Unveiling The Beast: Lamborghini Revuelto's Introduction
The Lamborghini Revuelto is not merely a supercar—it's a proclamation of war against its segment adversaries and against the established laws of physics. When Lamborghini unveiled the Aventador in 2011, the motoring world was dazzled by its 691 horsepower, a modest 30-hp improvement over its predecessor, the Murciélago LP670-4 Superveloce. Fast forward to the present, and the stakes have been raised exponentially. The entry-level Revuelto with its hybridized V-12 engine delivers a jaw-dropping 1001 horsepower, marking a colossal 30 percent augmentation compared to the Aventador Ultimae's 770 horsepower. Having experienced the Revuelto firsthand, we can attest, the exhilaration transcends the already staggering numbers.
Engine Evolution: Hybrid Meets Naturally Aspirated V-12
One of the Revuelto's cornerstone achievements is its ability to generate immense power sans turbocharging. Staying true to its heritage, Lamborghini employed hybrid technology to preserve the naturally aspirated V-12 for another generation. The 6.5-liter combustion engine now revs up to a breath-taking 9500 rpm, courtesy of the innovative use of finger followers in the valvetrain—a technological leap shared with the Corvette Z06. A notable departure from the Aventador is the 180-degree rotation of the engine, now connected to an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox situated behind it, transmitting power to the rear wheels.
A Symphony of Power: The V-12 and Electric Motors
The V-12 engine alone belts out 814 horsepower, while the trio of electric motors supplement this figure. Nestled in the gearbox housing, the rear motor also serves as a starter-generator. In the front, an axial-flux motor empowers each wheel, devoid of any mechanical connection to the engine or across the axle. Each motor can unleash up to 148 horsepower, though the 3.8-kWh battery pack nestled between the seats peaks at an electrical output of 187 horsepower.
Behind The Wheel: The Revuelto Driving Experience
Our venture began at Porsche's Nardò testing ground in Italy, aboard production-spec Revueltos. The juxtaposition of the Revuelto and Aventador SVJ on the iconic Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit revealed the new beast's superior prowess. With a 0 to 124 mph time of 7.0 seconds, the Revuelto is just a half-second shy of the Bugatti Chiron's mark. The electric torque facilitates immediate acceleration, erasing the Aventador's lower-rev sluggishness. Two distinct launch-control features add to the thrill, with one allowing a trace of rear wheelspin, enhancing the exhilarating Lamborghini driving saga.
Interior and Tech: A Notch Above
Lamborghini has addressed the Aventador's cramped cockpit issue with the Revuelto, offering enhanced headroom and shoulder space. The cabin sports a mammoth 3-D-printed air vent, a trio of digital displays, and a unique passenger screen displaying awe-inspiring performance stats. Despite its modest EV-only mode termed Città, with a range of just six miles, the hybrid technology plays a pivotal role in the powertrain's Performance mode, ensuring the V-12 remains engaged, delivering a heart-pounding ride every Lamborghini enthusiast craves.
Performance Modes: Tailored Driving Dynamics
The Revuelto offers a gamut of dynamic modes, each altering its character. Strada mode tames the beast slightly, smoothing transmission and accelerator response, ideal for a more relaxed drive. Sport mode ups the ante to 895 horsepower, tightens the suspension, and speeds up gear shifts for a more spirited drive. The Corsa mode unleashes the full 1001 horsepower, optimizing track performance, and truly encapsulates the essence of what makes the Lamborghini Revuelto a remarkable step forward in the world of supercars.