Lamborghini has unveiled some details about the LB744, code-named the first HPEV (High Performance Electrified Vehicle) plug-in hybrid super sports car. This vehicle is set to launch this year, commemorating Lamborghini’s 60th anniversary.
With the LB744, Lamborghini sets a new standard for both performance and driving pleasure. The newly developed architecture and powertrain produce over 1,000 horsepower, combining an entirely new 12-cylinder internal combustion engine with three electric motors. It also features a double-clutch gearbox, a first for Lamborghini’s 12-cylinder models.
This vehicle showcases an unprecedented layout. A newly developed naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine is mounted midship, complemented by three electric motors, with one motor integrated into the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, positioned horizontally behind the engine. The space that previously housed the transmission tunnel since the Countach is now occupied by a lithium-ion battery designed to power the electric motors.
The electric motors enhance output at low RPMs, and the LB744 can be powered solely by the electric motors. As a result, the LB744’s carbon dioxide emissions are reduced by 30% compared to the Aventador Ultimae.
Lamborghini has established itself as synonymous with V12 engines since debuting the 350GT in 1963. The introduction of the Sián in 2019 marked the first attempt to combine a V12 internal combustion engine with electric motors. The 25 kW electric motor in the Sián stored electrical energy in a supercapacitor, aiding the V12 engine.
In contrast, the LB744 introduces a new genre of HPEV (High Performance Electrified Vehicle) with its unprecedented hybrid architecture and new V12 engine. As a plug-in hybrid super sports car, it places a lightweight high-performance lithium-ion battery in the transmission tunnel at the center of the chassis. This innovative design enhances performance while reducing emissions.
The new engine has a displacement of 6.5 liters, making it the lightest and most powerful 12-cylinder engine Lamborghini has ever built. Weighing in at 218 kg, it is 17 kg lighter than the Aventador’s engine.
The layout of LB744’s new V12 engine is rotated 180 degrees compared to the Aventador, delivering a maximum power output of 825 horsepower at 9,250 rpm. Thanks to improvements in the distribution system, the maximum engine speed has also been raised to 9,500 rpm. The output per liter is 128 CV/L, the highest in Lamborghini’s 12-cylinder engine history. The maximum torque reaches 725 Nm at 6,750 rpm.
By modifying the air intake ducts that supply air to the cylinders, the amount of air delivered to the cylinders has increased while optimizing airflow within the combustion chamber. At the same time, the combustion process has been optimized through the ionization control feature tested and proven in the Aventador’s combustion chamber. This new combustion system allows the LB744 to achieve a compression ratio of 12.6:1, demonstrating higher efficiency than the Aventador Ultimae (11.8:1). The fluid dynamics of the exhaust system have been improved to reduce back pressure at high RPM, preventing power loss.
The signature Lamborghini engine sound has been refined for even more appeal. The emotional sound that is instantly recognizable upon startup has been enriched, providing a pleasurable experience at low RPMs, while producing a natural crescendo sound characteristic of naturally aspirated engines as the RPM increases.
The LB744 inherits one of Lamborghini’s core traditions: the all-wheel-drive system. The V12 engine powers the rear wheels, while two electric motors supply power to each front wheel. The third electric motor, integrated with the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, can provide additional power to the rear wheels depending on the selected driving mode and circumstances.
The torque generated by the combination of the V12 engine and the three electric motors showcases an extraordinarily powerful level compared to other super sports cars. The engine produces 725 Nm of torque, while the two front motors each yield 350 Nm, combining for a maximum output of 1,105 horsepower.
The two front electric motors boast an impressive power-to-weight ratio, generating up to 110 kW at just 18.5 kg. They not only supply power to the front wheels but also perform torque vectoring functions, optimizing driving dynamics. In electric mode, the LB744 runs in front-wheel drive to enhance energy efficiency, with the rear wheels activated only when necessary.
Contact: 이상진 daedusj@autodiary.kr