Lamborghini Sián

Lamborghini Sián

September saw the latest release from Lamborghini – the launch of the Lamborghini Sián FKP 37. There are many words one might use to describe Lamborghini’s approach to design, but subtle is not one of them and happily, neither is the Sián.

The Sián FKP 37 is the first supercapacitor-based hybrid V12 by Lamborghini – or anyone for that matter. Lamborghini have managed to tick every box currently required of their brand, with an evolution of the distinctive Lamborghini style and their steadfast resolve to do their own thing – which means keeping that iconic Lamborghini V12 engine in an era when its neck should really be on the chopping block.

The Lamborghini Sián in numbers

  • Sub-2.8 seconds to 62mph
  • 217 mph top speed
  • 63 units
  • 819 bhp
  • £2.9 million – starting price.

Design

These days it’s rare to look at a new car and really feel your soul-stirring, but clap eyes on the Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 and you may well feel emotions you haven’t connected with in quite some time. The Sian will leave you simply breathless – Lamborghini has stuck to their roots (and why wouldn’t they?!), with the sharp iconic lines they’re so well known for and an aerodynamic beauty they seem to get right every time.

Taking inspiration from Lamborghinis of the past, Gandini’s Countach profile line is evident and the six rear hexagonal lights also reference his iconic Seventies design.

Its Sián moniker, meaning ‘flash or lightning’ in Bolognese dialect, denotes the first electrification of a Lamborghini production car and confirms our strong connection to the territory in which we operate. With the Sián, Automobili Lamborghini demonstrates its dynastic strength as a legendary super sports car brand for the future.”

Stefano Domenicali, Automobili Lamborghini Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Performance

The Sián is the most powerful Lamborghini ever produced. The 819 HP on offer is made up of 785 HP from the V12 engine (uprated from the donor Aventador), and 34 HP from a 48V electric motor incorporated into the gearbox, enhancing acceleration and gear-shifting (never the Aventador’s strong point). Electrical power is provided by a supercapacitor mounted neatly in the bulkhead between the cockpit and engine bay. It is three times more powerful than a battery of the same weight and three times lighter than a battery producing the same power, which has enabled Lamborghini to build a car with better power-to-weight than the Aventador SVJ.

The Sián also features regenerative braking which charges the supercapacitor fully every time the car brakes – not possible with standard Li-Ion batteries.

Verdict

Lamborghini fans rejoice – and everyone else. As usual, Lamborghini hasn’t read the industry playbook but have satisfied themselves and fans alike by keeping their glorious V12 alive and adding hybrid technology to make it go faster.

Some might question the wisdom of Lamborghini continually producing one-offs and show cars based on an ageing platform, but it doesn’t seem to be bothering their customers – and at least that mighty, politically incorrect V12 lives on. It’s the shape of things to come for the unruly Italian brand, and things are looking good.

All images courtesy of Lamborghini Automobili Spa.