Lamborghini Launches 1,000bhp+ PHEV
Lamborghini has unveiled its first plug-in hybrid powertrain claiming 1,013bhp from the electrified V12 hyper-car.
Celebrating the automaker’s marque’s 60th anniversary year, it has presented the Revuelto, a PHEV it prefers to refer to as a High Performance Electrified Vehicle (HPEV). Revuelto combines the power of an entirely new 6.5-liter gasoline combustion engine together with three electric motors, alongside a double-clutch gearbox that makes its debut on a 12-cylinder Lamborghini for the first time.
The powertrain sees the combustion engine work with two front axial flux motors plus a radial flux electric motor positioned above the eight-speed double-clutch gearbox to drive the rear wheels. [No doubt many of the marque’s fans will hope a more exciting rear-wheel driven hybrid model will follow – Ed]. The three electric motors are powered by a lithium-ion high specific power battery pack that also supports a fully-electric drive mode.
The new L545 engine is the lightest and most powerful 12-cylinder engine ever made by Lamborghini. In total it weighs just 480lbs (218kg) just over 34lbs less than the Aventador unit. The Revuelto features the superquadro V12 rotated through 180 degrees compared to the Aventador layout and claims puts about 824bhp at 9,250rpm thanks to the redesigned distribution system that supports a maximum rev range of 9,500 rpm. Specific power is 126bhp per liter, the highest output in the history of Lamborghini’s 12-cylinder engines, while maximum torque is 535ft-lbs (725Nm) at 6,750 rpm.
The air intake ducts to the cylinders have been re-engineered to increase the supply of air and guarantee optimal airflow in the combustion chamber. The new combustion system also enjoys an increased compression ratio (12.6:1 compared to 11.8:1 for the Aventador Ultimae). The fluid dynamics of the exhaust have also been improved to reduce counter-pressure at high revs and increase the specific power output.
The Revuelto claims acceleration from 0-to-62mph in only 2.5 seconds, 0-to-120mph in less than 7 seconds and a top speed of more than 217mph. Stephan Winkelmann, Lamborghini chairman and CEO, said: “The new Revuelto is a milestone in the history of Lamborghini, and an important pillar in our Direzione Cor Tauri electrification strategy. It is a unique and innovative car but at the same time faithful to our DNA: the V12 is an iconic symbol of our super sports heritage and history. Revuelto was born to break the mold, combining a new 12-cylinder engine with hybrid technology, creating the perfect balance between delivering the emotion that our clients want with the necessity to reduce emissions.”
— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in Europe. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_
