Meet the most powerful V12 hypercar Lamborghini has ever produced.
The Raging Bull has revealed the Essenza SCV12, an exclusive track-only hypercar packing the most powerful V12 (619kW) it has ever produced.
Just 40 examples of the Essenza SCV12 will be produced by the Lamborghini Squadra Corse race division, with customers to become part of an exclusive club with “special programs” starting in 2021.
Lamborghini says the Essenza SCV12 is a “direct descendent” of cars like the iconic Miura Jota and Diablo GTR, combining its most powerful naturally-aspirated V12 engine married with race-inspired aerodynamics and the latest technologies.
While not explicitly stated by the company, the Essenza SCV12 is likely based loosely on the Aventador SVJ, with a bespoke body and heavily revised mechanicals transforming it into a track-only monster.
“Essenza SCV12 represents the purest track driving experience that our brand can offer, an engineering feat that highlights the inextricable link between our cars and the asphalt of the track,” said Stefano Domenicali, CEO and chairman of Lamborghini.
“Lamborghini is a brand constantly looking to the future and searching for new challenges, but we never forget our roots and who we are: Essenza SCV12 is the perfect combination of our unconventional spirit as a super sports car manufacturer and our true passion for motorsport.”
As noted earlier, the Essenza SCV12 delivers “over 830hp” (619kW), largely thanks to ‘aerodynamic supercharging’, while the track monster claims a power-to-weight ratio of 1.66hp/kg (1.24kW/kg) achieved with the help of a new carbon-fibre monocoque chassis without an internal roll cage. The Essenza SCV12 is the first GT car to be developed for FIA prototype safety rules.
That grunt is channelled through a new X-trac sequential six-speed gearbox to the rear wheels, with the transmission itself used as a structural element within the chassis – the push-rod rear suspension is installed directly on the gearbox.
Numerous other technical solutions inspired by racing prototypes have been employed, too. The exhaust pipes were designed to reduce back pressure, helping improve performance and contributing to the unique sound of the engine.
There’s also bespoke Pirelli slick tyres wrapped around 19-inch front and 20-inch rear magnesium wheels.
An array of aero bits contribute to downforce levels claimed to be higher than that of a GT3 race car, with Lamborghini claiming the SCV12 can produce 1200kg of downforce at 250km/h.
“The front hood has a double air intake with a central rib, typical of the Huracan racing cars, which separates the hot airflow coming from the radiator and conveys the cold air to the airscoop located on the roof,” Lamborghini says.
“The front features a splitter and two lateral elements; on the sides, the flows for engine and gearbox cooling have been optimised through the use of vertical fins situated on the side sills. The aerodynamic package is completed by the large adjustable double-profile rear wing.”
Moving away from the aerodynamic and technical details, the Essenza SCV12 wears a bespoke body developed by Lamborghini Centro Stile – the company’s designated design house for its racing cars.
The Essenza SCV12 combines elements of the company’s past and present, with lines inspired by 1970s prototypes married with typical Lamborghini DNA, like the hexagonal insert between the headlights, and the ‘Y’ motifs scattered throughout the exterior livery and the cockpit.
Ahead of the driver is a multifunctions steering wheel with display, inspired by those used in Formula One. There’s also an FIA-homologated OMP seat with carbon shell, which the company says “embraces the driver to ensure comfort, safety and stability”.
The 40 very lucky Essenza SCV12 customers will become part of an “exclusive club” giving them access to programs that will allow them to drive their hypercar on some of the most iconic race tracks around the world.
Part of this program includes a storage service for the vehicles, in a new hangar built in Sant’Agata Bolognese. Each car will have a personalised garage and dedicated services, including 24-hour surveillance via a smartphone app.
The facility is also home to the ‘Lamborghini Squadra Corse Drivers Lab’ run by Tecnobody, offering athletic training programs to customers similar to those followed by Lamborghini’s professional racing drivers.
Customers will be able to take part in these programs from 2021 (assuming COVID-19 travel restrictions are lifted), with “arrive and drive” events held at various FIA Grade 1 circuits.
Assistance at these events will be provided by the Squadra Corse technical staff, as well as Emanuele Pirro – five-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner – and Marco Mapelli, Lamborghini Squadra Corse factory driver.
Lamborghini Essenza SCV12, Ferrari FXX-K, McLaren P1 GTR, or an Aston Martin Vulcan? Tell us in the comments below!
