Say Hello To The 820-Horsepower Lamborghini Sian

Yesterday's leak may havespoiled the surprise, but that doesn't make Lamborghini's new model reveal any less special. Say hello to the Lamborghini Sian (that's 'flash' or 'lightning' in Bolognese dialect), the company's first-ever hybrid supercar and the most powerful and fastest Lambo ever made. Powering the Sian is theAventador SVJ's 6.5-liter V12 unit uprated to produce 774 hp and an innovative 48V hybrid system that adds an extra 34 hp to deliver a combined output of 819 hp. Think of this as a preview of the powertrain that will power future Lamborghini models like thenext-generation Aventador.

According to Lamborghini, the Sian's hybrid system has a lithium-ion supercapacitor, which is three times more powerful than a battery of the same weight and delivers engine torque directly to the rear wheels. During braking, the system uses the inertia to recharge the capacitor. This energy is stored in an instantly-available power boost of up to 81 mph and provides increased torque during acceleration. The innovative system also delivers instant acceleration in low gears, with improved traction force provided by the combination of the V12 engine and hybrid system.

As a result, the Sian is the fastest-accelerating Lamborghini ever, with a 0-62 mph sprint time below 2.8 seconds and a top speed of over 217 mph. Compared to the Aventador SVJ, 18-37 mph takes 0.2 seconds less, while traction force is improved by up to 10 percent in third gear. In higher gears and lower speeds, the electric motor increases traction force by up to 20 percent, reducing the 43-74 mph acceleration by 1.2 seconds compared to the Aventador SVJ.

As we saw fromLamborghini's recent teasers, the Sian's futuristic styling is inspired by the strikingTerzo Millennio concept, with distinctive Y-shaped headlights and angular, aggressive looks. There are also styling cues from theiconic Countach, such as the diagonal line on the hood, six hexagonal taillights, and the roof-mounted 'Periscopio' tunnel.

A carbon fiber front splitter, aggressive side air intakes, and a large rear wing provide optimum downforce. Active cooling vanes on the rear are triggered by the temperature generated by the exhaust system, causing them to rotate and provide an "elegant and lightweight cooling solution." Inside, the interior features leather from Poltrona Frau implementing 3D printed parts for the first time in production.

"The Sian is a masterpiece in possibilities," said Stefano Domenicali, Automobili Lamborghini Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Not only does the Sian deliver a formidable hyper-car design and engineering tour de force today, it augments the potential for Lamborghini as a super sports car brand for tomorrow and for decades to come, even as hybridization becomes more desirable and inevitably essential."

"The Lamborghini Sian represents the first step in Lamborghini's route to electrification, and expedites our next-generation V12 engine. Its Sian moniker, meaning 'flash or lightning' in Bolognese dialect, denotes the first electrification of a Lamborghini production car and confirms our strong connection to the territory in which we operate. With the Sian, Automobili Lamborghini demonstrates its dynastic strength as a legendary super sports car brand for the future."

Production of the Lamborghini Sian will be limited to just 63 units. Each will be individually customized and cost $3.6 million.