New 2023 Lamborghini LB744: latest details on Aventador successor
The next generation of Lamborghini supercar is about to be unveiled, but before the covers come off, Lamborghini has given us another tantalizing glimpse of what to expect from the Aventador’s replacement.
We’ve already received details about the plug-in hybrid V12 in Sant’Agata’s Halo car, but we now know that there will be more driving modes – 13 of them and the option of zero-emission driving.
The new car, tentatively codenamed LB744, features a 6.5-litre V12 combined with a plug-in hybrid system – a first for Lamborghini. The petrol engine itself delivers 814 hp and 725 Nm of torque at 9,250 rpm, with the rev limit at an impressive 9,500 rpm. That means the new LB744 has the most powerful V12 in Lamborghini history, and that’s before we get to the added performance of the hybrid system.
The battery capacity is 3.8 kWh and the battery itself sits between the occupants in what would traditionally be the transmission tunnel. The hybrid system includes three electric motors, two on the front axle and one on the rear axle, meaning the car’s all-wheel drive system only powers the front wheels electrically. The three electric motors and the V12 together result in a total output of 1,001 hp.
Lamborghini has cleaned up its traditional layout extensively in its new model. The V12 has been rotated 180 degrees so the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission sits behind the engine for packaging reasons. Paddle shifters can now activate “continuous downshifts” by holding down the left paddle shifter to downshift multiple gears at once.
The weight distribution of the LB744 is 44 percent front and 56 percent rear. Anti-roll bars are stiffer than the Ultimae (the last version of the Aventador) and steering ratio is reduced by 10 percent, so expect it to feel a little livelier. Four-wheel steering is also standard, and Bridgestone Potenza Sport tires are custom-designed for the car.
There are plenty of standout numbers when it comes to the LB744’s powertrain, but Lamborghini has also taken the braking system to the extreme. 10-piston calipers sit atop the front carbon-ceramic discs with four-piston calipers on the rear. The brake cooling system has also been revised for the LB744.
Lamborghini claims that active aerodynamics have also been improved over the Aventador Ultimae. Efficiency increases by 61 percent and downforce by 66 percent, thanks to aerodynamics working in tandem with the semi-active wishbone suspension and electronic rear wing.
In addition to the hybrid system, three new driving modes have been added. Charging, hybrid and performance. In recharge mode, it is possible to charge the battery for just six minutes while driving. Hybrid mode gives you the combination of both powertrains, while Performance maximizes power delivery and changes the setting of the e-axle torque vectoring system for a sportier ride.
In addition to these three driving modes, there’s Citta (City), Strada, Sport and the most powerful setting, Corsa. All modes can be selected using the two rotor buttons on the steering wheel. Lamborghini hasn’t forgotten about Launch Control either. To activate it, press and hold the button in the center of the left rotor.
Lamborghini says its new supercar, codenamed LB744, will use an aeronautical-inspired monocoque made entirely of carbon fiber. Lamborghini calls the shell a “monofuselage” and claims that it’s 10 percent lighter than the Aventador while having 25 percent stiffer torsional rigidity.
Performance figures have not yet been announced, but with the extra power we expect a 0 to 100 km/h time of around 2.5 seconds and a top speed of over 350 km/h.
Speaking to Auto Express, Chief Technical Officer Rouven Mohr said the powertrain “enables a wider range of driving character while also being our sharpest V12 ever. The sound has improved and the responsiveness.”
Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkleman added that while the new hybrid setup offers sustainability benefits, “the main goal of this car is to use the battery as an accelerator for extra power. It gives you incredible power and also very good handling for a car of this weight, which is incredible.”
These sustainability benefits are reflected in a 30 percent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to the Aventador Ultimae. The plug-in hybrid system can also power the car on its own – for an all-electric range of around 6 miles (although this is still subject to WLTP testing). The battery charging speed is a maximum of 7 kW, which means that a full charge takes 30 minutes.
Winkleman also spoke about the future of Lamborghini and why the company is focusing on plug-in hybrids rather than going all-electric. “We have to be careful and flexible. We need to invest in this engine to meet the Euro 7 emissions standard, we would rather invest in electrification.” However, the CEO added: “There are a lot of things that need to be managed. There is an opportunity for synthetic fuels in the future. For pure electric vehicles, a fully-fledged electric vehicle can be more emotional than a car with a combustion engine.”
LB744 patent image leaks
The teaser images accompanying the release of these powertrain figures don’t reveal much about the LB744’s design, but previous patent leaks have given us a good look at Lamborghini’s new car.
The successor to the Aventador will build on styling themes introduced by the limited-edition Sian, with a large Y-shaped headlight signature and a sharply sculpted hood reminiscent of that of the iconic Countach.
As with previous V12 Lamborghinis, the first iteration of the new model will be stripped of major splitters and fixed spoilers, with winged, track-honed versions expected later in its lifecycle. Still, a jagged area behind the front wheels extracts air from the arches to reduce lift, and gaping side vents direct air to the mid-engine.
The Y-shaped theme continues with the taillights, which flank a pair of enormous hexagonal exhaust tips. These are mounted just below the rear deck to make room for a larger diffuser which works in tandem with an active rear wing for stability at speed.
Referring to his experience with prototype versions of the car, Mohr suggested the hybrid system will result in drivers being able to combine typical supercar thrills with the serenity of electric motor driving. “It’s an extremely cool feature when you’re driving with that emotional high-rpm sound, [then arrive at] the village, switch off, then silence. And then, in ‘stealth mode’, you run out, and then after you’re out again: BAAAH! Full power!.” Mohr also mentioned that the LB744 is “so easy to drift”.
The car won’t come out of cover until the end of the first quarter of 2023, Winkleman noted, and yet Lamborghini has already taken 3,000 pre-orders.
Lamborghini plans to go all-in on its electrification strategy, aiming to have at least one hybrid powertrain in all its vehicles by 2024. By 2028, we should also see the brand’s first all-electric vehicle.
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