It's been over two years since we first learned the upcoming Lamborghini Aventador successor, due out next year, will come powered by a naturally-aspirated V12 engine, albeit with hybrid assistance. The added electric motor will not only help improve fuel efficiency but also provide an electric "boost" to enhance performance. A similar setup will be used for the Huracan's eventual successor, only with an NA V10. But a lot has changed since Lamborghini's V12 flagship plans became known. Electrification is spreading rapidly across the entire industry and NA engines are dropping like flies.

Twelve-cylinder engines, already endangered, are now about to become extinct, at least for the Volkswagen Group.

Car and Driver recently spoke with Lamborghini's chief technical officer, Maurizio Reggiani, who once again confirmed the Italian brand is sticking with the NA V12. "The V12 has been part of the story of Lamborghini since the very beginning," he said. "It has been present in every year of our history, which is why our strategy and our vision for the future is to continue to have a V12 coupled with a hybrid motor."

That's obviously the good news. The bad news is that this is the last time a 12-cylinder engine will be used by the VW Group. Bentley recently announced that it will cease using the W12 as it's moving to an entirely electrified future lineup.

Lamborghini's more recent V12 models all have at least a ten-year production life so it's safe to assume the brand will continue offering it through at least 2030 or 2031. Beyond that is pure speculation. Lamborghini's future under the VW Group umbrella is also in doubt, though a potential Ferrari-style spin-off is looking likely.

As for the Aventador's replacement, Lamborghini already experimented with an electrified V12 with the Sian. For this setup, engineers went with the 785-horsepower V12 combined with a 34-hp 48-volt e-motor for a total of 819 hp. Weight is obviously a concern for any supercar, but the Sian has a weight-to-power ratio that's even better than that of the Aventador SVJ.

Expect Lamborghini to apply those lessons and more to what's expected to be revealed in the near future.