Lamborghini begins V12 hybrid era with project LB744

Lamborghini may have gone the electrified way, but it won't make their Raging Bulls any less exciting.

The Italian supercar manufacturer has bared the initial details of its High-Performance Electrified Vehicle (HPEV), beginning a new era for its iconic V12 engine that will now benefit from hybrid assistance.

For now, the hybrid supercar from Bologna has not been given its name just yet, and Lamborghini is keeping it under the codename LB744. It features an all-new architecture to accommodate the added plug-in hybrid system and a new layout on its V12 powertrain for more compact packaging.

The familiar 6.5-liter, naturally-aspirated V12 engine will still be found at the mid-rear section of the new Lamborghini. The manufacturer says it's their lightest and most powerful 12-cylinder engine yet, making 825 PS and 725 Nm of torque while weighing 17 kg less than the outgoing Aventador's unit. In addition, the new V12 is complemented by three electric motors – two in front, and one integrated into the new 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox mounted in a transverse position.

True to tradition, the Lamborghini LB744 is still four-wheel-drive. However, the tunnel that used to house the longitudinal transmission will now be occupied by a lithium-ion battery pack, which will power the electric motors. The LB744's hybrid system is utilized to boost power delivery at low revs while enabling the car to also go on full-electric mode. But on full boost mode, Lamborghini says the LB744's hybrid powertrain is capable of unleashing a combined system output of 1,015 PS.

Lamborghini says the LB744 plug-in hybrid sports car will make its debut within the year, just in time for its 60th-anniversary celebration.