Happenings

Lamborghini reveals information on plug-in hybrid Aventador replacement

BY Sean Loo

The time has come to retire Lamborghini’s legendary combustion V12 engine, and the Italian marque has revealed fresh details on its replacement.

The new drivetrain is set to feature in its next plug-in hybrid replacement after the Aventador. Aside from the fact that it will be the marque's first plug-in hybrid, the main highlight statistic of the model, codenamed LB744, is the fact that it will get an output in excess of 1,000bhp.

What’s more, the LB744 is the first supercar to be fitted with a 100% carbon fibre front structure. Carbon fibre is also used for the front cone structures to ensure added safety, plus a substantial reduction in weight.

This car will also be different from the Lamborghini Sian, which pioneered the use of electric power in any raging bull courtesy of supercapacitors. The LB744 would instead be run with lithium-ion batteries.

All this power will supposedly come from a new, naturally aspirated 6.5-litre 12-cylinder engine. This new engine is a featherweight at just 218 kg, a good 17 kg lighter than the unit in the Aventador. Even with its lightness, it can still churn out a healthy 814 bhp and a peak torque of 725 Nm.

Running all this power to the wheels will be a new 8-speed DCT gearbox, positioned transversely and behind the combustion engine. This would allow space for the batteries to be embedded within the 'transmission tunnel' of the new car.

The double-clutch gearbox is rumoured to be extremely compact - just 560mm long, 750mm wide and 580mm high - thanks to the use of two distinct shafts instead of a traditional three layout. This compact design has allowed the car's wheelbase to be shorter, benefitting effective weight distribution.

Curiously, this gearbox also houses the first of three electric motors. This motor spits out the equivalent of 148 bhp and 150 Nm, and will double as the starter motor and generator. It will also supply power to the rear wheels when the car is in EV mode.

The other two electric motors will remain at the front axle, each supplying power to one of the front wheels. Similar to the one in the gearbox, these oil-cooled axial flux units can deliver 148 bhp each, allowing the car to recuperate energy when braking.

All electrical energy will be contained within a 3.8kWh battery that measures 1,550mm long, 301mm high, and 240mm wide. Even though the proposed charging sped is only 7kW, Lamborghini did state that the battery can be charged via the V12 engine as well, a process that will take just six minutes. A handy generator, when you need it.

This new Lamborghini model is expected to launch later this year, just in time for the marque’s 60th anniversary.