The Lamborghini V12 isn’t dead; the Aventador replacement will be a hybrid, but won’t lose its iconic powertrain
Lamborghini’s V12 supercar isn’t dead, far from it in fact, with early body-on prototypes of the Aventador’s hybridised successor now out in the wild.
Lamborghini has been dabbling in hybrid technology for a few years now with its low-volume Sian and Countach models both featuring a mild-hybrid system paired with a supercapacitor in place of a traditional battery, but this will be the brand’s first go at producing a series-production hybrid model, one that’ll sit right at the top of the core range.
One look at the prototype and it’s clear that it will take its basis from existing V12 models, sharing its core proportions with the Aventador, rather than the smaller Huracan. From here, though, the new V12 flagship looks to combine the aesthetics of the Sian with a dramatic new body that will utilise active aero to create a very forward-looking design, rather than referencing an icon of the past.
Even under its thick-set camouflage, we can see the new front end’s design will be very aggressive, with its slim LED headlights partially mounted under the bonnet, underlined by a daytime running light that sits right at the leading edge of the front bumper. Directly under the headlights are two big openings that’ll feed air into a pair of side-mounted radiators.
Follow the body backwards and Lamborghini’s typical cab-forward front screen and falling windowline will join a complex and segmented body side. The rear arches are almost completely disconnected visually from the main body, with a huge intake that zig-zags its way up the side of the car, terminating in an open-air flying buttress that connects the haunch to the cabin.
This is the first time Lamborghini has incorporated a true flying buttress into one of its series-production cars, and will give the new V12 flagship a distinctive aesthetic despite the familiar proportions.
The rear end, meanwhile, is completely dominated by the high-mounted exhaust, flanked by two Y-shaped rear lights that occupy a void between the active rear wing and lower bumper. The exhaust finishers on this prototype are round, but will probably be replaced with more stylised units on the finished car.
Beyond the design, the question of just how hybridised this new V12 model remains the one we’re most interested in finding the answer to. The 34bhp motor mounted to the Sian and Countach, while fun during up changes in Corsa mode, doesn’t have a huge effect on the overall powertrain in normal driving, and does almost nothing to reduce carbon emissions, suggesting that this model might have a beeifer system that incorporates a more powerful electric motor. Whether the supercapacitor also finds its way into the new model is the other question that needs to be answered.
Whatever is to come, we shouldn’t have too much longer to wait to see Lamborghini’s new era of hybridised models – and judging by the brand’s recent form with the Hurcacan STO and Tecnica, the last Lamborghini combustion models are shaping up to be some of its most intense and exciting yet.
Keyword: V12 hybrid Lamborghini Aventador replacement spotted with early production body