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Lamborghini Revuelto: First V12 hybrid plug-in supercar
How do you take the power and performance of a Lamborghini supercar to the next level? Add three electric motors to a mid-engine, V12 powertrain and throw in hybrid tech and a new carbon frame concept for good measure. The result is the Revuelto HPEV (High Performance Electrified Vehicle): unique and innovative but still faithful to Lamborghini's DNA.
With 1,001 hp in total (814 hp from the entirely new 6.5-liter V-12 by itself), the Revuelto boasts a 0- to 62-mph time of 2.5 sec and a top speed over 217 mph. It has the new L545 engine rotated through 180 degrees compared to the Aventador layout. The superquadro V12 has the highest output in the history of Lamborghini's 12-cylinder engines (127 CV per liter). Maximum torque is 725 Nm at 6,750 rpm. The electric motors boost power delivery at low revs and can also turn the new Revuelto into a purely electric car.
The plug-in hybrid setup includes two oil-cooled, 110-kW front axial flux motors that deliver an outstanding weight-to-power ratio. They also have a torque vectoring function, optimizing driving dynamics, and recuperating the energy produced under braking. When in electric mode, the Revuelto is front-wheel drive only to optimize energy consumption. Reverse gear is provided by the two front electric motors.
There is also a radial flux electric motor positioned above the first eight-speed double-clutch gearbox debuting on a 12-cylinder Lamborghini. The gearbox is mounted transversely and placed behind the combustion engine. In what has been the transmission tunnel since the days of the Countach, there is a lithium-ion high-specific-power (4,500 W/kg) battery pack that powers the three electric motors and also supports a fully electric drive mode (range only 6 miles as an all-electric vehicle). The rear motor can supply power to the rear wheels, depending on the selected driving mode and the conditions. It also functions as the starter motor and generator.
The 3.8-kWh battery can be recharged under regenerative braking from the front wheels or directly from the V12 engine in just 6 minutes. It can also be charged using ordinary domestic AC charging in just 30 minutes.
In the 60-year history of Lamborghini, only two other V12 cars have been equipped with a transverse rear gearbox: the Miura launched in 1966, which also adopted a mid-rear transverse engine layout; and the Essenza SCV12, a track-focused hypercar with a longitudinal engine and load-bearing transverse gearbox. The internal structure of the new Revuelto gearbox has two distinct shafts as opposed to the usual three. One manages the even-numbered gears, the other manages the odd numbers. Both engage the same rotor. A particular feature is the "continuous downshifting" that drops down multiple gears under braking simply by holding down the left paddle, giving the driver a feeling of total control.
Carbon fiber, produced via artisan craftmanship in the Sant'Agata Bolognese factory, is the principal structural element within the new car, used not only in the monofuselage and frame but also for many elements of the bodywork. The extensive use of carbon fiber and lightweight materials, combined with the potent engine power, contributes to achieving the best weight-to-power ratio in the history of Lamborghini: 1.75 kg/CV.
The Revuelto is based on a new aeronautics-inspired chassis, the "monofuselage." As well as a monocoque made entirely of multi-technology carbon fiber, it features a front structure in Forged Composites -- a special material made of short carbon fibers soaked in resin. This technology was developed and used by Lamborghini in its first structural applications as far back as 2008.
The monofuselage represents a significant step forward from the Aventador in terms of torsional stiffness, lightweight qualities, and driving dynamics. What's more, the Revuelto is the first super sports car to be fitted with a 100% carbon fiber front structure; carbon fiber is also used for the front cone structures to ensure a level of energy absorption that is significantly higher when compared to a traditional metal structure -- double that of the Aventador's aluminum front frame -- combined with a substantial reduction in weight.
Lamborghini says the Revuelto monofuselage is 10% lighter than the Aventador chassis, and the front frame is 20% lighter than its aluminum predecessor. The torsional stiffness has also been improved.
The rear chassis is made of high-strength aluminum 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 with closed inertia profile, guaranteeing a significant reduction in weight, an increase in rigidity and a substantial reduction in welding lines.
Premium high-performance Bridgestone Potenza Sport tires are available as mixed fitment with 265/35 ZRF20 on the front axle and 345/30 ZRF21 on the rear axle, as well as with 265/30 ZRF21 on the front and 355/25 ZRF22 on the rear, both featuring run-flat technology.
The new Revuelto shares its proportions with the Diablo along with the floating blade on the rear fender, while the muscularity and inclined front of the Murcielago is clear. It also features vertically opening scissor doors inspired by the 1971 Countach.
Overall the supercar's design is inspired by aerospace elements, characterized by sculpted surfaces encompassed by two lines that start from the front and embrace the cabin and engine, tapering down to the hexagonal-shaped exhausts.
The aerospace elements blend harmoniously with an animalistic muscularity starting at the front: the shark-nose section modeling of the broad monolithic carbon-fiber hood conveys a sense of power and speed. This is matched by the headlamp clusters with Y-shape daytime running lights -- a distinctive stylistic feature of contemporary Lamborghini design -- framed by aerodynamic blades that connect the splitter to the hood itself. 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 roof combines more headroom with aesthetic qualities and specific aerodynamic functions. The roof design offers 26 mm more headroom than the Aventador Ultimae, while the new monofuselage provides 84 mm more legroom, leaving additional space behind the seats to accommodate luggage up to the size of a golf bag. This space is in addition to the compartment under the front hood. The recessed profile channels air to the rear wing but at the same time allows more headroom in the cabin for both the driver and passenger.
VIDEO: Lamborghini Revuelto full reveal event and presentation with extra details.
The rear is a tribute to the new hybrid V12. The fully exposed longitudinal engine highlights the mechanical heart of the Revuelto, visually connecting it to the double hexagonal exhaust surmounted by the geometrically profiled wing, framed by headlamp clusters with the Y-shape light signatures.
Active aerodynamics play an essential role, achieving new levels of efficiency and downforce: +61% and +66%, respectively, in high-load situations compared to the Aventador Ultimae, especially thanks to the front splitter and roof design that channels air flow to the high-efficiency rear wing. The aerodynamics work in synergy with the semi-active wishbone suspension, controlled by the Lamborghini Vertical Control system designed specifically for the Revuelto, which electronically manages vertical force exchanges such as sudden load transfers during track driving, adapting the suspension and rear wing behavior in real time.
The braking system and brake cooling system have also been redesigned. The car features the latest generation of CCB Plus (Carbon Ceramic Brakes Plus). The front calipers have 10 pistons instead of six, and the rear has 4-piston calipers.
The "Y" is also the hallmark of the driver-oriented interior design. "The unique and recognizable Y-shape light signature is significant in this new era of our most iconic flagship car," said Mitja Borkert, Lamborghini head of Design, "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."
Debuting along with the hybrid system are three new dedicated driving modes -- Recharge, Hybrid, and Performance -- that can be combined with the Citta (City), Strada, Sport, and Corsa modes, selectable via the two rotors located on the redesigned steering wheel, for a total of 13 dynamic settings.
The visual center of the cabin houses a pronounced carbon-fiber profile, with a space ship-like design that encloses the central air vents and the 8.4-in. vertical touchscreen, the technological heart of the car.
With Revuelto, Lamborghini initiates a new immersive, shared driving experience, where pilot and co-pilot can simultaneously view the same information on the displays located in the 12.3-in. digital cockpit on the driver's side and on the 9.1-in. display installed on the passenger-side dashboard. Revuelto introduces the "swipe" function in a Lamborghini, allowing the pilot and co-pilot to move applications and information from the central display to the side displays with the same intuitive, gestural ease as using a smartphone.
The steering wheel was inspired by the racing world and the experience of the Essenza SCV12. The four rotors located on the spokes are used for selecting both the driving modes and the car's lifting system and rear wing tilt. The position of the wing changes according to the driving mode and dynamics, or it can be changed manually by the driver according to his or her preferences using the dedicated rotor on the steering wheel.
The cabin is characterized by the presence of visible carbon fiber used 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 via a water-based production process. The customer can customize the interior of the car by opting for a balanced mix of leather and Corsa-Tex, or favor one material depending on preference, with 70 color options available.
The Revuelto will set owners back just over $600,000.
Source: Lamborghini
Published April 2023
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