Lamborghini’s first High Performance Electric Vehicle – the Revuelto

Lamborghini too is going electric but before it introduces its fully electric model in 2028, it will transition into the zero emissions age with hybrid powertrains. The Revuelto, which has arrived in Malaysia, shows how the sportscar maker can electrify and still offer the superlative performance its cars are known for.

Call it HPEV, not PHEV
Priced from RM2.5 million (without including taxes), the Revuelto is the brand’s first hybrid super sportscar. Trying to differentiate from other carmakers, instead of saying it is a PHEV (Plug-in Electric Hybrid Vehicle. which it is), Lamborghini refers to its new sportscar as a  HPEV – for High Performance Electric Vehicle.

Lamborghini has actually been looking at electrification for over 10 years, with a prototype hybrid car displayed at the Geneva Motorshow in 2010. However, without the pressure of tightening regulations (especially in Europe), the electrification process has been slow.

Now, however, the auto industry in Europe has been forced to go electric by the end of the decade as countries adopt tighter emission regulations. Some have even announced banning sales of new vehicles with combustion engines, so even Lamborghini can no longer set electrification aside.

V12 engine – a genuine Lamborghini
But it has made sure that even in electrifying – albeit with a hybrid powertrain for now – it will still offer performance that is no less superlative than its models with combustion engines. Thus, for the Revuelto, it has developed a plug-in hybrid powertrain combining a naturally-aspirated 6.5-litre V12 engine and 3 electric motors, one of which is integrated into the new double-clutch 8-speed gearbox.

The gearbox is installed transversely and placed for the first time behind the mid-mounted combustion engine. In what has been the transmission tunnel since the days of the Countach, there is a lithium-ion battery pack instead.

The engine produces 825 ps/725 Nm, and with the power generated by the motors is added, the output is 1,015 ps. With a body weight of 1,772 kgs and a weight-to-power ratio of 1.75 kg/ps, the Revuelto has taken factory test drivers from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.5 seconds and over 350 km/h. The electric motors boost power delivery at low revs and can also turn the new Revuelto into a purely electric car, reducing overall CO₂ emissions by 30% compared to the Aventador Ultimae.

3 motors for 4-wheel drive
The Revuelto retains one of Lamborghini’s strongest traditions: 4-wheel drive. As well as the internal combustion engine that provides power to the rear wheels, a pair of electric motors are present on the front axle, each powering one of the front wheels. There’s also a third electric motor positioned above the 8-speed double-clutch gearbox that can supply power to the rear wheels, depending on the selected driving mode and the conditions.

Bridgestone developed special versions of its Potenza Sport tyres 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.

There are also other optional tyre choices, including Potenza racing tyres for track use and custom-designed Blizzak LM005 tyres are an option for winter use.

Preview of new stylistic language
The exterior has the typical Lamborghini silhouette though it also establishes an entirely new stylistic language. There are clear links with the iconic and legendary Lamborghini V12 cars of the past but the new proportions show how Lamborghini’s designers will proceed in future.

As with the Countach – which defined the Lamborghini V12 super sportscar DNA the Revuelto also has one of the most distinctive Lamborghini V12 elements: vertically-opening scissor doors.

The design is said to also be inspired by aerospace elements, which are blended with the typical aggressive frontal appearance of the broad monolithic carbonfibre bonnet. This is flanked 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 bonnet itself.

The rear is a tribute to the 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.

Optimum aerodynamic efficiency
The  sleek shape naturally provides optimum efficiency but downforce is also high, thanks to the active rear wing. The position of the wing changes according to the driving mode and dynamics, or it can be changed manually by the driver.

All the elements have been designed and engineered to optimize airflow. Even the door handles perform an aerodynamic function. thanks to the Y-section wing profile. This solution allows them to divert the flow of fresh air they receive from the bonnet to one of the horizontal fins located along the side, directing it toward the radiator.

At the rear end, the two NACA ducts located in front of the rear wheels collect flow from the underbody and direct it to the rear brake cooling duct.

The carbonfibre roof also plays an important aerodynamic role with a structural function that improves interior roominess. The wing profile design with a hollowed-out central part directs air to the rear air intakes, and consequently to the inverter and electric motor located on the gearbox.

The design approach has enabled the Revuelto to increase the front aerodynamic load by 33% and the rear load by 74% compared to the Aventador Ultimae (under maximum load conditions).

‘Feel like a Pilot” inside
Continuing the aerospace theme, the futuristic interior has a ‘Feel Like a Pilot’ concept with its driver-focussed layout. Both occupants are deeply integrated in the very lightweight Y-shape design of dashboard and centre console, replicating the sensations of being in a racing car but with an intuitive balance between digital and physical controls.

The visual centre of the cabin houses a pronounced carbonfibre profile, with a ‘space-ship design’ that encloses the central air vents and the 8.4-inch vertical touchscreen, the technological heart of the car. Hexagon-shaped elements are reminiscent of past models while brand new functional features and connectivity technologies prepare the Revuelto for the future.

The driver and passenger can simultaneously view the same information on the fully digital displays (12.3 inches wide on the driver’s side and 9.1 inches on the passenger side). There’s a ‘swipe’ function which allows either person 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 4 rotors located on the spokes are used for selecting both the driving modes and the car’s lifting system and rear wing tilt.

While the Revuelto has a strong personality as a racing car, significant attention was given in the design stages to ensure the cabin is roomy and practical for everyday driving. 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 golfbag.

Sold out till 2025
The Revuelto is not a limited production model so it is intended for volume sale. But you won’t be able to get one within the next two years as the orders to date already book production till 2025. That’s the same for the Urus and Huracan, and Lamborghini’s CEO expects the Revuelto to beat the almost 12,000 units of the Aventador in time to come.

‘Manifattura Lamborghini Next Level’ created to produce new Revuelto