Lamborghini Revuelto: 1001 bhp Hybrid Aventador Replacement
After many months of build-up and speculation, Lamborghini have at last revealed the replacement to the recently-deceased Aventador. Benvenuto, Revuelto.
Combining a traditional naturally-aspirated V12 with a new electric-hybrid system, the Revuelto is set to bring the fight directly to Maranello’s front door.
In what appeared to be a never-ending contest between the Lamborghini Aventador and the Nissan GT-R for which decade-old supercar could be last man standing, it seems the Italian heavyweight has fallen first. It was a noble fight and the Aventador did not go down without throwing several final edition, limited-run punches. It is now, however, officially dead and the new heir to the throne has quite the legacy to live up to.
This is not another re-skinned Aventador but instead an entirely new chassis and powertrain combination, designed to bring Lamborghini toe-to-toe, if not a foot ahead, of Ferrari and the SF90. The styling is an evolution of recent Lamborghinis, with obvious cues of Sian at the front and Centenario at the rear. Overall, it's a striking package that certainly screams ‘Lamborghini’. Details however seem fussier than the outgoing Aventador and personally, I miss the simple shapes of the Murcielago. Time to move on from hexagons perhaps?
The chassis, or Monofusolage in Lamborghini-speak, is a clean-sheet design constructed from carbon-fibre, including the front structure. Within this, sits an equally new V12 and three electric motors which combine to produce a colossal 1001 bhp, eclipsing the SF90 and extending beyond Bugatti Veyron territory.
It wasn’t long ago that horsepower figures this vast were reserved for limited-run hypercars such as the Veyron, however electric-hybridisation is proving to make four digit power figures more attainable, whilst also pleasing Greta.
Lamborghini have stuck to their guns and rejected the turbocharging norm, instead relying purely on atmospheric pressure to feed all 6.5 litres of V12. With a redline of 9500 rpm, there’s little doubt the Revuelto will sound just as magnificent as the Aventador.
Where the Revuelto will certainly be leap years ahead of its predecessor, is the gearbox. Aside from fitting a CVT, it would have been hard for Lamborghini to take a step backwards in this department, the Aventador utilising an archaic automated single-clutch with all the refinement of waterboarding. The new 8-speed dual clutch unit has been developed entirely in-house by Lamborghini and sits behind the V12 - the first Lambo with this configuration since the Muira. A reverse gear is not required as this duty is covered by an integrated electric motor.
This electric motor works in tandem with two more motors mounted at the front axle, providing the Revuelto with all-wheel drive capabilities. In the right driving mode, this allows all 1772 kg to complete a standing 0-62 mph run in just 2.5 seconds. On the flipside, the hybrid system allows for zero-emission driving over short ranges, so you can now cruise through Kensington at night without disturbing any oligarchs trying to get their beauty sleep.
On the inside, Lamborghini has treated the Revuelto to an all new HMI system, featuring their latest touchscreens, sound system and Amazon Alexa integration. The thought of being unable to escape Mr Bezos even in a 217 mph Lamborghini is somewhat terrifying, but 9500 rpm should be enough to drown him out.
Further down the technical spec list are mentions of active aerodynamics, bespoke Bridgestone tyres and new ten-piston front brake callipers. Lamborghini are certain that all of these engineering advancements will provide a driving experience far superseding the Aventador, but the real challenge will be surpassing the much-enamoured Ferrari SF90. Everything appears to add up on paper, but we will only know how good the Revuelto is when road testing begins.