The year in which it turns 60, Automobili Lamborghini presents Revuelto, its first V12 hybrid plug-in HPEV (High-Performance Electrified Vehicle). The track-inspired super sports car, with a distinct aeronomical theme running through its design, stays true to its V12 heritage while embodying a new paradigm shift for the brand.
“The new Revuelto is a milestone in the history of Lamborghini, and an important pillar in our Direzione Cor Tauri electrification strategy,” said Stephan Winkelmann, Lamborghini Chairman and CEO. “It is a unique and innovative car but at the same time faithful to our DNA: the V12 is an iconic symbol of our super sports heritage and history. Revuelto was born to break the mold, combining a new 12-cylinder engine with hybrid technology, creating the perfect balance between delivering the emotion that our clients want with the necessity to reduce emissions.”
Lamborghini’s new V12 engine works synergically with three electric motors. Two are flux motors on the front axial while the third is a radial flux motor positioned above the first eight-speed double-clutch gearbox in a 12-cylinder Lamborghini. The three electric motors are powered by a high-power lithium-ion battery pack that also supports a fully-electric drive mode.
An output of 1015 CV is delivered from the combined power of the V12 and the three electric motors, resulting in a 0-100 kmph acceleration in only 2.5 seconds, and a top speed of more than 350 kmph. To manage all that power, the car debuts a new electric torque vectoring system along with the requisite four-wheel drive. The latter is also available in fully-electric drive mode.
Carbon fibre is the principal structural element within Revuelto. It is used not only in the aeronautics-inspired ‘monofuselage’ chassis and frame but also for many elements of the bodywork. Overall, the Revuelto monofuselage is 10% lighter than the Aventador chassis. Also, Revuelto is the first car to be fitted with a 100% carbon fibre front. This structure is 20% lighter than Aventador’s aluminium front frame and has double its impact absorption. The torsional stiffness has also been improved by more than 25% compared to the Aventador.
Autoclave composite with pre-impregnated material is used in roof construction. The rear structure is made of high-strength aluminium alloys and features two important hollow castings in the rear dome area. These integrate the rear suspension’s shock towers and powertrain suspension into a single component. The result is a reduction in welding lines and weight, and an increase in rigidity.
Revuelto stays loyal to Lamborghini’s distinctive design DNA of the marque’s V12 lineage of cars, while establishing an entirely new stylistic language through new proportions. The V12 connection starts with the vertically-opening scissor doors. The Diablo is represented in the proportions and the floating blade on the rear fender, while the muscularity and inclined front of the Murciélago are evident.
However, Revuelto introduces new aerospace-inspired design elements. The most prominent are the two lines that start from the front and embrace the cabin and engine, tapering down to the hexagonal-shaped exhausts. At the front, the shark-nose section of the hood conveys a sense of speed.
The headlamp clusters, featuring the distinctive Y-shape daytime running lights, are framed by aerodynamic blades that connect the splitter to the hood. The side fins, located behind the front wheel arches, channel the airflow along the sides and the pronounced concavities of the doors to the side air intakes, which feature sharp edges that echo the arrows on the front.
The recessed profile on the roof channels air to the rear wing but at the same time allows more headroom in the cabin for both the driver and passenger. In the rear, the fully-exposed longitudinal engine connects it to the double hexagonal exhaust. The latter is surmounted by the geometrically profiled wing and framed by headlamp clusters with the Y-shape light. Revuelto offers a choice of 400 water-based bodywork colours.
The “Y” motif continues into the driver-oriented interior design, defined by the marque’s “feel like a pilot” philosophy. The cockpit offers a blend of digital and tactile experience both in daily driving and track environments. The visual centre of the cabin houses a pronounced carbon-fibre profile, visible on the dashboard, in the hexagonal air vents and to frame the dashboard and central vents.
The upholstery combines fine leathers with the new ultralight Corsa-Tex fabric in Dinamica microfiber, made of recycled polyester. Customers can customize the interior by opting for a balanced mix of leather and Corsa-Tex, or favour one material, with 70 colour options available.
Like the car, the steering wheel was inspired by the racing world, particularly the Essenza SCV12. The four rotors located on the spokes are used for selecting the driving modes, the car’s lifting system and rear wing tilt. Buttons are used to activate the turn signals and the launch control among other functions, while allowing the driver to maintain an optimal grip on the steering wheel at all times.
The Revuelto also debuts a completely new Human Machine Interface (HMI) system consisting of three displays: a 12.3′ instrument cluster, 8.4′ central display, and a 9.1′ display on the passenger side dashboard. The system has a fresh look and feel, with 3D graphics, animations, widgets and styling.
The three displays are managed by one technological ‘brain’ within a unified design, ensuring a consistent user interface across all displays. The system also debuts the “swipe” function, which allows the user to move applications and information from the central display to the side displays with the same intuitive, gestural ease as using a smartphone.
To ensure the cabin is roomy and practical, the roof design offers 26 mm more headroom than the Aventador Ultimae, while the new monofuselage provides 84 mm more legroom. This translates to additional space behind the seats to accommodate luggage up to the size of a golf bag. This storage space is in addition to the compartment under the front hood, which can hold two cabin trolleys. Internal storage compartments are also located under the centre dashboard and between the two seats, as well as a cup holder built into the passenger-side dashboard.
Giving his opinion on the new Revuelto, Rouven Mohr, Lamborghini’s Chief Technical Officer, stated: “Revuelto takes a significant step forward in terms of reactivity and responsiveness to ensure the most emotive and natural driving in every environment. 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.”
