How Lamborghini invented a new type of supercar

BEV. HFCV. PHEV. The modern motoring world is littered with acronyms describing new powertrains – and Lamborghini has just added another.

HPEV stands for high performance electrified vehicle, and it’s how the Italian brand refers to its all-new replacement for the Aventador, the Revuelto. That’s because this new supercar features ground-breaking powertrain for the brand, combining an all-new V12 petrol engine with three electric motors to usher in a new era for Lamborghini.

As emissions standards get ever-stricter around the world, even low-volume manufacturers such as Lamborghini have had to adapt. But with owners still expecting a loud and powerful engine too, the rampaging bull brand has had to adapt.

As we’ve previously reported, Lamborghini developed a replacement for its previous 6.5-litre V12 of the same capacity and size. But to ensure lower emissions and add the option of electric motoring, Lamborghini has added a trio of electric motors – a pair on the front axle and one on the rear. That means the Revuelto retains the all-wheel drive capability of the Aventador but does so with an all-new eAWD system with the electric motors taking care of all drive to the front.

The combined output of the system is 747kW – or a whopping 1001hp – which is enough for the Revuelto to launch from 0-100km/h in just 2.5 seconds and run to a top speed of more than 350km/h.

As Lamborghini chairman and CEO Stephan Winkelmann said the Revuelto sets the tone for the brand’s future, which will soon include an hybrid replacement for the Huracan and then the brand’s first all-electric model by 2028.

“The new Revuelto is a milestone in the history of Lamborghini, and an important pillar in our Direzione Cor Tauri electrification strategy,” Winkelmann said. “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.”

Family look

While the hybrid powertrain is a departure for Lamborghini the look of the Revuelto is very much an evolution of the brand’s iconic aggressive, angular design language.

Or as Lamborghini’s Head of Design, Mitja Borkert said: “The Revuelto is adrenaline made visible.”

“The design of the new Lamborghini Revuelto opens a fascinating door towards the future of our unique design language,” he added. “From first sight, Revuelto is an intriguing next-generation Lamborghini V12, with all lines embracing the monocoque and celebrating a free view towards the V12 HPEV powertrain.

“The unique and recognizable Y-shapelight signature is significant in this new era of our most iconic flagship car, and the interior is a dramatic leap forward in defining the new design direction of Lamborghini. 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 new model also continues Lamborghini’s recent trend of using carbon fibre, specifically what it calls ‘forged carbon’, which began with the Aventador. The Revuelto features not only a carbon fibre monocoque but also an increasing amount of carbon structural elements and exterior panels to keep weight down.

Australian details for the Revuelto, including timing and pricing won’t be revealed closer to its arrival here, which may be some time as Winkelmann has admitted the order list could already exceed two years.