Next Lamborghini Huracan to get plug-in hybrid power

Lamborghini boss Stephan Winkelmann has announced that the next-generation Lamborghini Huracan replacement has been locked in for a late 2024 debut, powered by an advanced plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Speaking to British magazine Auto Express, the Italian supercar’s CEO also revealed that following the decision by Audi not to develop a third generation of its Audi R8 supercar, the next Huracan will be closely related to the new Aventador that will be introduced next year.

Confirming that both the Huracan and Aventador will share a platform and plenty other “common parts”, Winkelmann ruled out the all-new Lamborghini Huracan continuing to use its naturally-aspirated 5.2-litre V10.

Instead, the Lambo boss said that the 2024 Lamborghini supercar would feature a plug-in hybrid system combined with a new engine.

Lamborghini hasn’t explicitly detailed what the new engine component of the plug-in powertrain will be, but previous comments to the Brit mag suggested it would be “more than six and less than 12 cylinders”, suggesting either a V8 or V10-based combustion engine is planned.

Instead of a large pure-electric range, Lamborghini will use the addition of the hybrid’s extra battery, inverters plus its electric motor to boost performance, adding crucial low-down torque that’s been lacking on the Huracan’s 5.2-litre V10 compared to its turbocharged rivals.

The added benefit of the new powertrain will be lower emissions and improved efficiency.

There’s more good news for the Aventador.

Lamborghini’s chief technical officer Rouven Mohr said its V12-based hybrid would offer more “power, more revs, more sound” compared to the outgoing 6.5-litre V12.

Lambo’s chief engineer also confirmed the new hybrid system will also offer a pure-electric range.

“It’s an extremely cool feature if you drive with this emotional high-revving sound, [then at] the village, switch off, then silence. And then, in ‘stealth mode’ you run out, and then after you exit again: BAAAH! Full power!” he enthused.

Mohr wouldn’t confirm how big the battery would be but it will be significantly smaller than the one fitted to Volkswagen Group plug-in models like the Porsche Cayenne hybrid.

That said, Mohr’s admits next year’s Aventador (and the 2024 Huracan) would inevitably be heavier than the supercars they replace.

Winkelman, who has driven prototypes of the flagship Lamborghini, said that despite the increase in mass “the car is outstanding, it’s light-footed, and you don’t feel the additional weight”.

He said the all-new Aventador would be launched towards the end of the first quarter of 2023, confirming the car-maker had already received more than 3000 orders for the unseen supercar.

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