Considering how rare and thirsty supercars are compared to Regular Joe sedans and hatchbacks, driving a mid-engine Lambo can be considered a bit of a flex. Be that as it may, a higher tier of automotive flexing exists in the form of the Essenza SCV12.
Unleashed with much pomp in July 2020, the Aventador-twinned Essenza SCV12 is a track-only affair that follows in the footsteps of the Murcielago R-SV GT1. As opposed to the now-discontinued Aventador, the limited-run supercar differs in quite a few ways. From the standpoint of chassis technology, Lambo says that only the lower part of the carbon-fiber monocoque is shared with the road-going model.
Another difference comes in the form of transmission. As opposed to the loathsome automated manual of the Aventador, the Essenza SCV12 uses a sequential racing box supplied by Xtrac. Gifted with a custom-designed and ultra-light Capristo exhaust system, this incredible-sounding machine howls exactly as you would expect from a V12-powered racing car.
Pictured at Autodromo Nazionale Monza in Italy, and captured on video by 19Bozzy92, the Essenza SCV12 in the clip below shames every other vehicle on the circuit in regard to aural pleasure. Obviously enough, the beating heart of this fellow is the result of the Squadra Corse division and Lamborghini Centro Stile. Rear-wheel drive as opposed to the AWD-only Aventador, the most extreme track car from the Raging Bull of Sant'Agata Bolognese develops 830 ps (819 hp).
It's a bit funny that 819 mechanical ponies don't seem enough in this day and age. Ferrari also promises 819 horsepower from the V6-engined 296, although we're also dealing with an electric motor. On its own, Ferrari's wide-angle V6 belts out a hugely respectable 654 horsepower (or 218 per liter).
Photo: Automobili Lamborghini SpA
Similar to the Aventador, the Essenza SCV12 is an all-motor screamer with 6.5 liters of displacement to its name. Looking at the bigger picture, it's remarkable that Lamborghini could make a case for an entirely new 6.5-liter V12 in the Aventador's plug-in hybrid successor. The long-awaited replacement of the Huracan isn't as lucky as the Revuelto, though.
Spied on numerous occasions making twin-turbo V8 noises, the heir apparent is visually inspired by its V12-engined sibling. The front end has a bit of Essenza SCV12 to it, especially the hexagonal signature lights that integrate the turn indicators.
It's not known whether the Baby Lambo will mirror the Revuelto's three-motor setup or not, and we don't whether the flagship's transverse dual-clutch transmission will carry over or not. In any case, you can bet your bottom dollar that Lamborghini will better the 296 series in terms of power and twist.
In related news, the Urus is going exclusively plug-in hybrid in 2024 for the 2025 model year. Fast forward to 2028, and that's when Lamborghini's first series-production EV is scheduled to arrive in dealer showrooms. The following year, the aforementioned Urus PHEV will be replaced by the Urus EV.
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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