Lamborghini has revealed the details of its first-ever HPEV (High-Performance Electrified Vehicle) hybrid supercar, codenamed LB744. The LB744 will be the Lamborghini Aventador successor and will make its debut in 2023 after the Italian marque celebrates its 60th anniversary.
The Italian carmaker has been using the V12 engines since the company was founded. The very first Lamborghini to feature the V12 engine was the iconic 350GT, which was launched in 1963. The first time an electric motor was combined with a 12-cylinder internal combustion engine in a Lamborghini was on the Sián in 2019, featuring a 25kW electric motor to support the V12, storing the electrical energy in a supercapacitor.
The LB744 debuts a revolutionary hybrid architecture and a new generation of V12. The supercar is being introduced as the World's first High-Performance Electrified Vehicle (HPEV). It's a creative concept made to maximise performance while minimising emissions compared to the previous V12 engine.
Technical Specifications of the Lamborghini LB744's hybrid V12 engine
The Lamborghini LB744 HPEV (High-Performance Electrified Vehicle) sets a new benchmark in terms of performance and driving pleasure and its plug-in hybrid V12 engine combined with three electric motors produces over 1,000 horsepower. It also gets a double-clutch gearbox that makes its debut on the LB744.Hybrid Powertrain of the Lamborghini LB744 supercar
The new LB744 is powered by the new L545 naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine that produces 825 horsepower and 725Nm of torque. The L545 engine on the LB744 is the lightest and most powerful 12-cylinder engine ever made by Lamborghini. It weighs just 218 kilograms, 17 kilograms less than the one fitted on the Aventador. The LB744 features the engine rotated through 180 degrees compared to the Aventador layout.The V12 engine is mated with three electric motors that produce 350Nm of torque. Also serving as a starter motor, one of the electric motors is integrated into the new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission that is mounted transversely. After Miura and the Essenza SCV12, LB744 is the third car to get the transversely positioned gearbox in the 60-year history of Lamborghini.
The transmission tunnel has been replaced with a 3.8kWh lithium-ion battery pack that powers the electric motors. The electric motors on the LB744 boost power delivery at low revs and can also power the car entirely, which reduces overall CO2 emissions by 30 per cent compared to the Aventador Ultimae.
For enhanced airflow and improved performance, the L545's combustion system and air intake ducts have been upgraded. The new engine has a higher compression ratio of 12.6:1, compared to 11.8:1 for the Aventador Ultimae. The exhaust has also been improved to decrease counter-pressure and boost power production at high rpm.
Other technical details of the Hybrid Supercar
The LB744 also retains Lamborghini's four-wheel drive system. The electric motors also have a torque vectoring function that optimises driving dynamics and recovers braking energy. The LB744 only has front-wheel drive in electric mode to reduce energy consumption, and when needed, it switches to rear-wheel drive.In the P3 position, the LB744 is capable of switching to an electric four-wheel drive mode. In this mode, the two front electric motors act as the reverse gear, while the rear electric motor can provide additional power to the back wheels and axle when needed. As a result, the new LB744 can drive all four wheels in zero-emission mode, even when reversing in slippery conditions.
The emotive and distinctive engine sound that distinguishes Lamborghini has received considerable consideration in the creation of the L545 engine. Particular attention has been paid to the ‘soundtrack’ of the new L545 engine to emphasize the tone of the engine, as Lambos have always been known for their uniquely emotional and unmistakable sound. The LB744's low engine revs provide a melodic tone that rises to a smooth and natural crescendo.
