lamborghini sian

The Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 is a mid-engine hybrid sports car produced by the Italian automotive manufacturer Lamborghini. Unveiled online on 3 September 2019, the Sian is the first hybrid production vehicle produced by the brand.

Nomenclature

The name Sián means a flash of lightning in the Bolognese dialect. The name was selected to highlight the fact that the car is the first electrified vehicle produced by the company. FKP 37 are the initials related to late Volkswagen Group chairman Ferdinand Piëch.

Specifications and performance

Based on the Lamborghini Aventador, the Sián FKP 37 shares its engine with the SVJ variant of the Aventador, but an electric motor integrated into the gearbox adds another 25 kW (34 PS; 34 hp) to the power output. Other modifications to the engine include the addition of titanium intake valves, a reconfigured ECU and a new exhaust system raising the power output to 577 kW (785 PS; 774 hp). The total power output amounts to 602 kW (818 PS; 807 hp) making the Sián the most powerful production Lamborghini automobile. The engine is mated to a seven speed semi-automatic transmission and the car employs an electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system with a rear mechanical self locking differential for improved handling.

The power for the electric motor is stored in a supercapacitor unit instead of conventional lithium ion batteries. The super capacitor unit is integrated with the electric motor into the gearbox in order for a better weight distribution. Super capacitors were chosen due to their ability to store three times the power of a conventional lithium ion battery of the same capacity. The unit installed in the car is an evolution of the Aventador's starter motor and can store ten times more power than the unit it is based on. A regenerative braking system helps generate enough energy to recharge the supercapacitors. The electric motor counters the effect of deceleration and provides a power boost to the driver at speeds up to 130 km/h (81 mph). The motor supports low speed maneuvers such as parking and reversing.

The improvements made to the car allow it to achieve a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration time of 2.8 seconds and allow it to attain an electronically limited top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph) but the official top speed is yet to be confirmed.

Design

The exterior design incorporates a wedge shape, a trademark of famed automobile designer Marcello Gandini and mixes that with the design of the Terzo Millennio concept introduced two years prior. The Y shaped daytime running headlights are inspired by the Terzo Millennio while at the rear an active fixed rear wing with the number "63" embossed on its winglets to honour the company's year of incorporation creates downforce. Downforce is maximised by the model's prominent side air intakes and large carbon-fibre front splitter. A transparent "Peroscopio" glass panel runs from the centre of the roof and rolls back into the slatted engine cover adds light and visibility for the occupants, and the six hexagonal taillights are an inspiration from the Countach.

Along with the wing, active cooling vanes at the rear are used which are activated by a smart material that reacts to heat. When a certain temperature is reached, the vanes rotate for extra airflow.

The interior is based heavily on the Aventador's interior, but the centre console has been tidied up and a portrait touchscreen first seen in the Huracán Evo is one of the key differences. The leather upholstery has been done by Poltrona Frau, an Italian furniture company and 3D printed parts are used on the interior for the first time.

Production

Production of the Sián FKP 37 will be limited to 63 units and all have already been sold. Lamborghini's Ad Personam division will be responsible for the manufacture of the Sian. The car was officially unveiled to the public at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show configured in a unique "electric gold" paint. It was also renamed to be known as the Sián FKP 37 honouring late Volkswagen Group chairman Ferdinand Piëch. "FKP" are the initials of his name and "37" are the last two numbers of his birth year (i.e. 1937).