Advertising

Lamborghini’s Next Supercar: Downsizing, Turbocharging, and Electrification

Lamborghini, known for its powerful naturally-aspirated engines, is making a significant change with its upcoming model to replace the Huracán. While the V12 engine will continue to be a part of Lamborghini’s lineup, the naturally-aspirated V10 engine is reaching the end of its life cycle. In its place, Lamborghini plans to downsize and adopt forced induction and electrification.

Internally code-named 634, the successor to the Huracán will feature a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. This new engine is expected to produce around 800 horsepower and 538 pound-feet of torque. It will be paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. In comparison, the current Huracán’s naturally-aspirated V10 produces 631 horsepower and 441 pound-feet of torque in its most powerful state of tune. The V12 engine found in the Lamborghini Revuelto, another model in their lineup, generates an impressive 814 horsepower.

In addition to the twin-turbo V8 engine, the Huracán’s successor will also feature a hybrid drivetrain. The exact details of the hybrid system have not been announced, including the capacity and chemistry of the battery pack. However, it is expected that the hybrid system will consist of three electric motors. While Lamborghini has not revealed the total output of the hybrid drivetrain, it is anticipated to exceed 800 horsepower.

It’s important to note that although Lamborghini is part of the Volkswagen Group, the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 found in the Huracán’s successor is not the same as those used by other Volkswagen Group brands like Porsche. Lamborghini developed this eight-cylinder engine in-house, ensuring it meets their specific performance requirements. The engine delivers its peak horsepower between 9,000 and 9,750 rpm and its peak torque over a wide range from 4,000 to 7,000 rpm. Impressively, it revs to a high 10,000 rpm. With a flat-plane crankshaft and its unique characteristics, this engine is akin to a racing engine.

The transmission for the Huracán’s successor will be a version of the dual-clutch automatic that was originally developed for the Lamborghini Revuelto, Lamborghini’s first series-produced plug-in hybrid super-sports car introduced in 2023. Although details about the electrified part of the drivetrain are relatively vague, it is known that one of the three electric motors will be positioned between the V8 engine and the transmission. Despite being a hybrid, Lamborghini has ensured that the new model will maintain its characteristic supercar sound. The engine’s exhaust note has been carefully tuned to deliver the thrilling roar expected from a modern supercar with a flat-plane crankshaft and high redline.

Lamborghini plans to unveil the successor to the Huracán later in 2024, with more information expected to be revealed in the coming months. Once released, this new model will complete Lamborghini’s transition to an all-electrified lineup, joining the Revuelto and the Urus SE, a plug-in hybrid SUV introduced in April 2024. By embracing electrification and forced induction technology, Lamborghini is preparing for the future while still delivering the exhilarating performance and sound that enthusiasts crave.