The auto industry is currently in a transformative phase, driven by electrification and connectivity. Even Lamborghini, known for its rebellious spirit, is adapting to these trends in its unique way. The Lamborghini Revuelto, the successor to the Aventador supercar, represents the next chapter in the brand’s storied history of V12-powered dream machines, which includes icons like the Miura, Countach, Diablo, and Murciélago. What sets the Revuelto apart is its status as Lamborghini’s first plug-in hybrid, loaded with more technology than ever before—a significant leap that aligns with broader industry trends.
The Revuelto continues Lamborghini’s legacy of creating breathtaking supercars. However, beneath its stunning exterior, it’s not just about flashy technology. As Lamborghini CTO Rouven Mohr highlighted during the car’s North American debut in New York City, the design and engineering of the hybrid powertrain, along with its concealed aerodynamic features, remain true to Lamborghini’s essence in this high-tech era.
While Lamborghini was ahead of its time with the Miura and Countach, it’s somewhat fashionably late to the plug-in hybrid scene, which gained prominence about a decade ago with the arrival of the Ferrari LaFerrari, McLaren P1, and Porsche 918 Spyder. McLaren has since revisited plug-in hybrid technology with the Artura, and fully electric hypercars like the Rimac Nevera and Pininfarina Battista have moved away from combustion engines entirely.
Although Lamborghini isn’t ready to go fully electric yet, the company deemed it the right moment to introduce a plug-in hybrid after experimenting with electrification in the Sián FKP-37 and Countach LPI 800-4 hybrids. The Revuelto features three electric motors—one for each front wheel and a third connected to the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission—enabling limited electric driving by drawing power from a 3.8-kilowatt-hour battery pack. This move reflects the evolving social environment, stricter emissions standards, and the possibility that European customers might require some form of electric mode to access city centers. Additionally, advancements in battery technology and Lamborghini’s model replacement schedule made now the right time for this hybrid launch.
The Revuelto preserves the signature Lamborghini sound, ensuring it delivers the same auditory thrill as its predecessors. Mohr emphasized the need to make advancements at the appropriate times, pointing out that improvements in battery technology and control strategies over the past five years have paved the way for the Revuelto.
At the core of the Revuelto’s powertrain is a 6.5-liter V12 engine—the third V12 in Lamborghini’s history. Unlike its long-lasting predecessors, the latest V12 was designed to meet stricter emissions standards and accommodate the hybrid setup while enhancing performance. The engine alone produces 813 hp, a significant increase from the Aventador’s 769 hp. When combined with the electric motors, the Revuelto’s total output reaches 1,001 hp, propelling it from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.5 seconds and achieving a top speed of over 218 mph. By sticking with the V12 rather than downsizing to a turbocharged or supercharged engine, Lamborghini retained the distinctive sound that enhances the driving experience.
Beyond the engine noise, Lamborghini’s engineers aimed to maintain an emotional connection through a visceral driving experience. While competitors may focus heavily on lap times and specifications, Lamborghini strives for a ‘wow’ factor that excites drivers. The integration of a plug-in hybrid system could dilute this effect, but the Revuelto seamlessly blends its complex technology with the driving experience. The car uses its front motors for torque vectoring, regenerative braking, and various software systems to manage the balance between electric and gasoline power, tailoring the driving experience to different skill levels with 13 possible combinations.
Despite the hybrid system, Mohr noted that the Revuelto doesn’t feel like a hybrid because the electric motors primarily support the combustion engine. The car even offers an EV mode for city driving, but the V12 usually takes the lead, with the motors filling in gaps in the torque curve.
Visually, the Revuelto had to meet Lamborghini’s high standards for aesthetic appeal. With its striking design elements, such as alien-like headlights, an exposed engine, and dramatic exhausts, the car certainly looks the part. Aerodynamic features like a large front splitter, a rear diffuser, and a movable rear wing work together to generate downforce, enhancing traction. Clever design elements, like air ducts and zigzag shapes along the car’s sides, manage airflow to cool the brakes and reduce aerodynamic drag without compromising the car’s aesthetics.
Incorporating the plug-in hybrid system meant finding space for additional components within a similar footprint as the non-hybrid Aventador. Although the Revuelto is as wide as a Chevy Suburban, smart packaging decisions, such as placing the battery pack in the central tunnel and mounting the transmission sideways, avoid any obvious hybrid telltales. Carbon fiber construction is crucial for supercars, and Lamborghini has stepped up its game by using three different types of carbon materials to lighten the structure. The result is a chassis that is 10% lighter than the Aventador’s, although the overall weight is increased by the hybrid system.
Supercars typically prioritize driving over infotainment, but Lamborghini has answered customer demand for advanced infotainment technology. The Revuelto includes an 8.4-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen, a 12.8-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 9.1-inch passenger touchscreen. Amazon Alexa compatibility is built-in, and information can be swiped between screens. For focused driving, the instrument cluster can display only essential information like speed and gear.
The Revuelto is designed for a long lifespan, reflecting Lamborghini’s slower pace of updating models compared to the wider auto industry. Although talks of EVs and bans on new gasoline car sales loom, the combustion engine remains a staple for now. Mohr believes that cars like the Revuelto will eventually give way to electric powertrains when performance vastly improves, pointing out that synthetic fuels might prolong the life of combustion engines if customers show interest.
Lamborghini’s journey towards electrification will start with less hardcore models like the Urus SUV and a planned luxury-oriented fourth model. These vehicles will be the last to turn fully electric. For now, the hybridization of super sports cars, with potential upgrades in battery technology, is the best path forward according to Mohr.
With the Revuelto, Lamborghini demonstrates that adopting new technology doesn’t mean losing its unique identity. The brand continues to evolve on its own terms, ensuring that each step is carefully considered and in line with its storied heritage.