Experience the incredible power on the circuit first

Whether in Japan or abroad, media test drives of sports cars and supercars are sometimes held on circuits. Of course, this content is targeted at media specializing in cars who have experience driving on circuits or racing. The purpose is to let the drivers experience performance that cannot be achieved on public roads. Therefore, the test drive is conducted at a fairly high speed range.

With this experience, I have driven new cars on various circuits. In Japan, I have driven at Suzuka Circuit, Fuji Speedway, SUGO, and Autopolis. Overseas, I have driven at Estoril Circuit in Portugal, Ascari Circuit in Spain, Laguna Seca in Monterey, California, and Auto Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia. I have also driven at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, where F1 cars also run. I have driven on countless other tracks around the world. For a car enthusiast, there is nothing more satisfying than this.

Experience the incredible four-digit maximum power output that Lamborghini has attempted

I had such an experience the other day. The location was Fuji Speedway, and the car was a Lamborghini Revuelto.

Lamborghini uses circuits as test drive venues relatively more than other brands. Because it is a car, it needs a certain environment to experience its true power. Looking at the spec sheet, it makes you wonder, "Where will this power come from?" on public roads. If you step on the accelerator too enthusiastically on a public road, you will lose your license in no time.

The Revuelto prepared for this occasion is exactly such a car. The maximum output (of the system) written on the spec sheet is a whopping 1015hp. That's four digits. It seems like a long time ago when we were excited about 4hp! 280hp! It's over 350 horsepower!

So what kind of power source does it have? The base is a 6.5-liter V12 naturally aspirated unit that produces a maximum output of 825 hp. If you thought, "Huh? That's 190 hp short?" you're right. In addition to the internal combustion engine, it is equipped with three motors powered by lithium-ion batteries. Yes, this car is a hybrid car. Therefore, the engine and motors together produce a total system output of 3 hp. That's enough horsepower to leave any racing car out in the dust.
The Revuelto is the first full-fledged V60 plug-in hybrid car that Lamborghini unveiled last year to celebrate its 12th anniversary, and was meant to be a milestone in the direction of electrification. There is no doubt that decades from now, it will be talked about as the model that marked a new beginning for Lamborghini.

They must have equipped the car with a powerful power source to take on such a role. Normally, "electrification = engine downsizing," but they have done the opposite. It is impressive that they have increased the power of the 12-cylinder engine by using a motor. Lamborghini calls this system "HPEV (High Performance EV)."

The authentic design also tickles the heart.

For a car like that, the exterior design is also impressive. The supercar-like form is truly "Lambo". However, for better or worse, it is less eccentric than recent Lamborghinis, which tend to have complex, straight lines. Personally, I like how it is quite authentic.

But it still has its own unique character. The rear combination lamps, which incorporate the same motif as the signature Y-shaped accent, are catchy. These will have a strong presence in the dark. The doors are scissor doors, reminiscent of the Countach.

The exterior of this car is impressive, but the interior also has a big impact. It gives the impression of a state-of-the-art fighter jet, and the design of the switches on the steering wheel and the digital meter cluster create that atmosphere. The familiar starter switch on the center console adds to this. From the moment you flip up the red cover with your finger, you feel like something extraordinary is about to happen.

It may be typical of Lamborghini to use Italian language on the operation switches. The Revuelto has four drive modes, all of which are written in Italian. They are CITTA, STRADA, SPORT, and CORSA. This is a good place to study the language.

So, I had a great time at the circuit again. It was raining on the day and the road surface was wet, but recent high-performance cars have excellent control systems so it wasn't scary. The car automatically controls slight slippage. Of course, that's what makes the car have four-digit power. A circuit on a rainy day shows us that high-performance cars are safer.

Tatsuya Kushima

Motor journalist and columnist. Currently, he is the media site editor-in-chief and media business producer for the surfing magazine "NALU." She has previously served as editor-in-chief of many men's magazines, golf magazines, car magazines, airline in-flight magazines, etc. In addition to media activities, he is a member of the Japan Car of the Year selection committee, a member of the Japan Cigar Association, a Japan Boat of the Year selection committee, and the creative director of men's golf wear ``The Duke's Golf.''