![The Lamborghini Revuelto is powerful, but does it need to go on a diet? [Car English vol.07]](https://wheelfeed.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/1497-1761185163536.jpg)
This series delves deeper into the appeal of the latest models while learning about the unique expressions used in overseas automotive media. In this seventh installment, we will explain the English expressions that appear in test drive reports of Lamborghini’s latest flagship model, the Revuelto. The study material was based on impressions of the Revuelto, test driven at the Vianne Circuit in France by Walid Bouarab, editor-in-chief of the French edition of “Top Gear” magazine, and others.
Learning from the English expression “speaks volumes”: The power of the V12 is eloquently expressed in numbers
Revuelto’s overwhelming power allows him to cover one kilometer in just 18 seconds.
The Revuelto is a plug-in hybrid with a 6.5-liter V12 engine and two electric motors driving the front wheels. Lamborghini claims the system has a combined maximum output of 1015 PS and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.5 seconds. The actual acceleration test time was 2.6 seconds, which is considered an excellent time considering the battery charge, tire temperature, and launch control intervals.
Regarding the acceleration after reaching 100 km/h, in English it is described as follows: “Crossing the kilometer mark in barely 18 seconds speaks volumes about the iron health of this V12.”
The literal translation of the phrase “speak volumes” used here is “to speak a lot.” In other words, it means “to speak very eloquently about something,” “to make a strong impression,” or “to clearly show.” In this context, it means “The fact that it covered 1 kilometer in just 18 seconds clearly demonstrates the power of this V12 (engine).” In Japanese, it would be natural to translate it as “… clearly demonstrates its greatness” or “… speaks eloquently.”
This expression is often used in news articles and reviews, and it may be helpful to remember that it “speaks volumes” means “to make something very clear.”
English humorous expression “let itself go on the scales”: a satire on the Revuelto’s weight
With a vehicle weight of nearly 2 tons, the car is forced to slow down when cornering in order to reach the apex.
The Revuelto’s power unit has been highly praised for its power and the smoothness of its 8-speed DCT. However, there have been harsh comments about its handling. This is largely due to the car’s weight, which is nearly 2 tons in actual measurements, and it is said that the car needs to reduce speed significantly to clear the apex of corners. Regarding the weight, a slightly humorous expression has been used: “As long as a German road car (4.95 m), as wide as a utility vehicle (2.03 m excluding mirrors) and loaded with technology, the Revuelto has let itself go on the scales.”
A literal translation of “the Revuelto has let itself go on the scales” would be “The Revuelto let himself go on the scales,” which doesn’t make sense. This expression is used to mean “he has gained weight,” or in other words, he has become fat. If you say to someone, “He has let himself go,” it means “he has gained weight because he stopped caring about his figure.”
Here, the same image is applied to the Revuelto, humorously expressing the weight increase that has come with the incorporation of various technologies, including hybridization. Translated into natural Japanese, it would be, “The Revuelto, with a length (4.95m) comparable to a German road car, a width (2.03m) comparable to a commercial vehicle, and packed with the latest technology, has also gained weight.”
The idiom “get your bearings”: an English expression that conveys the feeling of knowing what’s going on
The interior is mechanical, typical of Lamborghini, but it seems easy to use once you get used to it.
In the section introducing the interior, the phrase “get your bearings” is used: “Once you get your bearings, the ergonomics are ultimately well thought out.”
This means that “(at first, you may be confused by the controls, but once you get used to them,) the design is well thought out.” In this case, bearing refers to the “direction” shown on a compass or map, so “The ship changed its bearing to avoid the storm.” means “The ship changed its course to avoid the storm.”
The phrase “get your bearings” is derived from the meaning of “checking your position and direction” and is used as a metaphorical expression to mean “understanding the situation you are in” or “understanding how things work.” In this context, it would be natural to translate it as “once you get used to it.”
Even in everyday conversation, the phrase “get your bearings in a new job” is sometimes used, meaning “get to know how to do a new job.” It’s a useful idiom to remember. Incidentally, the origins of both the “bearings” used in machinery and the word “bearing,” which expresses a sense of direction, come from the word “bear,” which means to support, carry, or endure.
