Lambo’s next will be a V12 PHEV with monstrous power
Code-named LB744 it will be revealed this year
Lamborghini knows that the days of the naturally aspirated screaming V12 are numbered. But instead of going small-displacement turbo like that other Italian brand, the raging bull is bolting on electric power to its heart and soul.
This is our first look at what Lamborghini is calling the High Performance Electrified Vehicle. A hybrid supercar, code-named LB744. More importantly, this is the first time that Lamborghini is giving us details about the new powertrain.
LB744 starts with a lighter and more powerful 6.5L V12 mounted in the middle of the car. From there, Lamborghini has added three electric motors. Two in the front and one integrated into a brand-new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. That transmission is mounted sideways, and for the first time, it will be mounted behind the gas engine.
The gas engine is a whopping 17 kilos lighter than the one in the Aventador. It makes 817 hp and 535 lb-ft of torque. A higher compression ratio, new intake and exhaust, and significant other changes set this engine apart from the 6.5L that came before it.
Torque from the gas engine is more than doubled by the electric motors. The two in the front each make 258 lb-ft, while the one in the rear makes 111. Total power output is a hair over 1,000 hp, which should make this the quickest Lamborghini yet.
The new powertrain makes this new Lamborghini a PHEV. It will have a 3.8 kWh battery pack in the old transmission tunnel, giving it an electric range of 10 km. Ok, not impressive, but enough to exempt it from congestion charges in plenty of places.
When running electric, the Lamborghini will be front-wheel drive. Though the rear motor can supply some power on-demand if needed. Most of the time, the rear motor will be used to charge the battery.
The rest of the LB744 will be revealed later this year. We can’t wait to see the first “low-emissions” electrified Lamborghini.
