Although limited to just 63 units, the new Lamborghini Sian is perhaps one of the most significant models released by the builder. Why?
This is your first hybrid , the first to add the power of electrons to the power of hydrocarbons, allowing the continued existence of the legendary V12, the engine that has defined Lamborghini since its inception.
The choice of the Sian name is clear—no taurine references. It is a word from the Bolognese dialect that means “flare” or “lightning”, alluding to its electrical component.
The message couldn't be clearer about the power of hybridization either. The Sian is the most powerful and fastest Lamborghini ever to come out of the Sant’Agata Bolognese manufacturer's stables.
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The combination of the 6.5 V12 with the electric motor, integrated in the gearbox, guarantees a total of 819 hp (602 kW), resulting in the lowest power-to-weight ratio of any Lamborghini to date (although unannounced). The brand advertises less than 2.8s to reach 100 km/h and more than 350 km/h of top speed.
Hybrid, no battery
Going into more detail on the Lamborghini Sian's unique powertrain, we come across the same V12 as the Aventador SVJ, but here with even more horsepower — 785 hp at 8500 rpm (770 hp in SVJ). The electric motor (48V) delivers just 34hp (25kW) — enough for the advertised power boost and to take control in low-speed maneuvers and replace reverse gear.
The benefits brought by the electric motor, despite only contributing with 34 hp, are naturally reflected in the benefits. Lamborghini declares better acceleration recovery (less than 1.2s than the SVJ between 70 km/h and 120 km/h, at a high ratio), more vigorous pure accelerations up to 130 km/h (the electric motor turns off from this speed), in addition to less abrupt ratio changes.
Lamborghini says that with this hybrid system, the Sian is 10% faster than it would be without this system.
Unlike other hybrids there is no battery to power the electric motor. This is powered by a supercondenser. , which allows charging and discharging much faster than a battery. Technology already used by Lamborghini in the Aventador, which powers the starter motor to power its immense V12, and also by Mazda in its i-ELOOP system.
In the case of Sian, the supercondenser used has 10 times the capacity of the one used on the Aventador. This is three times more powerful than a battery of identical weight, and three times lighter than a battery of equal strength. For better weight distribution, the supercondenser is located in front of the engine, between the engine and the cockpit.
The entire system, that is, the supercondenser and electric motor, add 34 kg, so when debiting 34 hp, the system achieves an optimal weight-to-power ratio of 1 kg/hp. To charge it, no cables of any kind are needed. The supercapacitor is fully charged each time we use the brakes — yes, it takes no more than a few seconds to have the supercapacitor charged.
New age, also in design
The new Lamborghini Sian derives from the Aventador, but was no deterrent to introducing new elements in the brand's design and style — introduced by the Terzo Millennio concept — that give us valuable clues about what to expect for the Aventador's successor, in the same way as the Reventón served as a link between Murciélago and Aventador.
The “Y” graphic motif that we have seen in the brand's optics gains a new graphic expression in Sian, taking on a much more dominant role at the front, where the luminous signature starts to “invade” the various air intakes present.
The Lamborghini's other recurrent graphic motif is the hexagon, which is visible in many of the Sian's elements, now including the rear optics, three per side — evoking the Countach, the yardstick by which all Lamborghini define their shapes, yet today.
Although only just presented, all 63 Lamborghini Sian (reference to 1963, the year of founding of the builder) already have an owner and all will be customized to the taste of each one. Price? We do not know. To see this rare specimen live, the best chance for now is to move to the next Frankfurt Motor Show, which opens its doors as early as next week.
