Lamborghini Revuelto: The Hybrid V12

The automotive world held its breath when Lamborghini announced it would retire the Aventador. Enthusiasts feared the legendary V12 engine would disappear due to strict emissions regulations. Instead, Lamborghini delivered the Revuelto. This machine does not just keep the V12 alive; it pairs the massive engine with three electric motors to create the first “High Performance Electrified Vehicle” (HPEV) from Sant’Agata Bolognese.

The L545 Engine: A New 12-Cylinder Heart

The centerpiece of the Revuelto is a completely new combustion engine. Codenamed L545, this is only the third custom V12 engine in the company’s sixty-year history. While many competitors are downsizing to turbocharged V8s or V6s, Lamborghini retained the naturally aspirated 6.5-liter displacement.

Engineers managed to make this engine lighter and more powerful than the V12 found in the Aventador Ultimae. It weighs just 480 pounds (218 kilograms), which makes it about 37 pounds lighter than its predecessor. Despite the weight reduction, the output is staggering. The internal combustion engine alone produces roughly 813 horsepower at a screaming 9,250 rpm. The redline sits even higher at 9,500 rpm.

A major engineering shift involves the orientation of the engine. In the Revuelto, the engine is rotated 180 degrees compared to the Aventador. This adjustment was necessary to accommodate the new gearbox and hybrid architecture.

The Tri-Motor Hybrid System

To push the total output past the four-figure mark, Lamborghini integrated three electric motors. This hybrid system is designed primarily for performance rather than fuel economy.

  • Front Axle: Two axial-flux electric motors power the front wheels. These motors allow for sophisticated torque vectoring, which improves cornering agility by distributing power independently to each front wheel.
  • Rear Motor: A third radial-flux electric motor sits above the gearbox at the rear. It assists the V12 and acts as a starter generator.
  • Total Output: When the combustion engine and all three electric motors work in unison, the Revuelto delivers a combined 1,001 horsepower.

Powering these motors is a lithium-ion battery pack located in the central tunnel. This tunnel previously housed the transmission shaft in older models. The battery has a capacity of 3.8 kWh. While this is small compared to a standard EV, it is highly efficient at discharging and recharging energy rapidly during aggressive driving.

Transmission and Gearbox Innovation

The transmission in the Revuelto represents a significant departure from previous Lamborghini flagships. The controversial single-clutch “ISR” gearbox from the Aventador is gone. In its place is a new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).

This gearbox is mounted transversely (sideways) behind the engine. This layout is rare and has only been used by Lamborghini twice before; once in the Miura and once in the track-only Essenza SCV12. This positioning frees up space in the central tunnel for the battery pack.

An interesting quirk of this new transmission is that it lacks a mechanical reverse gear. To save weight and space, the Revuelto uses its electric motors to drive backward.

Performance Metrics and Driving Modes

The combination of instant electric torque and high-revving V12 power results in blistering acceleration numbers.

  • 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h): 2.5 seconds
  • 0 to 124 mph (200 km/h): Less than 7 seconds
  • Top Speed: More than 217 mph (350 km/h)

Drivers can manage this power through 13 different driving modes tailored to specific environments. The most notable new addition is CittĂ  (City) mode. In this setting, the V12 shuts off completely, and the car runs silently on electric power alone. The output is limited to 178 horsepower in this mode, and the range is roughly 6 miles. This is intended for navigating zero-emission zones in European city centers or leaving a neighborhood quietly.

On the other end of the spectrum is Corsa (Track) mode. This setting unlocks the full 1,001 horsepower potential, stiffens the suspension, and sharpens the throttle response for maximum attack on a circuit.

Design and Aerodynamics: The Monofuselage

The chassis of the Revuelto is built on a new aeronautics-inspired concept called the “monofuselage.” It is made entirely of forged carbon fiber. This structure is 10% lighter than the Aventador chassis but offers 25% more torsional stiffness.

Visually, the car retains the iconic Lamborghini wedge shape but introduces aggressive Y-shaped light signatures on the front and rear. These Y-shapes are a recurring design theme found in the headlights, taillights, and even the air intakes.

Aerodynamics play a massive role in the design. The active rear wing adjusts automatically based on speed and driving mode, or it can be manually operated by the driver. According to Lamborghini, the aerodynamic load (downforce) has increased by 61% and efficiency by 66% compared to the Aventador Ultimae.

Interior Technology

The cabin has received a complete technological overhaul. The driver faces a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, while the passenger gets a dedicated 9.1-inch display that shows speed and G-forces. Between them sits an 8.4-inch vertical touchscreen that controls navigation, media, and vehicle settings.

Lamborghini calls this the “shared driving” experience, allowing the passenger (or co-pilot) to interact with the vehicle’s systems more deeply than before. The steering wheel is inspired by racing cars, featuring physical dials for selecting driving modes (Recharge, Hybrid, Performance) and lift systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Lamborghini Revuelto cost? The starting price for the Lamborghini Revuelto is approximately $608,000 USD. However, most buyers will spend significantly more after adding options through the Ad Personam customization program.

Is the Revuelto fully electric? No, it is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). It has a gasoline V12 engine and three electric motors. It can drive briefly on electric power alone, but it relies on the gas engine for primary performance.

What does the name Revuelto mean? Like most Lamborghinis, it is named after a famous fighting bull. Revuelto was a bull that fought in Barcelona in 1880. In Spanish, the word can translate to “mixed,” “scrambled,” or “unruly,” which fittingly describes the mix of gas and electric power.

How long is the waitlist for the Revuelto? Demand is incredibly high. Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann confirmed that the model is sold out through late 2026. If you order one today, you likely will not receive it for several years.