Since the ’70s, a familiar wedgy shape has dominated Lamborghini design, and the new Revuelto is the next chapter in that story. But the familiar shape can obscure the fact that the car is also a high performance model that manages airflow in intentional and highly advanced ways.
To explain how the team tackled crafting a car that both looks as wild as a Lamborghini must, and can help it handle the way a hypercar has to, the company’s head of design, Mitja Borkert, and its coordinator of aerodynamics, Ugo Riccio discussed the topic in a recent video.
Both agree that the Revuelto is a “masterpiece of integrated design and aerodynamics.” Borkert says that, even from a glance, you can tell that “an aerodynamic character is in the Revuelto’s very being.” Meanwhile, Riccio explains that every body panel works to manage airflow.
“High energy air passes through the front fender across the side of the car: at every moment, how the air connects with Revuelto is testament to the design, we are always balancing between form and performance,” Riccio explains. “Even the door handles are designed to optimize airflow.”
Read: The Lamborghini Revuelto Is A Ferocious, Harmonious Supercar, First Reviews Reveal
The roof is also specially shaped to reduce drag, and help direct air to the adjustable rear wing. There, the aero element can move into three positions: the lowest for maximum efficiency, a medium level for high speed, and the highest level for downforce. And the roof does all of that while also working to increase headspace for passengers.
“Every aspect of Revuelto is balancing form and performance: design has allowed us to master the air,” said Riccio. And Borkert agrees. He describes aerodynamics as being central to the look of the Revuelto.
Aerodynamics are “intrinsic to the tension of every line, the muscularity and tautness of every surface, but with a sensitivity to softer, more human shapes that embraces airflow,” he said. “Design must have the perfect partnership with aerodynamics: that is our religion.”
And it is important for the Revuelto to worship at the altar of airflow, because it has an enormous amount of power to harness. Powered by a hybrid V12 powertrain that sends 1,001 hp (746 kW/1,1015 PS) to all four wheels, it can reach 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 2.5 seconds, and can continue accelerating to a top speed of 217 mph (350 km/h).
Unfortunately, if this discussion of aerodynamics has gotten you in a spendy mood, you’ll have to a wait a very long time before you can buy yourself a Revuelto. Lamborghini’s latest estimates suggest that the new hypercar is sold out until mid-2025.