It has been less than five months since Automobili Lamborghini unveiled the Essenza SCV12 with 820 hp, the most powerful production model to date, and yet today the Sant’Agata Bolognese team released another bull, the topless Lamborghini SC20. Like the Essenza, the SC20 was developed in conjunction with the Italian brand’s motorsport division Squadra Corse, but differs from its 40-model-run stable mate in that this roadster is a one-time customer.
Although intended for the track, the machine is street legal and has Lambo’s top-of-the-line engine, the same naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V-12 as the Essenza, although detuned to deliver 759 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 531 ft-lbs of torque at 6,750 rpm. The power plant is mated to the automaker’s seven-speed Independent Shifting Rod (ISR) transmission, which is claimed to shift within 50 milliseconds; performance measurements such as top speed and acceleration speed have yet to be released.
The one-off Lamborghini SC20.
Photo: Courtesy of Automobili Lamborghini SpA
In terms of shape, the all-wheel drive SC20 shares the same DNA as the 1999 Diablo VT, the 2005 Concept S (invented by Luc Donckerwolke, now with Genesis), the 2012 Aventador J and the 2014 Veneno Roadster. And its exclusivity echoes that of Squadra Corse’s first unique customer vehicle, the 2018 Lamborghini SC18 Alston (which itself was based on the Aventador SVJ).
The road-legal SC20 is powered by a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V-12.
Photo by Philipp Rupprecht, courtesy of Automobili Lamborghini SpA
Styled by Mitja Borkert and his colleagues from Lamborghini’s Centro Stile design department, the car uses carbon fiber for the monocoque chassis and body, and features a distinctive front splitter plus elongated nostril-like air intakes on the hood – similar to those on the Huracán GT3 Evo – and a carbon fiber rear wing that offers three configurations for different levels of downforce.
The SC20 is a homeless study in aerodynamics.
Photo by Philipp Rupprecht, courtesy of Automobili Lamborghini SpA
The car’s wrinkled and angular aesthetic, almost origami in nature, is further underscored by the brand’s white Bianco Fu hue with Blu Cepheus accents for the exterior. The interior wears the same blue trim set against a selection of blacks known as Nero Cosmos.
Carbon fiber, Alcantara and leather adorn the SC20 cockpit.
Photo by Philipp Rupprecht, courtesy of Automobili Lamborghini SpA
But one of the most striking elements of the SC20, both visually and technically, is the lack of a windshield – a testament to the airflow management incorporated into the cockpit’s design – reminiscent of the McLaren Elva, the Ferrari Monza. SP1 and SP2, and the Aston Martin V12 Speedster. We may be in the dark days of winter, but the SC20 is the last reminder that the sun will shine again.