Lamborghini presents all-new V12 engine and transmission

Automobili Lamborghini has unveiled its all-new and high performing transmission. The new engine is a twelve-cylinder with 6.5 liter displacement, output of 700 hp and maximum torque of 690 Newton meters. This new powertrain will start being produced in the beginning of 2011.

The new V12 has been developed from scratch and delivers performance, high-revving, low weight and moderate gas emissions. The engine is complemented with the presentation of the completely new transmission concept for super sports cars: the “Lamborghini ISR”. This is an automated manual gearbox that combines minimal shift times and everyday usability with low weight and dimensions. Lamborghini’s idea is to “guarantee that emotional sensation from gearshifts, which customers expect from a super sports car at the very top of the premier league.”

The new engine is another chapter on the long history of Lamborghini’s V12 engines. “This new power unit is not only the crowning glory of our product range, it is also part of our enormous investment in the future of the Lamborghini brand,” says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “With this new V12, we are heralding a technological leap that encompasses all areas of the company and our future model lineup. With a unique package of innovations, Lamborghini will redefine the future of the super sports car. This 700 hp engine, together with an all-new concept gearbox, will be the strong heart of the Murciélago successor next year.”

Having been an important part of Lamborghini’s history, the twelve-cylinder engines first debuted with the 350 GT, bacj in 1964. Since then the Miura, Espada, Countach, Diablo and most recently, Murciélago have been equipped with this type of engines.

The 700 hp at 8,250 rpm set a new benchmark even in the world of super sports cars. The 690 Nm of torque is available at 5,500 rpm. The new engine has been entirely developed at Lamborghini and is also manufactured from start to finish at company headquarters in Sant’Agata Bolognese.

The new V12 will feature a whole package of innovative technologies. These include the use of aluminum-silicon alloy on the crankcase and the four-valve cylinder heads, a short-stroke layout that ensures exceptional high-revving performance and very low internal friction and a short-stroke layout that delivers high-revving performance and very low internal friction.

Thanks to a long process of enhancement the new engine has seen its thermal management system and oil circulation system with dry-sump lubrication  improved.

Lamborghini has coupled the new V12 with a whole new transmission: the ISR. This innovative manual gearbox combines extremely fast shift times the benefits of manual shifting when it comes to low weight and compact dimensions

This innovative manual gearbox combines extremely fast shift times – almost 50 percent shorter than with a dual-clutch transmission – with the benefits of manual shifting when it comes to low weight and compact dimensions

The low shift times are enabled through the transmission’s particular design, known as ISR (Independent Shifting Rod).

The new engine is expected to equip the substitute of the Lamborghini Murciélago.