additionally, design elements from the Diablo’s rear fender floating blades and the muscular front of the Murcielago are reflected in its aesthetics.
The Revuelto features a new 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine placed mid-engine, combined with three electric motors. One of these motors is integrated horizontally behind the engine into the newly developed eight-speed double-clutch transmission. The space that was previously a transmission tunnel in the Countach now houses the lithium-ion battery that drives the electric motor. The electric motor increases output at low RPMs, enabling the car to run solely on electric power. Thanks to this innovation, CO2 emissions can be reduced by 30% compared to the Aventador Ultima.
Lamborghini has cemented its status as the ultimate name in V12 engines since utilizing them in the 350GT, released in 1963. The first attempt to integrate an electric motor with a 12-cylinder internal combustion engine occurred with the Sián in 2019. The setup included a 25kW electric motor that assisted the V12 engine by storing electric energy in a supercapacitor.
In contrast, the Revuelto presents a new genre known as HPEV (High Performance Electrified Vehicle) through an unprecedented hybrid architecture and its new V12 engine. As a plug-in hybrid super sports car, it features a lightweight high-performance lithium-ion battery positioned within the center of the chassis in the transmission tunnel. This innovative design allows for reduced emissions while maximizing performance.
With the new architecture, a weight distribution of 44% front and 56% rear has been optimized. By optimizing the wheelbase length, this vehicle achieves exceptional agility and effective balance on both public roads and circuits. Technological advancements further enhance this with improved anti-roll bar stiffness (11% improved front, 50% improved rear) and reduced steering ratios (10% decreased compared to Aventador Ultima), a design strategy already tested in the Huracán STO.
The new engine has a displacement of 6.5 liters, making it the lightest and most powerful engine Lamborghini has produced among their 12-cylinder engines. The engine weighs 218 kg, 17 kg lighter than the Aventador’s engine. The layout of the new V12 engine in the Revuelto is rotated 180 degrees compared to the Aventador, with the Superquadro V12 engine generating a peak output of 825 horsepower at 9,250 rpm. Improvements in the distribution system allow for a maximum engine speed of up to 9,500 rpm. The output per liter stands at 128 CV/L, the highest figure in Lamborghini’s 12-cylinder engine history, with a maximum torque of 725 Nm at 6,750 rpm.
Modifications to the air intake ducts that deliver air to the cylinders optimize airflow within the combustion chamber while increasing the amount of air supplied to the cylinders. Simultaneously, through an ionization control feature introduced in the Aventador, the combustion process has been optimized. Thanks to this new combustion system, the Revuelto boasts a compression ratio of 12.6:1, higher than the Aventador Ultima’s 11.8:1, showcasing increased efficiency. Fluid dynamics improvements in the exhaust system reduce back pressure at high revolutions, preventing power loss.
The unique Lamborghini engine sound has been refined for even greater appeal. The moment the engine starts, the recognizable Lamborghini tone is more robust, maintaining auditory pleasure at low RPMs, while a naturally occurring crescendo sound emerges as revs increase.
The Revuelto continues one of Lamborghini’s core traditions with its all-wheel-drive system. The V12 engine powers the rear wheels, while two electric motors supply power to the front wheels. A third electric motor integrated into the eight-speed double-clutch gearbox can provide additional power to the rear wheels as driving modes and conditions demand.
The torque generated by the combination of the V12 engine and three electric motors boasts an unparalleled level of power among super sports cars. The engine produces 725 Nm of torque, with the two electric motors at the front each generating 350 Nm, combining for a maximum output of 1,015 horsepower.
The two front electric motors deliver 110 kW from a weight of just 18.5 kg, showcasing an impressive power-to-weight ratio. They not only power the front wheels but also handle torque vectoring, optimizing the driving dynamics. In electric mode, the Revuelto operates in front-wheel drive to enhance energy efficiency, with the rear engaged only when necessary. The vehicle is fitted with newly developed Bridgestone Potenza Sport tires, offering a 4% larger contact area in the front compared to the Aventador Ultima.
The Revuelto offers drivers an unprecedented level of confidence and connectivity with the vehicle. Its new monofuselage chassis is 10% lighter and 25% stricter than the Aventador. Positioned at the pinnacle of its segment, the Revuelto is designed to maximize electric motor support with innovative automotive structures, balance, and new hybrid powertrain. It introduces a total of 13 different driving modes, including a carbon-neutral mode.
For the first time in Lamborghini history, electric torque vectoring is introduced, alongside the launch of the Lamborghini Dinamica Veicolo 2.0 system. Electric torque vectoring enhances agility in tight corners and stability in high-speed corners by distributing optimal torque to each wheel while synergizing with the four-wheel steering system. When needed, it intervenes in braking to maximize efficiency, ensuring a more natural driving style and high performance. During braking, the e-axle and rear electric motor alleviate the burden on the brakes while simultaneously charging the battery.
Additionally, the chassis significantly contributes to the vehicle’s dynamics. The Revuelto is the first Lamborghini to utilize a lightweight carbon fiber structure (10% lighter than the Aventador), combining high energy absorption with increased torsional rigidity (25% more than the Aventador). This enhancement elevates the stability, overall vehicle responsiveness, and compactness of the Revuelto.
Active aerodynamics play a crucial role in achieving a new level of efficiency and downforce. Thanks to the front splitter and roof design, airflow is directed to the rear wing, improving efficiency by 61% and downforce by 66% compared to the Aventador Ultima in high-load conditions. The Revuelto is equipped with a semi-active wishbone suspension, controlled by a Lamborghini vertical control system designed specifically for it, electronically managing vertical load transfers during track driving and adjusting the suspension and rear wing’s operation in real-time.
To accommodate optimal performance driving conditions, the braking system and braking cooling system have been redesigned. The latest generation of Carbon Ceramic Brakes Plus is fitted, combining a front caliper with ten pistons and a 410x38mm disc along with four-piston calipers and 390x32mm discs at the rear. The discs are covered with a friction layer to enhance heat management and sound comfort during brake operation.
Aerodynamics involve front suspension strips and grille internal to the wheel arches, enhancing brake cooling and designed to allow airflow from the front diffuser to connect the brake channels, thereby improving system efficiency. Additionally, two NACA ducts located in front of the rear wheels collect flow from underneath the chassis and direct it to the rear brake cooling ducts.
Alongside the hybrid system, three new driving modes—Recharge, Hybrid, and Performance—have been added, allowing combinations with Città, Strada, Sport, and Corsa modes. Two rotors on the newly designed steering wheel facilitate mode selection, enabling drivers to experience varied driving enjoyment depending on the situation, whether on road or track.
The Città mode specializes in city driving and is designed for zero carbon emissions. When it’s time to recharge the lithium-ion battery driving the electric motors, if there are no charging stations, the V12 engine kicks in to fully recharge in minutes (Recharge mode). The suspension system, traction control, and gearbox aim to provide maximum comfort while reducing air resistance, limiting maximum output to 180 horsepower in this high-efficiency mode.
The Strada mode supports upgraded sportiness, making it suitable for luxurious daily driving and long-distance travel. The constantly activated V12 engine ensures a steady state of battery recharging. The front e-axle supports torque vectoring and provides maximum stability in active aerodynamics on highways.
Selecting Sport mode sets the Revuelto for a thrilling, responsive driving experience, with three combinations available. The combustion engine supported by the hybrid system excels in all three situations, delivering up to 907 CV for the best expression of the V12’s roar. The gearbox responds with maximum responsiveness, with both suspension and aerodynamics enhancing the vehicle’s agility and driving pleasure.
Corsa mode is designed to showcase the Revuelto’s dynamic capabilities to the fullest during track driving, exhibiting immense power and dynamism in performance and sound. In Performance mode, the powertrain delivers a peak output of 1,015 horsepower, leveraging the hybrid system’s control to maximize torque vectoring and the use of the e-axle for a sporty drive.
Corsa Recharge mode allows for maximizing battery priority settings and overall charge. Experienced drivers can disable ESC to feel maximum output without active control. The “Launch Control” feature can also be activated for an exhilarating start at maximum output by pressing a button in the middle of the left rotor.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr