Lamborghini bids farewell to its V12 with pair of one-off supercars

Updated: 06 February 2023

► Invencible coupe and Auténtica roadster unveiled
► Swansong for Lambo’s naturally aspirated V12
► Both produce 769bhp and 531lb/ft of torque

Lamborghini has pulled the wraps off a pair of unique supercars called the Invencible (coupe) and the Auténtica (roadster). They’re the last dance for the company’s naturally aspirated V12 engine before the firm enters its era of electrification with a new V12 hybrid supercar.

Both cars are powered by the same 6.5-litre V12 engine you’ll find in the Aventador Ultimae – and output remains identical at 769bhp and 531lb/ft of torque. The unit is hitched the same seven-speed gearbox and four-wheel drive system as the Ultimae, too.

Lamborghini Invencible (2023): rear three quarter static, red paint

Lamborghini hasn’t quoted 0–62mph times or top speeds for the two cars but, considering how mechanically similar they are to the Aventador Ultimae, we expect they’ll be comparable. For reference, the Ultimae can sprint from 0–62mph in 2.8 seconds and hit a top speed of 220mph.

The Invencible and Auténtica also feature four-wheel steering, which was introduced in 2016 on the Aventador S. At low speeds, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the fronts, effectively shortening the car’s wheelbase and tightening its turning circle. At high speeds, all four wheels turn in the same direction for better high-speed stability.

Lamborghini Authentica (2023): front three quarter static, grey and yellow paint

Stephan Winkelmann, Lamborghini’s CEO and Chairman, 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 hybridization 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 personalization.”

What about that mad styling, though?

The Lamborghini Invencible and Auténtica were penned by Lamborghini Centro Stile (the firm’s in-house design department). To flaunt the new cars’ pedigree, the designers incorporated elements of Lamborghini’s more recent special edition vehicles into their styling.

Both new supercars share the same carbon fibre monocoque as the Aventador, but their carbon fibre bodywork and large rear wing are carry-overs from the Sesto Elemento. The aggressive styling, meanwhile, features elements from cars like the Reventón, Veneno and Essenza SCV12.

Lamborghini Authentica (2023): rear three quarter static on racetrack, grey and yellow paint

There’s a key design theme running throughout both cars’ bodies – the hexagon. Their front and rear lights feature them, the louvres on their engine cover feature them and both of their exhaust systems are finished in a trio of them.

Inside, both cars are quite minimalist. There’s no fancy infotainment system and very little in the way of switchgear. The main eye-catcher on the dashboard is a pair of 3D-printed hexagonal air vents, which echo the design of the cars’ exhaust tips. Lamborghini says this spartan design choice will help to keep the focus on driving.

Mitja Borkert, Lamborghini’s Head of Design, commented on the cars’ styling. “We have created two one-off cars with their own unique character, inspired by track days and the high-octane circuit environment,” he said. “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.”

Lamborghini Invencible (2023): dashboard and steering wheel

By Luke Wilkinson

Deputy Editor of Parkers. Unhealthy obsession with classic Minis and old Alfas. Impenetrable Cumbrian accent

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