The Supercar That Sold Out Instantly Returns as an RC Car

DeAgostini is well-known in Japan for its part-work magazines, where readers assemble items from parts included with each issue.
The company has now obtained a Lamborghini license and launched a series that, when completed, results in a 1:10 scale radio-controlled car of the Lamborghini Reventon.

The actual Lamborghini Reventon, released in 2007 as a limited edition of 20 units for €1 million (approximately ¥160 million at the time), was an instant sell-out. It features a CFC (carbon fiber composite) body and a 6.5-liter V12 engine producing 650 horsepower.

The highlights of this RC car version include a 3cc two-stroke gasoline engine, a two-speed transmission, and a four-wheel-drive system – features that rival the real car. It is also equipped with hydraulic damper independent suspension and disc brakes.

This series is planned to comprise 65 issues. The first issue is priced at €2.99 (approx. ¥320), with subsequent issues at €7.99 (approx. ¥850). Issues are released bi-weekly until number 13, after which they become weekly. A simple calculation suggests the total completion time will be about a year and a half, costing approximately ¥55,000. While a Japanese release has not yet been announced, it is sure to capture the interest of many.


BRAND HISTORY
As Italy's premier sports car manufacturer, Lamborghini is often compared to Ferrari. This is entirely natural, as Lamborghini's very origin lies in the ambition to surpass Ferrari.

Ferruccio Lamborghini founded Automobili Lamborghini in 1963, at the age of 47. After amassing wealth through his tractor and air conditioning businesses post-World War II, he owned numerous sports cars but found none entirely satisfactory. Even Ferrari failed to impress him. Legend has it that when he complained to Enzo Ferrari, he was dismissively told to "go back to driving tractors." This spurred Ferruccio to establish his own brand with the explicit goal of defeating Ferrari.

Lamborghini wasted no time, unveiling the advanced V12-powered "350GTV" with its beautiful body at the 1963 Turin Motor Show. The production version, the "350GT," followed the next year. Subsequent iconic models like the "Miura" and "Countach" were released. However, due to setbacks in the tractor business and the impact of the oil crisis, the sports car maker bearing his name eventually changed hands.

Despite several changes in ownership over the years, Lamborghini has experienced steady growth since coming under the Audi umbrella in 1998. Its current lineup includes the V12-powered "Murciélago" and the V10 "Gallardo."