Auto review: 2024 Revuelto: an electrifying raging bull from Lamborghini
Published in Automotive News
The 2024 Lamborghini Revuelto may be the supercar brand’s first hybrid — and a plug-in hybrid at that — but you’ll never mistake it for a Prius, thank goodness. For the 2024 Lamborghini Revuelto retains wildly classic Lamborghini traits, even as it takes its initial step toward electrification. And, being Lamborghini, it’s little surprise that this first hybrid is a momentous one.
For the Revuelto boasts a naturally-aspirated 6.5-liter V-12 mounted mid-ship and three electric motors. There are two up front and a third in the rear between the engine and the transverse-mounted eight-speed dual-clutch transmission — a real change of transmission placement for Lambo. Together, the powertrain generates a massive 1,001 horsepower distributed among all four wheels. That’s more than the Ferrari SF90 Stradale, which manages to cough up a mere 986 horsepower. In addition, there are 13 drive modes and an electric-only drive mode that’s good for six miles. Once you use it up, you’ll have to plug-in using the charger port in the front trunk. One suspects that will rarely, if ever, happen.
The powertrain is nestled in a two-seat sports car with a body and frame composed of carbon fiber, as is the front crash structure. This produces the best power-to weight ratio of any Lamborghini ever built, able to unleash a fierce 0-to-60 mph run of less than 2.5 seconds. Feel the g-force, Luke.
Given the big change in its driveline, it’s little wonder it’s cloaked in familiar styling cues. There’s little here that will feel unfamiliar to Lamborghini cognoscenti. That’s especially true once underway, with 60 mph coming up in 2.3 seconds, feeling much like the raging bull you’d expect. The powertrain’s raucous soundtrack and rambunctious nature are a result of a V-12 engine that boasts an astonishing 9,500-rpm redline without turbocharging. Its power serves merely the rear wheels, as the two electric motors handle the motivational duties up front, each capable of producing up to 148 horsepower.
Upon initial acceleration, the Lamborghini Revuelto generates g-forces sure to shove your major organs up against your backbone. Despite the influence of gravity at work, you’ll be grinning from ear-to-ear. For the razor-sharp handling displays no body lean, remaining glued to the pavement while displaying an unearthly agility. And as its power can be routed side-to-side, this Lambo notably lacks understeer of any kind yet proves easy to manipulate. Altogether, its power and handling produce a raucously righteous ride.
Yet with electrification come a fine veneer of civility, a notable change that in no way detracts from this supercar’s super power — the V-12 still makes its presence known and felt. But pop the car into Strada mode and the suspension softens while the driveline’s responses reveal a suave demeanor that’s new for the brand.
And there are other refinements as well, as the cab feels spacious enough to hold those taller than six feet without it feeling cramped. Other nods to comfort include two pop-out cupholders, and a bit of storage space — something unheard of in any Lamborghini. The tech package includes a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, 8.9-inch center-mounted touchscreen and a 9.1-inch horizontal display in front of the passenger.
I didn’t have the chance to sample its infotainment system or to hear its sound system — after all, the only sound you want to hear comes from the Revuelto’s 12 cylinders. But the fact that Lamborghini’s first electrified vehicle retains its V-12 power shows their commitment to their heritage, even as the brand embraces the future.
Want one? Prices start north of $600,000, and the first two years of production are already sold out. BSO patience is called for. Still, the best things in life are always worth waiting for.
2024 Lamborghini Revuelto
Base price: $00
Engine: 6.5-liter V12 Hybrid
Horsepower/Torque: 1,001/535 pound-feet
EPA rating (combined city/highway): 12 mpg
Fuel required: Premium
Length/Width/Height: 195/80/46 inches
Ground clearance: Not available
Curb weight: 3,906 pounds
Cargo capacity: Not available
Towing capacity: Not rated
©2024 Tribune Content Agency, LLC
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