The fact that Lamborghini used a twin-turbo V8 in its new Urus SUV instead of one of its naturally aspirated engines is a clear-cut sign changes are happening at the Italian supercar company. According to Jack Rix at Top Gear, the eventual replacements for both the Aventador and Huracan will, in fact, be plug-in hybrids. We previously reported that Lamborghini is planning an EV supercar, but it's not due to arrive until at least 2026. The successors to today's V12 and V10-powered supercars will obviously arrive first. But when, exactly?
Top Gear believes the Aventador's successor will come in 2020 and the Huracan in 2022. Lamborghini CEO Stefano Domenicali confirmed the news to the publication, so, yes, get ready for plug-in hybrids Lamborghinis. But what about weight? After all, batteries are heavy and weight is the ultimate enemy for performance. Fortunately, Lamborghini is no stranger to advanced lightweight materials, and it also has access to parent company Volkswagen Group's warehouses of knowledge, so expect weight shaving solutions to be found. As far as engines go, don't get too alarmed because the naturally aspirated V12 and V10 aren't going anywhere just yet.
Both will live on for another generation of supercars, only they'll be fitted with hybrid assistance. What will that offer? Top Gear speculates that if Lamborghini were to borrow the hybrid module from the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid and apply it to the Aventador S' upgraded V12, then we're looking at around 860 hp and 566 lb-ft of torque. In addition, it could potentially have a 30-mile EV-only range. Do the same to the Huracan and we're talking around 728 hp and 471 lb-ft of torque. As far as that pure EV Lamborghini, the technology simply is not ready yet, hence it being several years away.