Packed with advanced and complex technology, the Revuelto is more refined and capable than its predecessor and retains that all-important Lamborghini V12 feel.
There are days when you have to put all cynicism aside and just be happy. Today is one of those days. New V12 and mid-engined Lamborghinis rarely appear… Miura, Countach, Diablo, Murcielago, Aventador and now, the Revuelto.
Dating back to the early pioneers, Lambo has always made the most outrageous and surprising metal origami pieces. Seeing it is a rare thing. The Revuelto enters the world in a time of endless supercars, unprecedented sales volumes, and, oddly enough, electric cars that have completely redefined how fast something on four wheels can propel you along the road. The Revuelto has 1001bhp from a combination of a new 6.5-litre V12 engine and three electric motors. The price is around £450,000. But it's still not the best.
Lamborghini retains its sense of drama and humor and, with the Revuelto, adds a new layer of dynamic sophistication. This is a car that nods to the past and retains its V12 configuration, but there's also a sense that it's embracing new technology and the capabilities it brings, rather than just throwing it at cars to appease legislators. The Revuelto's predecessor, the Aventador, was launched in 2011 and the new hybrid supercar makes what feels like an annual leap in some respects. Maybe more. It was changed.
It seems offensive to know the 'basics' of this (or any) hybrid supercar. This is very clever. But here are the core ingredients. The chassis consists of a carbon fiber tub, with a carbon fiber front crash structure and aluminum rear subframe, combined called a mono fuselage. The suspension uses double wishbones all around and is equipped with MagneRide dampers. The engine is mounted lengthwise but rotated 180 degrees compared to the Aventador to make room for the 3.8kWh battery that runs along what used to be the transmission tunnel. The gearbox is a new eight-speed transversely mounted dual-clutch unit. Reverse is handled by one radial flux motor, which sits on top of the gearbox, and there are two axial flux motors on the front axle. These were chosen because they provide strong torque – 258 lb-ft each. Revuelto has strong torque vectoring capabilities. There's rear steering too.
The L545 engine, described as 'all-new', is a 6.5-liter work of art and produces 814bhp at 9250rpm and 534 lb-ft at 6750rpm. Of course, the electric motor can increase torque at low revs, as well as manipulate the balance for agility at low speeds and stability at high speeds. The rear motor is even used to brake the engine in the ESC program to prevent sudden ignition cutoff. Maximum combined output is 1001bhp. It delivers 0-62mph in 2.5 seconds and a top speed of over 217mph. There are even faster cars, but at this point, who cares? Revuelto has a dry weight of 1772kg. So, get two tons of liquid and a sack of bones and meat.
He didn't feel it. Until that point happens. Despite this, the Revuelto remains a very entertaining and very capable car. It feels very different. The driving position is still slightly reminiscent of the Aventador – albeit with more space in every dimension – but everything you touch and operate is much more refined. The steering is light and clean, not full of feedback but sparkling, and its brightness is matched by a chassis that has far greater agility than before and an easier, more composed feel. There's good steering response and although the Revuelto doesn't have the incredible roll stiffness and alert feel of, say, a Ferrari SF90, the results are much more natural. There's the odd story that there's a big old V12 engine swinging behind you, but that's more of a thrill than a threat.
As usual, there are various driving modes. A rotary switch on the left spoke of the steering wheel selects Città, Strada, Sport, Corsa, and Corsa ESC Off modes, while an additional controller on the right lets you select Recharge, Hybrid, and Performance modes to manage the electrical architecture. The small battery means the range is only around 6 miles or so, but during fast driving the battery will never completely drain, so if you're in Corsa mode you'll always get the full 1001bhp. That's reassuring. Sport mode is said to be a little looser and 'drifty', while Corsa is for speed.
The gearbox is a major improvement. Smooth and strong where the old ISR single-clutch box would thump and sputter. But perhaps the most surprising thing about Revuelto is how simple it all is. You don't notice the rear steering, there are no dramatic changes in balance through different cornering phases as there are on the SF90. Even when the car starts to slip, the front axle behavior is predictable, and overall the Revuelto feels like a very good rear-drive car. Under full load, the brakes also feel excellent, with a consistency of response that exceeds that of the Aventador or Huracán despite the combination of electric regen with friction braking.
Our time with the Revuelto was only on the track, but even with the speed-sapping characteristics of a race track, the new car felt very fast. Pinch the throttle at 2500rpm and the electric motor provides a huge helping hand, but getting to the limiter at 9500rpm is still the Lambo's highlight. The engine is so smooth that you'll still hit the limiter every so often. God only knows the headroom of this machine, but it feels like there's still a development or two to come. Right now, it's amazing.
At very high speeds, the mass and placement of the load cannot be completely disguised. It will sway when braking. Put the brakes on and the rear widens, and with power, you can light up the rear. But the ESC is very good and the Revuelto can tread the line between challenge and terror well. It's still a big Lamborghini with a V12 engine and you still have to drive it like one. But, what fun. Despite a significant price increase over the Aventador Ultimate (which was £324,000), the Revuelto didn't sell out until another two years. Based on this evidence the owner will not be disappointed.
