19 Nov 07
Although the Reventon looks like it's jumped the fence from the future and landed in present day reality, beneath the flashing lights and science fiction shape lies nothing more or less than a good old Murcielago LP640. And, to my mind at least, there's not a damn thing wrong with that. Lambo's perennial flagship is the last of a breed of ultra-impractical, wide, cramped and compromised machines that once ruled the supercar world.
You can trace its heritage and, indeed, its concept, straight back to the LP400 Countach of 1973. Flawed these cars may have been but you forgave them all that because they were also indescribably thrilling on the right road, a character trait that has been augmented and enhanced as it's been passed down the generations. The Reventon's V12 is an LP640 engine that's been tuned to provide 10 extra horsepower, it has a Murcielago chassis and transmission and, with it, Murcielago suspension and brakes. Yet you could have four Murcielagos for the price of one Reventon.
Best not think too hard about that because that's not what makes super-rich fork out a million euros for a car like this. Try not to think too hard about how much money Lamborghini will make out of each one (and they're all sold) and, most of all, definitely don't think about how many other cars, houses, boats and helicopters you could have for the price of one Reventon, because then it will seem entirely ludicrous. Besides, their owners will already have all these trappings and more besides.
Think of it, instead, as a flight of fancy, a piece of automotive haute couture if you will, and relax in the knowledge that while its owners are being asked to pay wildly more than it costs, they know what they're getting into and can easily afford it. Me? I'd have the Murcielago and the change, thanks.
