Lamborghini Sian unveiled
Italian maker to build limited run of 63 hybrid hypercars
THIS is the Sian – not only the most powerful Lamborghini ever produced, but also the first to feature an electrified powertrain. It made its debut at this week’s Frankfurt Motor Show.
It’s based on the Aventador, but has been completely redesigned with a unique body. Production is limited to only 63 units, in honour of the company’s founding year – and all of these have been sold.
The Sian – which translates as “flash of lightning” in the Bolognese dialect, indicating the car’s electrified drivetrain – is powered by a tweaked, naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12 and electric motor. These combine to produce 808bhp, and engine upgrades include a set of titanium intake valves, a reconfigured ECU and a new exhaust system.
The hybrid element to the powertrain comprises a 48-volt electric motor that develops 34bhp, sandwiched between the engine and transmission. Rather than a lithium-ion battery, it’s powered by a super-capacitor, which is able to charge and expel electricity at a much higher rate.
Not only is the Sian the most powerful Lamborghini ever made, it’s also the quickest; the Italian brand claims a 0-62mph time of less than 2.8 seconds. Top speed is yet to be officially announced, but the marque says it will be “more than 217mph”.
Lamborghini claims the styling is inspired by the Countach, with Y-shaped air intakes emulating that car’s NACA ducts, a glass engine cover and diagonal bonnet lines. The Y-shaped headlights pay homage to the allelectric Terzo Millennio concept, while six hexagonal tail-lights have been added.
Active and passive aerodynamic kit includes a rear wing that deploys at speed, a fixed front splitter and side-skirt vanes that generate extra downforce. Active cooling vents on the engine cover open in reaction to exhaust-generated heat. Lamborghini says the Sian represents the brand’s commitment to electrified V12 engines.
“A tweaked, naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12 and electric motor combine to produce 808bhp”