Automobili Lamborghini wouldn't be a thing had Enzo Ferrari not been a bit rude to Ferruccio Lamborghini. Rivals for more than six decades, the Prancing Horse of Maranello and the Raging Bull of Sant'Agata Bolognese also happen to take inspiration from one another for their road cars.
Two years ago, Lamborghini was caught testing an SF90 with the Assetto Fiorano package on the public roads around the Maranello headquarters. The SF90 has recently been caught testing again, which begs a straightforward question. But why?
Lamborghini unveiled the Revuelto in March 2023 as the successor to the Aventador, with the Revuelto packing a tri-motor hybrid powertrain à la the SF90. The only explanation for the SF90 coming out of storage is more benchmarking in anticipation of the Huracan-replacing LB63x, which – similar to the Fezza – rocks a twin-turbocharged V8 engine as opposed to the Huracan's free-breathing V10 mill.
To be joined by the Urus PHEV later this year, the LB63x is a plug-in hybrid as well. The biggest mystery regarding the Revuelto's brother is the number of electric motors. One mounted on the dual-clutch transmission is a given, but as opposed to the Revuelto, the LB63x could also be offered with a rear-drive option. The all-wheel-drive specification would get one or two drive units up front in addition to the transmission-mounted unit.
Spied on quite a few occasions in Santa'Agata Bolognese, the LB63x won't challenge the SF90 in terms of maximum output. Lamborghini cannot afford to step into Revuelto territory with the lesser model, for it would alienate certain order holders and prospective customers. On the other hand, there is enough differentiation between the Revuelto and the upcoming LB63x in terms of engine configuration.
Photo: Varryx on YouTube
Nothing screams exotic as much as a V12 does, especially if said engine is naturally aspirated. You may not be surprised to hear that the V12 is a dying breed, with only a handful of automakers offering this kind of engine as of February 2024. The manufacturers in question include Aston Martin, Ferrari, Gordon Murray Automotive, Lamborghini, Mercedes, Pagani, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.
A rough but logical estimate for the LB63x's maximum output would be 885 metric ponies because the Aventador S LP 740-4 and Huracan Evo LP 610-4 are split by 130 ps. The Revuelto puts out a combined 1,015 ps (1,001 horsepower) at full chatter. Crazy how a series-production Lamborghini surpasses the original version of the Bugatti Veyron, huh? As a brief refresher, the EB 16.4 is quoted with 1,001 metric or 987 mechanical horsepower.
The aforementioned estimate also makes plenty of sense when talking direct rivals. The Ferrari 296 comes to mind, whose plug-in hybrid twin-turbo V6 setup is rated at 830 ps (819 horsepower). The McLaren Artura is dead last in this segment, for its plug-in hybrid twin-turbo V6 powertrain develops no more than 680 ps (671 horsepower) on paper.
Both the 296 and Artura are rear-wheel drive. If Lamborghini does give the LB63x the e-AWD system it deserves, the Huracan's long-awaited successor would be an instant hit. What's more, a twin-turbocharged V8 makes it more appealing than the twin-turbo V6s of the Fezza and Macca.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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