Lamborghini Says Goodbye to Its V12 With One-Off Autentica Roadster and Invencible Coupe Models
Lamborghini is letting go of its iconic naturally-aspirated V12, yet another casualty of auto electrification. Since the Miura, the Italian supercar maker has prided itself on its flagship, mid-mounted twelve-cylinder battlecruisers. The outgoing L539 6.5-liter V12 has been in production since 2011, when it was packed in the outlandish Aventador. But the engine’s history can be easily traced to its 3.5-liter debut in 1964’s 350GT, undergoing just one generation update since.
For the swansong V12 Lamborghini, the company has released two new creations. But they’re not technically production cars as customers commissioned them through it’s bespoke vehicles division.
Bespoke Lamborghini V12 supercars
Much like company siblings Bentley and Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini offers atelier-style service for customers wanting more than just a fire-spitting V12. Its “custom solutions” department will fulfill consumer desires in countless ways. The priority options are rare interior trimmings, decadent leather embellishments, and hitherto unknown exterior colors. However, Lamborghini says there is “an infinity of possible combinations.”
To build the Autentica and Invencible, Lamborghini began with an Aventador Ultimae donor car and its carbon fiber monocoque chassis. The engine has the same 769-horsepower output with 531 pounds-feet of ground-ripping torque. Yet, all-wheel drive and four-wheel steering will allow the barge to act a lot smaller than it is.
Both supercar creations feature heavy usage of carbon fiber on the inside and outside. Moreover, the design team used hexagonal elements as an homage to carbon’s atomic number. It’s seen in the headlight and taillight signatures, the engine cover vents, and the triple exhaust outlets. While both are based on the Aventator, each features design inspiration from the Reventon, Sián, Veneno, and the track-only Sesto Elemento and Essenza SCV12.
Autentica roadster
In true Italian style, the Autentica roadster looks unruly. In fact, it doesn’t even have a roof, Robb Report says. Although it’s painted in a subtle Grigio Titans (medium grey), Giallo Auge (yellow) calipers, splitters, fins, and the rear wing make the Autentica striking. Cabin upholstery is Nero Ade (black) leather, trimmed in Giallo Taurus (yellow) embroidering contrasts. The bucket seats are two-tone Nero Cosmus (dark grey) and Grigio Octans (light grey) Alcantara.
Invencible coupe
The Invencible comes with a roof, but that doesn’t mean it’s no less striking. It’s sure to drop jaws with its Rosso Efesto (red) paintwork contrasted with red metal flake-speckled exposed carbon fiber. Rosso Mars (red) brake calipers sot behind center-lock wheels with red detailing. The interior features Italian tri-color flag motifs, including on the steering wheel. Rosso Alala (red) leather contrasts with Nero Cosmus (dark grey) Alcantara upholstery.
What’s next for Lamborghini’s V12?
Although the naturally-aspirated V12 is gone, Lamborghini will release its first genuine hybrid supercar later in 2023. It’s reportedly based on the Countach LPI-800, and may feature a V12 with electric drive rather than the Sián FKP 37’s supercapacitors.
Lamborghini will undoubtedly continue its raucous supercar design philosophy into the electric age. Yet, the days of the Sant’Agata Bolognese factory pumping out solely gasoline-powered V12s are over.
