Lamborghini SC18 Alston: A 778-Horsepower, Squadra Corse-Built Speed Demon

The outrageous-looking SC18 Alston is a road-legal but track-focused variant of the Aventador that boasts only 109 mm of ground clearance and aero bits that were designed with intelligence derived from the Huracan GT3 Evo racing program. Much of the SC18's bodywork is inspired by the GT3 car such as its fenders, sundry fins, and adjustable carbon fiber rear wing. The SC18's engine cover alone features 12 intakes—whose value has been demonstrated via endurance racing—for cooling's sake.

Like the Aventador on which it's based, the SC18 has a 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 and a seven-speed transmission that's operated via steering column-mounted paddles. The SC18's V12 gets a unique exhaust to alter its sound and make easier its output of 770 horsepower at 8,500 rpm, and 531 pound-feet of torque at 6,750 rpm.

Power flows downstream through the Aventador's all-wheel-drive system, and through motorsport-style, single-lug, center-lock alloy wheels that measure 20 inches in the front and 21 at the rear. The circular art bears Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires for maximum track attack capability aided by the onboard telemetry system that the SC18's owner can study in order to improve lap times between track sessions.

The most important quality of the SC18 Alston isn't the car itself, but what it could mean for Lamborghini's next V12 flagship supercar. Lamborghini tends to derive the styling of its range-topping V12 models from the special editions of its predecessor, meaning the SC18 Alston or its Centenario sister could be the basis for the upcoming Aventador replacement.

All we know about the next V12 Lamborghini is that it is said to have a hybrid, but still naturally aspirated V12 that could make as much as 1,172 horsepower, which would put it firmly in hypercar territory. Word is that car isn't due to arrive until 2022, so we have plenty of time to enjoy the gasoline-only Aventador.