Literally after Lamborghini’s chief technical officer Maurizio Reggiani said “hybrid is everything,” the Sant’Agata company went on to reveal the Lamborghini Sián, a limited edition sports car with a 12-cylinder hybrid engine. Just 63 units of the Sián – meaning ‘flash or lightning’ in Bolognese dialect – will be made, all of which have been snapped up, of course.
Now, the automaker has yet to reveal the V12’s displacement (likely the existing 6.5 litre block), but the bigger news is the integration of a 48-volt electric motor into the gearbox. Instead of a lithium-ion battery, the e-motor is juiced by a supercapacitor, a tech that was pioneered originally for the Aventador.
Here, the supercapacitor has been developed to store 10 times the power, and is located in the bulkhead between the cockpit and engine for optimal weight distribution. In total, the whole electric system weighs 34 kg, and the electric motor produces 34 hp. That’s enough to support low-speed driving functions such as reversing and parking in pure electric mode, too.
Primary propulsion comes from the V12 engine with titanium intake valves, making 785 hp at 8,500 rpm. That alone is the highest output ever from a Lamborghini engine, even more than what the Aventador SVJ makes. Combined with the 34 hp from the hybrid system, the Sián delivers a total of 819 hp, boasting a better power-to-weight ratio than the Aventador SVJ.
Key performance figures include a zero to 100 km/h sprint time of less than 2.8 seconds, as well as a top speed of over 350 km/h. This makes it the fastest-accelerating Lamborghini, ever. Also incorporated is an advanced regenerative braking system, which is said to fully charge the supercapacitor every time the vehicle brakes.
The stored energy allows instant power boost on demand, enabling the driver accelerate with increased torque at speeds of up to 130 km/h. After that, the electric motor automatically disconnects, improving elasticity and making it over 10% faster than a car without this system. This is also the reason for the Sián’s rocketing century sprint time.
Design-wise, the Sián embodies an amalgamation of styling inspiration taken from the Countach (Gandini line on the sides and bonnet design), Aventador (windscreen, A-pillars and roof), and Terzo Millennio (Y-shaped headlights). The front apron features an integrated carbon-fibre splitter, whereas the rear incorporates a hexagonal design that typifies all Lamborghini cars, including six hexagonal LED taillights inspired by the Countach.
There is an integrated rear wing that sits flush with the body, but only extends upwards during driving to provide extra stability via downforce. There is also a ‘Periscopio’ tunnel that channels air towards the slats of the rear engine cover, and back towards the tail.
Other exterior features include patented active cooling vanes on the rear, which works by the reaction of smart-material elements to the temperature generated by the exhaust system, causing them to rotate, thus providing a lightweight cooling solution. Extreme is the word Lamborghini used to describe the Sián’s exterior design and its functions, and we cannot agree more.
This very model pictured here is finished in Verda Gea (green) with Pro Electrum (electric gold) details, and will make its global debut at the upcoming Frankfurt show. The painting process took multiple layers of colours containing golden flakes and crystals, an exquisite theme which trickles into the cabin.
The interior features specially-developed 3D-printed parts for the first time, complete with aniline leather upholstery in ‘Terra di Sant’Agata Bolognese’ colour. The cockpit design is new, with generous use of carbon-fibre, contrast cross-stitching, a fully digital instrument cluster, a vertically-mounted infotainment screen, as well as a plaque indicating its production number.
As goes without saying, all 63 units of the Lamborghini Sián will be individually customised by each owner through Lamborghini Centro Stile in conjunction with Lamborghini Ad Personam. So, what do you guys think of this hybrid Lamborghini?
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