Lamborghini’s New Hybrid Powerplant: Details on the Upcoming V-8 Supercar

Ok, we try not to gloat (often), but it turns out we broke this very Lamborghini news way back in 2022. Lamborghini is now confirming publicly that it is building a hybrid powerplant blending a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 and electrification, and releasing more details on the new setup, which is headed for the Huracan supercar’s replacement. Again, we saw this coming, but the new details Lamborghini is releasing are, admittedly, still nutty: A 10,000-rpm redline, an unheard-of figure even for naturally aspirated engines, let alone hybridized turbos.

The Engine: Codename “634”

The engine will go into “634,” Lambo’s codename for the Huracan replacement. This is not the first time that number has been used in Sant ‘agata. It last was seen with the Revuelto Coupe in 2017, the so-called LB634. That association means the new Huracan has a lot to live up to—but we have a feeling the new hybrid V-8 will ensure appropriate levels of “whoa.”

Powertrain Details

Let’s get into that powertrain. The twin turbochargers are set in the valley of the engine’s V—making this a “hot vee” design. Nothing controversial there; it’s practically normal, considering Ford’s done it on the 6.7-liter Power Stroke and other luxury car makes (BMW comes to mind) have this type of design, as well. Even the 148-hp, 221-lb-ft of torque axial flux motor used to assist the V-8 isn’t as wild as it sounds, nor is the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission—the same transmission that debuted on the Revuelto.

Impressive Engine Speed

It’s that 10,000-rpm redline that stands out and should really make the “634” sound wilder than your typical V-8. Credit some of that head-spinning engine speed to the flat-plane crankshaft, an exotic engine design feature typically reserved for higher-end sports cars. As horsepower is typically measured as a function of engine speed (the faster an engine spins, the more hp it can make), the 634’s powertrain will produce its 789 hp peak between 9,000 and 9,750 rpm. Low-down torque isn’t sacrificed, however; thanks to the axial flux motor, the maximum 516 lb-ft of torque comes in at 4,000 rpm and lumps around until 7,000 rpm.

Anticipated Release

While we’re just starting to see this new high-performance V-8 hybrid, it appears as though we won’t need to wait long to see the car it’ll power. Lamborghini promises that “634” will be unveiled later in 2024, but it hasn’t said exactly when this car will be shown to the world. We also know that it will have two additional traction motors on top of the axial flux motor connected between the engine and transmission. How these additional motors will be laid out hasn’t been detailed for the moment.

Conclusion

Regardless, expect something that’s going to be as impressive as the specs this engine put out. Oh, and we told you so.