Invencible, Autentica mark end of Lambo LP V12

AS SUPERCAR brand Lamborghini transitions to its first hybrid models, the company is marking the end to its iconic, naturally aspirated V12 internal combustion engine with two one-offs, the Invencible coupe and Autentica roadster.

The first hybrid Lambo is only a few weeks away but in the meantime, international attention is focused firmly on the pair of bespoke supercars that highlight the marque’s DNA.

Lamborghini says the Invencible and Autentica pay tribute to ‘masterpieces of Lamborghini design’ by drawing inspiration from a trio of Lambo’ classics: the Sesto Elemento which was an homage to lightness and motorsport characterised by a large rear wing, the Reventon with its almost over-the-top aeronautical style and the Veneno which was designed for aerodynamic ‘perfection’.

The dynamic duo are described as “the very last cars to be produced by Lamborghini equipped with a 6.5 litre V12 engine mounted longitudinally in the rear” before the VW-owned specialist supercar maker follows its parent down the electrification path.

In power and torque terms, neither Invencible nor Autentica misses out as their loud, characteristically howling engine is good for a stonking 573kW backed by an equally robust 720Nm of torque.

Each runs all-wheel drive through a seven-speed ICR automated manual gearbox, as well as Lamborghini’s Dynamic Steering system that controls all four wheels.

Both share the Aventador’s carbon-fibre monocoque along with full carbon bodywork that incorporates designs and technologies developed by Lamborghini’s motorsport efforts.

The frontal appearance is dominated by an imposing bonnet underscored by a pronounced front splitter complete with vertical struts designed to efficiently manage airflow.

Distinctive Lamborghini hexagon motifs are integrated into each car’s visual elements starting at the headlights and finishing with the tail lights.

Certain elements from classic Lamborghinis can be identified for example, the bonnet air intakes that are reminiscent of those on the Sesto Elemento.

Follow the cars back over their sleek skins and other head-nods are conspicuous such as the central triple exhaust with Inconel (high temperature aerospace steel) tips.

The interiors feature clean lines with dashboards verging on minimalism, enhanced by ‘hexagonal’ 3D-printed air vents and no instrumentation on the console. 

Lamborghini does this to underline the ‘lightness’ of the cabin and focus attention on driving enjoyment.

The cockpit is framed in carbon-fibre with a digital readout featuring dedicated graphics specific to each car.

Designers used an interplay between the Invencible coupe’s dominant red colour with splashes of carbon-fibre dusted with red flakes to define the muscular body shape.

Called Rosso Efesto, the bodywork is complemented by sills and door frames in carbon.

Behind the single nut, race-style wheels are six piston brake callipers (F) in Rosso Mars. carbon-fibre fairings channel cooling air to ventilate the brake assembly.

The Invencible and Autentica features Lamborghini’s classic scissor doors with highlights in green white and red – representing the Italian flag – a colour scheme echoed inside on the doors and the steering wheel.

Its red body colour is duplicated inside on the dash, gear selector and paddle-shifters along with contrasting leather and Alcantara elements plus custom embroidery. 

The Auténtica roadster is in a similar vein to the Invencible but with a grey colour scheme called Grigio Titans featuring details in matte black and a yellow Giallo Auge livery.

Yellow also features on the brake callipers and various aero elements such as the rear wing, front splitter and fins front and rear.

Where the Autentica differs markedly from its stablemate is in profile distinguished by two domes with integrated rollbars, a feature called ‘Capote Lids’, inspired by earlier open-topped race cars. 

The open-top interior receives a similar treatment as Invencible this time with yellow/grey colourings.

The two one-off cars were styled by Lamborghini Centro Stile.

Automobili Lamborghini chair and CEO Stephan Winkelmann said: “The V12 engine is one of the pillars of our history and our marque’s success.

“As we head towards embracing a new era of hybridisation at the heart of our Cor Tauri strategy, this is the Lamborghini way of celebrating the naturally aspirated V12 with two one-off vehicles that perfectly represent our concept of excellence in personalisation.”

Lamborghini head of design, Mitja Borkert said: “We have created two one-off cars with their own unique character, inspired by track days and the high-octane circuit environment.

“They are designed by Lamborghini Centro Stile, exerting maximum creativity on the V12 platform. These one-off designs draw on our unique design DNA while once again elevating our design heritage to a new level.”