Consider it or not, simply two V-12 engine designs have powered 60 years of Lamborghini supercars. Having just lately constructed its final non-hybrid V-12 street automobile, the automaker is having a look again at these two epochal engines.

The primary engine was launched in 1963 in Lamborghini’s first manufacturing automobile—the 350 GT—and stayed in manufacturing till 2010. Throughout its lengthy life, this engine underwent many modifications, rising type 3.5 liters within the 350 GT to six.5 liters in later variations of the Murciélago, the ultimate Lamborghini to make use of it.

Lamborghini’s first V-12 began out with a front-engine configuration within the 350 GT, and bought the identical set up within the later 400 GT and Espada. It switched to a transverse mid-engine configuration within the Lamborghini Miura, earlier than switching to a longitudinal mid-engine format for the Countach, Diablo, and Murciélago.

This engine was additionally used within the Lamborghini LM002, the automaker’s first SUV. A one-off LM002 was constructed utilizing a 7.2-liter model of the V-12 designed for offshore powerboat racing, and churning out 700 hp.

Launched with an aluminum crankcase, cylinder heads, and pistons to maintain weight down, in addition to twin overhead cams, the V-12 made the change from carburetors to digital gasoline injection in 1986 to fulfill stricter U.S. emissions requirements. Aiming to enhance throttle response, Lamborghini then launched particular person throttle our bodies for every cylinder with the 1998 Diablo GT.

Now beneath Audi’s stewardship, Lamborghini launched a 6.2-liter model making 580 hp within the Murciélago for that mannequin’s 2001 debut. In a single final replace, the engine was later enlarged to six.5 liters, and output was elevated to 670 hp.

After 47 years of manufacturing, the unique V-12 was lastly changed with a clean-sheet design. Launched in 2011 within the Aventador, the second V-12 initially produced 690 hp from 6.5 liters. Whereas it did not final practically so long as the unique V-12, this engine noticed a variety of use powering quite a few Aventador variants and limited-edition specials, together with the Aventador Superveloce and SVJ, and the track-only Essenza SCV12.

The Lamborghini Aventador LP780-4 Ultimae launched in 2021 is the automaker’s ultimate manufacturing automobile powered purely by a V-12 with no electrical help. On this utility, the 6.5-liter V-12 produces 769 hp and 531 lb-ft of torque, with peak energy delivered at a screaming 8,500 rpm.

With the ultimate Aventadors delivered, it is the tip of an period at Lamborghini. An Aventador successor is anticipated quickly with a V-12, however now as a part of a hybrid powertrain. Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann in 2021 confirmed the V-12 will likely be solely new, making it simply the third V-12 in Lamborghini’s historical past.