Matt Farah is a guy who has logged hundreds if not thousands of hours of seat time in some of the world’s most powerful supercars. That’s why it’s a little surprising to see just how intimidated he is by the Lamborghini SCV12 Essenza. Of course, it’s not totally shocking because this isn’t your run-of-the-mill raging bull.
The Essenza is a track-only special that seems like it might be the most genuine Lamborghini since the Diablo. We say that because no Lambo since the Diablo has been known for a seemingly unceasing desire to terrify its driver.
The SCV12 strikes fear in the heart of even very experienced drivers and it does just that to Farah. Before he even sets off he talks about how intimidating the car is to sit in. Visibility is nearly non-existent, the car is large, and every inch of the interior makes it clear to occupants that this is a track weapon.
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Under the rear decklid is a V12 that can make as much as 830-horsepower depending on the setting you select in the cockpit. All of that power is sent directly to the rear wheels only. Matt says that no other Aventador-based Lambo can rotate like the SCV12 and he’s not totally sure if that’s a good thing.
He might be a bit biased though because about halfway through his five-lap set he can’t handle the car and blows straight through a turn. From that moment forward, the Essenza goes from just intimidating to scary for Farah. “Come on Farah, get your head in the game Farah,” he says to himself after the mistake.
He tries to calm his nerves and get the most out of the car but the shortish track doesn’t suit the big V12 out back. Long straits would be a lot more fun and a lot less work than this technical course. It’s clear from the footage that the SCV12 Essenza is ready to step out at a moment’s notice.
Farah repeatedly has to counter-steer to keep it pointed in the right direction. “This thing is just completely insane,” he exclaims once his laps are finished up. So we guess it’s a good thing that it’s meant exclusively from the track and is not street-legal.