Why is Lamborghini betting on a hybrid engine for its new Aventador?

Lamborghini is investing in new technologies for its next Aventador. Electrification is increasingly present, including among supercars.

Lamborghini is one of the few carmakers still producing twelve-cylinder engines without artificial assistance. However, statements from senior executives at the company have already warned that this situation has an expiry date, and that betting on new technologies is a reality.

Maurizio Reggiani, at the Monterey Car Week last week, confirmed that the new Aventador SVJ, the successor to the current supercar, will retain many classic traits but will be assisted by hybrid technology.

In Reggiani’s words: “The successor to the Aventador will have a V-12 engine. We could add a hybrid or electric option to comply with consumption and emissions rules. We may achieve a performance gain thanks to hybrid technology, which will mimic the response of turbos. When I have an energy tank, I want to use whatever is best for homologation. Once you meet that requirement, the surplus energy can be used to improve performance.”

The chief engineer at Sant’Agata went further, practically confirming that the next model will have some electric assistance. Using the existing Anima selector, Strada mode will disconnect electronic assistance, possibly being used solely as a means of propulsion via its battery, especially for city use.

Sport mode will implement hybrid assistance to give even more support to torque. Corsa mode will follow the same line, making the most of the combustion engine when it comes to power delivery.

This is a different approach from the one the Italian manufacturer used for its new crossover, the Lamborghini Urus, which features a twin-turbo V8 engine. As Reggiani himself stated: “If you want to move a car that weighs 2.2 tonnes, you need an engine capable of generating a great deal of torque at 1,500 rpm. Only a turbo can give you this kind of performance. The decision to use a turbo was based on the goals of the model itself. Supercars don’t have to pursue this kind of purpose.”