Lamborghini’s new V-12 is a 1001-hp three-motor plug-in hybrid

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Lamborghini announces a new hybrid 6.5-liter V-12 powertrain that delivers up to 1001 horsepower. It features three electric motors, two at the front and one integrated into a new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission designed by Lamborghini. the car will be shown — and its name revealed — later this month.

We can’t yet show you what the Lamborghini Aventador replacement looks like, or tell you its name: the company refers to it exclusively by the internal code, LB744. But we can share details about its stunning new plug-in hybrid powertrain.

The good news is the continued existence of a naturally aspirated V-12 engine, which has been central to the appeal of the company’s more expensive models since its founding. The new 6.5-litre L545 engine is effectively a heavy evolution of the one that powered the Aventador, but with more power, more revs, less weight and a compression ratio raised to 12.6:1. Lamborghini says the new engine’s mass of 481 pounds makes it 37 pounds lighter than the Aventador’s V-12, while its output has increased to 814 horsepower delivered at 9250 rpm, with the rev limiter not calling the throttle. time up to 9500 rpm. It also makes a peak 535 lb-ft of torque at 6750 rpm. But while the Aventador’s V-12 sent power to a single-clutch gearbox positioned ahead of it, the new engine was flipped 180 degrees, with the power passing through a new Lamborghini-designed eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. transversely mounted Behind.

Lamborghinis

But this V-12 is only part of the new powerplant, being assisted by no fewer than three electric motors. Up front, a pair of axial flux motors power each wheel separately, enabling torque vectoring. There is no mechanical connection from the engine to the front axle; the LB744’s all-wheel drive system is always partially electric.

At the rear, a third motor is incorporated into the transmission, which thanks to an ingenious clutch mechanism can alternate between the function of starter and generator or add power to the rear axle. Each motor can deliver up to 148 horsepower, though the combined peak is always less than three times that due to the current flow supported by the battery. Maximum combined power is quoted as an impressive 1001 horsepower, slightly more than that of the Ferrari SF90 Stradale.

The electrical charge is stored in a compact 3.8kWh battery pack which is located in what previously would have been considered the transmission tunnel within the cabin, allowing for a low seating position on either side. Lamborghini has not issued a weight claim for the battery, but for reference the claimed capacity is far lower than the corresponding figures for the Ferrari 296GTB and SF90, and also the McLaren Artura, suggesting that the Lambos should be lighter and provide less electric kilometres. We have weight data for the front motors—41 pounds—and the dual-clutch transmission, which is 425 pounds including the weight of the all-wheel electric motor.

Lamborghinis

When low, the battery can be recharged from an outlet, via regenerative braking using the front motors, or with the V-12 acting as a generator. The latter is claimed to completely fill the packet in just six minutes. Therefore, it should be possible to quickly return to full strength when driving on the track. Lamborghini also says the new DCT gearbox will support a “continuous downshift” function, by holding down the left stick while progressively decelerating and selecting the lowest possible gear as speed decreases.

Lamborghini promises to release more technical details of the new car before the final version is formally unveiled later this month. We will keep you updated.

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Mike Duff has been writing about the automotive industry for two decades and calls the UK home, even though he normally lives life on the road. He loves classic cars and adventure in unlikely places, with career highlights like driving to Chernobyl in a Lada.

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