The Lamborghini Sián heralds the next generation of Lamborghini supercars. The new Sián is essentially a hybrid vehicle that happens to come with a marvelous rear-mounted V12. But unlike conventional hybrids, Lambo’s newest Sian hypercar is packing space-age supercapacitors instead of lithium-ion batteries.
Kudos and many salutes to Lamborghini for revealing the Sián prior to the car’s first public appearance at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show next week. Lamborghini’s are traditionally mouth-watering pieces of art, and the Sián is poised to grace the wallpapers of car lovers all over the world.
The Lamborghini Sián is powered by supercapacitors
Science will tell you that a capacitor is a device used to store electrical energy in an electrical field. Meanwhile, a supercapacitor is exactly what it sounds: it’s a higher-capacity capacitor that stores more energy with lower voltage limits. Think of the capacitor as Clark Kent while the supercapacitor is, well, Superman.
The supercapacitors in the all-new Lamborghini Sián is three times more powerful than a lithium-ion battery of the same size. According to Lamborghini, supercapacitors provide incredible power in both energy charging and discharging. It’s also lighter and has an exceptional weight-to-power ratio at 34 kg for 34 horsepower, which means the 1.0kg/horsepower has a minimal effect on the overall curb weight of the Sián.
Spectacular V12 power with a mild-hybrid system
The Lamborghini Sián is the first hybrid-powered Lamborghini in history. It has a 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 motor producing 185-horsepower. The car also receives a 48 V electric motor that is integrated into the seven-speed automatic gearbox. Since the motor is mounted inside the gearbox, is guarantees instant boost during acceleration and gear shifting.
Lamborghini is quick to point out this new solution of hybridizing conventional petrol-powered vehicles. The Italian carmaker also claims that no other mild-hybrid vehicle has ever had a direct connection between the wheels and the electric motor. And since the motor provides 34 more horsepower, the Sián produces a total output of 819-horsepower.
With that much power, the Sián is the most powerful production Lamborghini ever
The title used to belong to the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, a lighter and more hardcore version of the outgoing Aventador. Producing 770-horsepower from a naturally aspirated V12, it became the most powerful Lamborghini ever sold – until now.
The Lamborghini Sián is now the most powerful Lamborghini production vehicle. The 819-horsepower V12 motor with mild-hybrid assist is connected to a seven-speed automatic driving all four wheels. The latter features a mechanical self-locking differential in the rear to offer better traction, stability, and handling. Lamborghini has yet to release performance specs, but we reckon the Sián to charge from 0 to 60 mph in 2.8-seconds or less. Meanwhile, the Sián has a top speed of 217 mph.
An intelligent energy storage system
Lamborghini’s newest creation is boasting an advanced regenerative braking system. It’s developed specifically for Sián and has the capability to fully charge the supercapacitors every time the driver pushes the brake pedal. The stored energy is ready to be unleashed at speeds up to 80 mph (130 kph) which equates to blistering acceleration at any gear or engine speed. Lamborghini says this new system improves the responsiveness of the car and makes it 10-percent faster than a similar vehicle without this system.
The Sián’s styling is making us weak in the knees
The new Sián is a welcome respite from the watered-down styling elements in the Huracan. The iconic ‘Gandini line’ first seen in the Countach is evident in the Sián. The front is dominated by Y-shaped headlights first seen in the Terzo Millenio. The low stance is enhanced by the integrated carbon fiber splitter on each side.
Even the taillights with three hexagons were lifted directly from the Countach. Of course, the rear wing raises or lowers automatically to improve downforce and aerodynamics at higher speeds.
Lamborghini is only making 63 examples of the Sián
The Sián is making its official debut at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show. Lamborghini is only making 63 examples of the Sián, with each model benefiting from the bespoke creations of Lamborghini’s Ad Personam department. Lamborghini didn’t say how much, but the Sián looks and sounds crazy enough to demand upwards of $3 million.