Lamborghini protects, powers up V12

Almost every hypercar is turning hybrid these days but Lamborghini is determined to protect and even power-up its famous V12 petrol engine in its Aventador flagship.

Speaking with UK media outlet Autocar, Lamborghini CEO Stefano Domencali explained that the company’s V12 engine still has more to give, with customers demanding that a dozen cylinders continues under Raging Bull bonnets regardless of emissions regulations.

“In the short term, there is still a lot of development potential in the V12,” Domenicali said in the interview.

“Of course, we need to understand what the market is doing in terms of emissions and legislation, but I don't see that will be a problem. We are always very open to how the market might evolve … [but] our major customers and dealers around the world say: ‘Please do not touch the V12’.

“We will continue to work in that direction.”

The current Aventador’s 6.5-litre V12 makes 552kW and 690Nm in flagship form, but indications from Domencali are that the engine can push on further independent of electrification – but potentially not turbochargers. Even fellow atmo V12 stalwart Aston Martin has used a pair of huffers for its DB11.

However, Domenicali is aware that one day – some day – Lamborghini will need to use hybrid power and he wants to be ready for that moment.

“We cannot be disconnected to the world of the future but we want to be balanced,” he continued.

“We need to make sure that as soon as the technology of electrification is relevant to our car at a cost level, and will add value, we are flexible to shift in that direction.”

And of the push towards autonomous driving cars? For Lambo, thankfully, forget it. “If you own a Lamborghini, you want to have the passion of driving it and we need to keep that,” Domenicali added.