Lamborghini reveals track-only hypercar
We have all had to accept that the naturally aspirated supercar is rapidly becoming an anachronism, but if the new Lamborghini Essenza SCV12 is its last hurrah then at least it is going out on a high. We assume it was named that because it represents all of Lamborghini’s wildness distilled own to its very essence.
The Essenza is a track-only hypercar, meaning the Sant'Agata Bolognese engineers and designers didn’t need to pull their punches. So, the 6.5-litre V12 produces an astonishing 840PS (619kW), benefitting from a significant ‘ram air’ effect at high speeds, thanks to the prominent hexagonal (more on that later) roof scoop. A carbon-fibre chassis negates the need for a roll cage and helps the car achieve a power to weight ratio of 1.66PS per kilogram.
The six-speed sequential gearbox forms a structural part of the car and has the pushrod rear suspension bolted to it. Oh, and it is rear-wheel-drive only so thankfully the extensive aero work produces 1,200kg of downforce at 155mph – a third more than a McLaren Senna at the same speed.
The exterior is said to be inspired by 1970s Lamborghini concepts but the main thing that stands out is the firm’s strong hexagonal motif applied throughout.
A strengthening carbon fibre ‘Y’ beam divides the cabin which looks full racecar thanks to its F1-inspired steering wheel and plethora of buttons to adjust the car’s behaviour. The 40 owners will pay between £1.8m and £2.7m for the privilege of not only owning the car but being enrolled in the Squadra Corse Drivers’ Lab. They will receive coaching from one of our favourite people, Emanuele Pirro, and Lamborghini factory driver (and Nürburgring record setter) Marco Mapelli. Could one of those lucky owners bring one down to Goodwood please?
Lamborghini
Essenza SCV12
