The next-generation Lamborghini flagship will feature a plug-in hybrid V12 producing almost 750kW.
Powertrain figures have been revealed for Lamborghini’s replacement for the Aventador. The next iteration of Santa Agata’s halo car will utilise plug-in hybrid technology – a first for the brand.
The new car might integrate a plug-in hybrid system, but Lamborghini has retained its most iconic engine layout in the shape of a 6.5-litre V12. The petrol engine itself produces 607kW and 725Nm of torque at 9250rpm with the rev limit sitting at a lofty 9500rpm. This means the new LB744 has the most powerful V12 in Lamborghini’s history, and that’s before we get to the additional power from the hybrid system.
The battery capacity stands at 3.8kWh and the battery itself sits between the occupants in what would traditionally be the transmission tunnel. The hybrid system includes three electric motors, two on the front axle and one on the rear, meaning the car’s four-wheel drive system powers the front wheels through electricity only. The three electric motors and the V12 combine for a total output of 1001bhp (746kW).
Lamborghini has fettled its traditional layout extensively in its new model. The V12 has been rotated 180 degrees so the eight-speed double-clutch transmission sits behind the engine for packaging purposes. The gear shift paddles can now activate ‘continuous downshifting’ by holding down the left paddle to drop multiple gears in one go.
Performance figures haven’t been revealed just yet, but with the extra power we expect a 0-100km/h time of around 2.5 seconds and a top speed over 349km/h.
Speaking to Automotive Daily, Chief Technical Officer Rouven Mohr said the powertrain allows for “increased bandwidth of driving character, whilst being our sharpest V12 ever. The sound has improved and the reactiveness.”
Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkleman added that while there are sustainability benefits to the new hybrid setup, “the main aim of this car is to use the battery as an accelerator of additional power. It gives you incredible power and also very good handling behaviour for a car of this weight, which is incredible.”
Those sustainability benefits can be seen in a 30 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to the Aventador Ultimae. The plug-in hybrid system can also power the car by itself – for an electric only range of around 10km (although this is still subject to WLTP testing). The battery recharge speed maxes out at 7kW, meaning a full recharge will take 30 minutes. Lamborghini says you can recharge the battery through brake regeneration in around 6 minutes, however.
The teaser images accompanying the release of these powertrain figures don’t give much away about the LB744’s design, but previous patent leaks have given us a good look at Lamborghini’s new car.
The Aventador’s successor will build on styling themes previewed by the limited-run Sian, with a large Y-shaped headlight signature and a sharply sculpted bonnet echoing that of the iconic Countach.
As with previous V12 Lamborghinis, the first iteration of the new model will be free of large splitters and fixed spoilers, with bewinged track-honed versions expected later in its lifecycle. Still, a scalloped area behind the front wheels will extract air from the arches to reduce lift, and gaping side vents will feed air to the mid-mounted engine.
The Y-shaped theme continues with the tail lights, which flank a pair of enormous hexagonal exhaust tips. These are mounted just below the rear deck to free up space for a larger diffuser, which will work in tandem with an active rear wing to provide stability at speed.
Speaking of his experience in prototype versions of the car, Mohr suggested the hybrid system will mean drivers can blend typical supercar thrills with the serenity of electric motoring. “It’s an extremely cool feature if you drive with this emotional high-revving sound, [then arrive at] the village, switch off, then silence. And then, in ‘stealth mode’ you run out, and then after you exit again: BAAAH! Full power!”
The car won’t break cover until the end of Q1 2023, Winkleman noted, and yet, Lamborghini has already taken 3000 pre-orders.
Lamborghini plans on going all-in on its electrification strategy, aiming to have at least a hybrid powertrain in all of its vehicles by 2024. By 2028, we’re also due to see the brand’s first pure-electric vehicle.