Lamborghini working on all-new electrified V12 engine

Having ended one V12 era with the Aventador Ultimae, Lamborghini is getting ready to start another.

The Raging Bull is working on a clean-sheet V12 for its next-generation flagship complete with some of electrical assistance, according to an Autobloginterview with Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann.

Contrary to what we might have expected, the new V12 won’t share anything with the supercapacitor-backed engine from the Sian.

“The technology is different, it’s a completely new engine, a completely new drivetrain, a new battery, everything is completely new,” Mr Winkelmann told Autoblog.

“There’s nothing out of the Sián or out of the Aventador,” he said.

Mr Winkelmann says the new V12 won’t use forced induction, but will definitely need some form of electrical assistance to meet modern emissions standards.

If it won’t use a supercapacitor, it’s not clear exactly what sort of battery backing the next Lamborghini flagship will feature.

Aston Martin, Ferrari, and McLaren have all turned to plug-in hybrid systems for their next-generation supercars.

All of them are also, however, using smaller engines than a V12. Ferrari offers a plug-in hybrid V6 and V8, McLaren uses a V6, and Aston Martin uses a V8.

Electrification is a big step away from what we know of Lamborghini. The rest of its flagship should stick closer to its recent formula.

Expect to see four-wheel drive, active aerodynamics, and plenty of carbon fibre feature.

Lamborghini also hasn’t committed the naturally-aspirated V12 engine to death completely. One-off special editions and ultra-limited creations could still have a variation of the Aventador’s engine.

“For homologated cars, it’s a no. For the others, we will see. It’s not planned so far, but there could be an opportunity,” Mr Winkelmann told Autoblog.

The end of the V12 era closes a chapter started by the 350GT at Lamborghini.

The first Lamborghini V12 was designed by Giotto Bizzarrini, and debuted in 3.5-litre guise beneath the shapely body of the 350GT.

It was evolved through the life of the 400GT, Miura, Countach, Diablo, and Murcielago, to the point where it displaced 6.5 litres and 493kW and 660Nm.

A new engine debuted in the Aventador, and is now being retired.