Lamborghini V12 bows out with two Aventador-based specials
Autentica roadster (pictured) and Invencible coupé represent "a unique farewell" to firm's V12
Invencible coupé and Autentica roadster arrive ahead of Italian firm's first series-production hybrid
Two one-off supercars will mark the end of Lamborghini’s naturally aspirated V12 era, with the Italian marque set to reveal its first series-production hybrid sports car “in the coming weeks”.
The Invencible coupé and Auténtica roadster have been dubbed “a unique farewell” to the iconic 12-cylinder powertrain.
They arrive just before the unveiling of what is expected to be the long-awaited, hybrid-powered replacement for the Lamborghini Aventador, which is tipped to arrive with a totally new V12 supplemented by electric motors.
The radically designed pair, which are based on the current Lamborghini Aventador's carbonfibre monocoque, share its rear-mounted 769bhp 6.5-litre V12. Mated to a seven-speed ISR automatic gearbox, this sends 531lb ft (at 6750rpm) to all four wheels.
Although no official figures have been given, expect the 0-62mph time to be close to 2.8sec and top speed near 221mph, as per the Aventador.
“The V12 engine is one of the pillars of our history and our marque’s success,” said Lamborghini chairman Stephan Winkelmann.
“As we head towards embracing a new era of hybridisation at the heart of our Cor Tauri strategy, this is the Lamborghini way of celebrating the naturally aspirated V12: with two one-off vehicles that perfectly represent our concept of excellence in personalisation.”
Styled by Lamborghini’s Centro Stile for two owners, the concept-looking designs have been created to showcase the “maximum creativity using the V12 platform”.
They draw designs from special Lambos of the past, such as imposing front ends inspired by the Reventón and Veneno, pronounced front splitter and vertical struts taken from the track-only Essenza SCV12 hypercar and a rear wing (on the Invencible) like that on the lightweight Sesto Elemento.
Both cars are wrapped in carbonfibre and feature centrally mounted triple exhausts with tips made from Inconel – a special high-performance steel alloy derived from the aerospace industry.
The pair also share a stripped-out interior to "focus attention on pure driving enjoyment".
“We've created two one-off cars with their own unique character, inspired by track days and the high-octane circuit environment,” said Lamborghini design boss Mitja Borkert.
“These one-off designs draw on our unique design DNA while once again elevating our design heritage to a new level."