Since the founding of the Lamborghini brand, Mr. Ferruccio Lamborghini has always wanted the supercars he creates to be perfect. To realize that, the first Lamborghinis were equipped with powerful V12 engines. Although engines of this type are always a challenge for car manufacturers because of their manufacturing technology and huge size, the Italian supercar company still believes in using and developing them, making them their symbol in the industry. throughout history.
The supercar company laid the foundation for its engine block on the 350 GT in 1963. At that time, the car was developed with a 3.5-liter V12 engine, with a 60-degree tilt angle between the two cylinder rows, thanks to which produces a maximum capacity of 320 horsepower. Up to now, the company still maintains the V12 configuration with the same tilt angle on its car models. With this type of engine, throttle response and straight-line acceleration are never a problem.
The engine block was first upgraded later in 1966, increasing the capacity to 4.0 liters, thereby helping the car reach a maximum speed of 270 km/h. This engine block possesses many different power levels, from 320 horsepower to 365 horsepower. It is equipped on many models such as the Lamborghini 400 GT, Jarama, Jarama S, Espada and Islero, all of which have this engine in the front.
Also in 1966, Lamborghini launched the world’s first true supercar, the Miura. At that time, it was the first sports car to place the engine behind the cockpit and in front of the rear wheel axle, providing almost perfect weight distribution. The Miura SV is equipped with a transversely mounted 6.5-liter V12 engine, capable of generating 370 horsepower. At the time of launch, it was the fastest car in the world with a top speed of 285 km/h and acceleration to 100 km/h from a standstill in 6.7 seconds. Since the Miura’s launch, Lamborghini has always relied on mid-mounted V12 engines instead of placing them in the front.
Besides top performance, another feature of the V12 engine that makes it always the top choice is the sound. Speaking of this aspect, the Miura with its V12 engine mounted transversely behind the cockpit has been refined not only in terms of power but also in terms of sound. Each cylinder is researched and developed so that when combined with the other 11, it can create a harmonious sound. Therefore, the high sound of the engine when the engine revs to its peak will create the most exciting and unique sound.
The Miura was a successful car and that success was followed by an icon, a car that defined Lamborghini’s DNA and shaped the image of a supercar for a generation – the Lamborghini Countach. The engine is still placed in the middle but is placed along the length of the car body instead of horizontally, so the weight distribution is optimal. Along with the engine placement, the angular exterior and famous scissor doors show why the Countach is an icon.
Not only used on supercars, V12 engines are also used by Lamborghini on high-clearance vehicles, specifically the LM002. The LM002 is considered Lamborghini’s first SUV and may also be the world’s first sports utility vehicle. It is equipped with Countach’s 5.2-liter V12 engine, producing 444 horsepower. To date, the resale price of LM002 on the used car market is over 250,000 USD.
Before returning to Audi, the last car model launched by Lamborghini was the Diablo in 1990. It also had the status of the Lamborghini that closed the 20th century. The Diablo at that time was equipped with a 5.7 V12 engine. liter before being upgraded to a 6.0 engine in later variants. This supercar can accelerate to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 320 km/h.
As the new century began, Lamborghini also began a new reign under Audi and Volkswagen and the Murcielago was the first V12 engine car to be launched. This super cow has created much success for the company. Initially, Murcielago used a 6.2-liter V12 engine in the first version, with a capacity of 580 horsepower. The upgraded Murcielago LP640 launched in 2016 is equipped with a 6.5-liter V12 engine, with a capacity of 640 horsepower. The last Murcielago was the LP670-4 SuperVeloce, the most powerful Lamborghini in 2009 with 670 horsepower, maximum speed of up to 342 km/h.
Murcielago is also the car model that ends the nearly 50-year life cycle of Lamborghini’s original V12 engine. Coming to the Aventador, Lamborghini’s current V12 super cow is equipped with a 6.5 liter V12 engine with the completely new code name L539. This engine block is capable of generating maximum power from 700 horsepower and up to 830 horsepower. The lowest torque is 690 Nm and the highest is 832 Nm.
In the next generation of supercars using a V12 engine, it will most likely be an electrified V12 engine to better comply with emissions standards but still continue to have the “soul” of Lamborghini.