Lamborghini has revealed the new Sián in its
entirety as the company’s first hybrid and most powerful supercar to date. The latest limited Lamborghini,
which is set to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, is based on the Aventador
platform, only it combines the naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 with a new
mild-hybrid system for a combined total output of 808 HP.
The system uses a 48-volt, 34 HP electric motor
that’s incorporated into the gearbox to provide immediate response and better
performance; Lamborghini says this direct connection between electric motor and
wheels is a first for a low-voltage hybrid. The electric motor itself also
supports low-speed maneuvering, enabling the Sián to execute reversing and
parking under electric power alone.
Another world first for the Sián’s hybrid powertrain
is the energy storage unit; instead of using a lithium-ion battery pack,
Lamborghini’s latest creation makes use of a supercapacitor, which is three
times more powerful than a battery of the same weight and three times lighter
too. The supercapacitor is mounted in the bulkhead between the cabin and the
engine for the optimal weight distribution.
Lamborghini says that the electric motor and
supercapacitor end up weighing just 34 kg, enabling the Sián to
achieve a weight-to-power ratio of 1.0 kg/hp (metric), which is better than
that of the Aventador SVJ.
The 6.5-liter V12 engine has also received new
intake valves made out of titanium, and is now rated at 774 HP. As
mentioned above, the combined output is rated at 808 HP, with
Lamborghini claiming a 0-100 km/h in less than 2.8 seconds and a top
speed of over 350 km/h.
The regenerative braking system, which has been
developed in-house by Lamborghini, takes advantage of the supercapacitor’s
symmetric behavior and fully charges it every time the supercar brakes; the
stored energy is instantly available to the driver as a power boost for speeds
up to 130 m/h. In-gear acceleration is also improved significantly,
with the new Lamborghini Sián being 1.2 seconds faster in a 70 to 120
km/h run compared to the Aventador SVJ.
Lamborghini will produce just 63 examples of the
Sián, honoring the foundation year of the brand. All the cars are already sold
out, with Lamborghini saying that each one will be individually styled
according to the owner’s tastes through the Ad Personam programme.
