Part electric car, part performance machine, this electrified Lamborghini represents a new chapter for the brand.

On March 29, 2023, Lamborghini introduced the world to their latest creation, the Revuelto. The company says this is the “first super sports V12 hybrid plug-in HPEV” (High-Performance Electrified Vehicle), but that moniker only scratches the surface of what this car can do. In reality, the Revuelto is a vehicle with many personalities and many capabilities.

For starters, the Revuelto has a unique hybrid powertrain: Three electric motors work in conjunction with a massive 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12 engine for a total output of more than 1,000 hp, a 0-100 km/h time of 2.5 seconds, and a top speed of more than 350 km/h.

The combined torque from both the engine and the electric motors is impressive. The V12 makes 534 lb. ft. of torque, while the three electric motors make 258 lb. ft. of torque each. Now, that’s a lot of oomph!

According to Lamborghini, the new engine is the lightest and most powerful 12-cylinder engine they have ever made, and it powers the rear wheels with a bit of help from one of the three electric motors. The other two supply traction to the front axle, one motor per wheel.

The electric motors do double duty. Although they boost power delivery at low RPMs, they can also power the Revuelto without help from the V12, which turns this Lamborghini into a battery-electric car. All the driver has to do is flip a switch.

“The new Revuelto is a milestone in the history of Lamborghini and an important pillar in our Direzione Cor Tauri electrification strategy,” says Stephan Winkelmann, Lamborghini Chairman and CEO. “Revuelto was born to break the mould, 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.”

Part of Lamborghini’s overall strategy was to make the Revuelto as light as possible. To that end, engineers employed carbon fibre extensively throughout as the principal structural element within the Revuelto, not only in the mono-fuselage and frame but for many elements of the bodywork. The extensive use of carbon fibre, according to Lamborghini, allowed them to achieve the best weight-to-power ratio in the history of the brand.

Lamborghini has a long history of optimizing aerodynamics when designing a car. The Revuelto takes this concept a step further with the introduction of a new active rear wing.

The position of the wing changes based on the driving mode, but it can also be changed manually by the driver. The “closed” position (low drag) ensures minimum resistance when driving in electric mode or when fuel economy is a priority. At the other end of the spectrum, the “high downforce position” maximizes downforce when handling and performance are a priority.

One car, many driving modes

Part performance machine, and part electric car, the Revuelto was designed to express multiple personalities, which is why it offers multiple driving modes: Recharge, Hybrid, Performance, Città, Strada, Sport and Corsa.

Depending on the situation, the road, and the driver’s mood the Revuelto can be driven like a quiet electric car, a loud performance machine, and everything in between.

Città mode, for example, is designed for everyday driving in urban centres in purely electric mode with zero emissions. Maximum power output is limited to 177 hp in Città mode. In order to supply the lithium-ion battery with enough juice to drive in all-electric mode, the Revuelto can be plugged in at a charging station, or the battery can be recharged by the engine while driving in other modes.

Strada mode is for everyday driving and long trips. The V12 engine is always on in this mode, power is limited to 873 hp, and the V12 keeps the lithium-ion battery fully charged so that the Revuelto can slip into Città mode, whenever it’s called upon to do so.

Corsa mode unleashes the essence of the Revuelto, taking advantage of the 1,000 hp powertrain. Those who dare, can disable the electronic stability control (ESC), and engage the “launch control” feature, which unleashes full power at a standing start.

Engineering a Lamborghini with so many personalities wasn’t easy. “The main challenge has been to transfer the Lamborghini DNA into the electrified world,” says Rouven Mohr, Lamborghini’s Chief Technical Officer. “Not only have we increased the power and decreased the emissions at the same time. Revuelto is an overall improvement in terms of performance. Primarily, this is the first car where we have completely changed the architecture. On top of this, it is the first Lamborghini with an electric four-wheel drive, and it also features a totally new carbon fibre monocoque and an unprecedented sound.”

Official pricing hasn’t been announced, but according to Lamborghini spokesperson, Jordan Russell, “we can say just above $600k USD.”