What do you get when you combine all of Lamborghini’s racing knowledge with no rules or limits?
Answer – the Lamborghini Essenza SCV12, a limited edition hypercar designed to be the ultimate racetrack weapon.
While loosely based on the Aventador, Lamborghini and its Squadra Corse racing department have aimed to improve every aspect of the Essenza SCV12 for exclusive track use, without needing to adhere to any official regulations. In other words, this is the most extreme track toy in the company has ever made.
“Essenza SCV12 represents the purest track driving experience that our brand can offer, an engineering feat that highlights the inextricable link between our cars and the asphalt of the track,” explained, Stefano Domenicali, Lamborghini CEO. “Lamborghini is a brand constantly looking to the future and searching for new challenges, but we never forget our roots and who we are: Essenza SCV12 is the perfect combination of our unconventional spirit as a super sports car manufacturer and our true passion for motorsport.”
Every aspect of the car has been honed for track use, from the engine to the aerodynamics and even the way it’s driven.
The core of the Essenza SCV12 is the carbon fibre monocoque that’s a new design that does away with the need for an internal roll cage. Lamborghini claims it still provides enough torsional rigidity and meets the latest FIA prototype safety rules.
Power comes from the brand’s iconic V12 engine, naturally-aspirated as has always been the case for the Italian firm. However, in order to increase the power to an awesome 598kW (that’s more than 800hp in the old money) the team developed a ram air intake to improve its performance.
Lamborghini teases new track-only car
But that’s only one small part of its aerodynamic package. Without the restrictions of GT racing, Lamborghini has been able to shape a body kit that provides more downforce than its Huracan GT3 racer. It does borrow elements of the GT3 racer though, with the front bodywork featuring a pair of air intakes which is designed to separate the hot air from the radiator and help channel cold air into the engine intake.
At the rear there is a massive rear wing and diffuser, sitting clear of the back of the car in order to get cleaner air. The company claims the whole package provides a whopping 1200kg of downforce at 250km/h.
To ensure the handling was up to standard, Lamborghini redesigned the suspension and introduced prototype-inspired push-rod rear suspension that’s mounted directly to the six-speed sequential transmission.
Sticking it to the road are specially developed Pirelli slick tyres, mounted on staggered magnesium rims – 19-inches at the front and 20-inch at the rear. Stopping power is provided by Brembo Motorsport brakes.
Lamborghini’s chief technical officer, Maurizio Reggiani, explained the thinking behind the development of the car as a track-only machine.
“It is a project in which we combined the pursuit of engineering perfection with refined aerodynamics, futuristic design, and innovative solutions such as the carbon monocoque without internal roll cage,” he said. “The result is an engaging and uncompromising car, born to race and to showcase on the track the characteristics that have made Lamborghini famous worldwide, guaranteeing unique and special emotions for both the driver and onlookers.”
Inside the cabin the SCV12 features a Formula 1-style steering wheel with all the main controls located on the hub. There’s also a pair of FIA-homologated racing seats with carbon fibre shells for maximum safety.
Of course with a car like this you don’t only get the machine, you’re buying an experience. Only 40 lucky (and very wealthy) individuals will get to call the SCV12 their own and they will be treated like they’re a part of the Squadra Corse.
The cars can be stored in a special facility at the company’s Sant’Agata Bolognese factory which will include 24-hour-a-day video monitoring. Lamborghini will take the car to a series of special track days, scheduled to begin in 2021, so owners only have to show up and jump behind the wheel.
In order to get the most from the car Le Mans legend Emanuele Pirro will be on hand at each drive event to act as a driver coach, alongside Lamborghini factory racer, Marco Mapelli. The company is also offering physical fitness training to ensure the driver is capable of matching the car.
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