Lamborghini Unveils the PHEV Powertrain for the LB744 – Over 1,000 HP!

Renowned Italian supercar marque Automobili Lamborghini has unveiled the new powertrain for its upcoming model, codenamed the LB744. This model is poised to replace the Aventador as the Raging Bull’s flagship V12 model, after more than a decade of service.

The new LB744 is set to be the second-ever Lambo model to feature an electrified powertrain, after the limited-produced Sian hypercar. Unlike the Sian’s “supercapacitor” hybrid system however, the LB744 comes with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, featuring a completely new 6.5-litre nat-asp V12 mil rated at 814 HP and 725 NM at its heart. Dubbed as the L545, this new engine is said to weigh 17 KG less than its predecessor, and capable of revving up to 9,500 RPM.

Aside from the partial electrification, what differs this new powertrain from the model it replaces is that the engine is rotated by 180 degrees, leaving ample room in the engine bay to place the rest of the powertrain’s hybrid components. 

Speaking of hybrids, the electrified components come in the form of a trio of electric motors, with two of them mounted at the front axle and a single one sits at the rear. Each of the motors produces 148 HP and weighs 18.5 KG. While the dual front motor setup each delivers up to 350 NM, the single rear motor is only capable of outputting 150 NM.

All in all, the total output for this brand-new hybrid V12 powertrain is up to 1,001 HP, making the LB744 the first-ever flagship Lambo to break the 1,000 HP mark.

In charge of juicing up the electric motor trio is a 3.8-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that is located within the transmission tunnel between the driver and the passenger. Charging directly via an external source at a 7 kW rate will take about 30 minutes, but just like any other hybrids, it can also be charged using energy from the regenerative braking system at the front wheels. On the other hand, charging the battery pack via the power from the V12 mill only takes about six minutes.

As for now, Lamborghini has yet to reveal the all-electric range for this new PHEV powertrain. However, this electrified powertrain promises to reduce the CO2 emissions by 30% compared to the non-hybrid Aventador Ultimae.

This new PHEV powertrain is mated with a brand-new 8-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT), mounted in a transverse rear position a la the original Miura. This new DCT box comes in a much more compact package and shed some weight compared to the 7-speed DCT found in the Huracan, granting it a much better performance and quicker shifts. 

To add, it also comes with a “continuous downshifting” feature that allows drivers to drop multiple gears just by holding down the downshift paddle. Interestingly, the new gearbox does not come with a reverse gear, as that role is now being taken care of by the trio of electric motors.

While the Sian is the pioneer for electrified Lambos, the upcoming LB774 will be the first-ever PHEV performance car produced by the famed Italian marque. As for now, Automobili Lamborghini has yet to tease or publish any design features of this Aventador replacement.