Lambo Aventador Too Powerful for Rear-Drive Configuration

Volkswagen AG’s Lamborghini unit plans to stick with an all-wheel-drive-only layout for its next-generation Aventador supercar. The company, which is launching a rear-wheel-drive version of its new Huracan LP 580-2 coupe, says the Aventador is too powerful for a rwd setup.

The Aventador’s 6.5-liter V-12 engine generates 691 hp and 509 lb-ft of torque. The awd version of the Huracan’s 5.3-liter V-10 makes 601 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, which is detuned to a relatively sedate 571 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque in rwd applications.

After running computer simulations of the Aventador, Lamborghini reasoned it will take four wheels to harness the car’s extra oomph.

The company hasn’t said whether its upcoming Urus crossover model, which will replace the LM002 in 2018, will include a rwd option. The company has previously touted the midsize model’s off-road capabilities.