The launch of the Lamborghini Aventador has been a matter of delays and confusions. After recent rumors that the release of the next big Lambo V12 has been delayed, Autocar reports that the supercar is set for a launch in 2020. The Aventador replacement will utilize the good old naturally aspirated V12 with electric motors.
However, we won’t have to wait until 2020 to see its hybrid powertrain in action as the Italian marque will launch a $2.5 million hybrid hypercar at the Geneva Motor Show in March next year to showcase the Aventador successor’s hybrid technology. The hypercar, which is reportedly been named Unico, will be powered by a 6.5-liter, naturally aspirated V12 engine tuned to produce 789 hp. An electric motor will add another 49 hp for a combined output of 838 hp.
While the hybrid powertrain on the Aventador will definitely add more power and torque, with some reports even suggesting that the car could reportedly produce power in the 1000+ hp range, there are still some downsides like increased weight. Lambo’s chief technical officer Maurizio Reggiani thinks that the successor could weight 150-200 kg more than the current car. “I always say that I prefer to have 10 kg less rather than 1 hp more, even if the power-to-weight ratio remains the same,” Reggiani said. “But, I imagine the starting point of the car will be heavier, no doubt. What will be the end game? We don’t know. Improvements will happen.”
Lamborghini is also considering an electrically-powered front axle. Lamborghini says that such a standalone system would allow for full torque vectoring at the front, helping to compensate for the extra weight and, at the same time, increase the car’s agility. Moreover, the electric front would help the supercar travel on electric power alone. “There are several discussions ongoing. Some say 20 km, some say 30 km and China is suggesting 50 km – and normally we only develop one car worldwide.” Reggiani said.
If the Aventador successor indeed launches in 2020, then expect to see it at the Geneva Motor Show, with an outlandish design and a name that is inspired by a bull, of course.
Source: Autocar