2020 Lamborghini Sian FKP 37

Lamborghini Sian FKP 37 Exterior Styling

It remains recognizable as a Lamborghini and, more importantly, it seems to be a tribute to the iconic Countach

Lamborghini designed the Sian from scratch, ditching most of the familiar features seen on cars like the Huracan and Aventador. But it remains recognizable as a Lamborghini and, more importantly, it seems to be a tribute to the iconic Countach.

Up front, only the Y shapes in the headlamps and the bumper remain familiar. The lights are a brand-new design though. Extremely sharp at the upper and lower edges, the headlamps extend from the area above the front wheel arches all the way to the apron. The line that defines the car’s pointy noise "breaks" each headlamps into two distinct elements: a longer triangle above and the smaller one below. Each of these elements contains LED stripes that together form the letter V. However, a third LED stripe that connects the bottom of the V to the nose forms a big Y. A similar shape is formed by the character line that runs on the inside of the headlamps, but dent on each side of the bumper grille, and the grille itself.

The lower apron features a sculpted splitter made from carbon-fiber. The blades that exit from the interior extremities of the headlamps and extend toward the front wheels are also made from carbon-fiber. The front hood is an obvious tribute to the Countach. The recessed center section shaped like a V with a flat bottom (with the opening toward the nose) resembles the front hood of the Countach. The difference here is that this small recess doesn’t open, as the Sian features a modern hood that stretches over the entire width of the front end.

The front windscreen follows the same route, with a bottom section that extends toward the hood just like on the Countach. The round top of the front wheel arches also look similar to the Countach, but this might be just a happy coincidence.

The rear fender vents dig deep into the haunches and extend all the way to the back

Moving onto the sides, the Sian looks like a Countach from the future. The side windows and the big, Y-shaped vents in the rear fenders are clearly inspired by the old supercar, but the fender flares remain decidedly modern thanks to their round design. The wheels feature an intricate spoke design, while the tires are almost flat. The rear fender vents dig deep into the haunches and extend all the way to the back. A pair of aero wings that look like the side posts of a proper wing round off the dramatic profile.

The rear fascia sports a traditional hexagonal design, like seen on many Lambos from the past. This styling features harkens back to the Countach, but it was present, in one form or the other, on supercars like the Diablo and Murcielago as well. The hexagonal design isn’t as obvious on the Aventador, so I guess it’s safe to say that the Sian marks Lambo’s return to a classic design.

Despite the wings on the sides, the Sian doesn't have a fixed wing

The hexagonal rear fascia incorporates two additional hexagonal shapes that house the taillights. Again, this feature comes straight from the Countach. Even the small taillight bulbs are shaped like hexagons and group in three elements on each side. While the shape has nothing to do with the Countach, the three-piece design is borrowed from the iconic supercar.

Despite the wings on the sides, the Sian doesn’t have a fixed wing. However, an active aero elements raises above the deck lid when the supercar needs extra grip or to use the air to slow down. When the wing isn’t needed, it remains flush with the deck lid, which gives the car a cool, sleek appearance. The engine hood is spectacular as well. Connected to the "Periscopio" roof tunnel, it contributes to the car’s aerodynamic efficiency and looks good while doing it. The Y-shaped elements that cover the glass add to the appeal.

Instead of traditional bumper, the Sian sports a massive diffuser that stretches from one rear wheel to the other. It features six vertical wings and it even incorporates two big exhaust pipes. These are shaped like hexagons to match the design of the taillights and the rear fascia.

The Sian may look futuristic, but it’s also highly aerodynamic, with almost every element helping it advance through the air efficiently. It also includes new, innovative technology, such as active rear vanes operated by the reaction of smart-material elements to the temperature generates by the exhaust system. When things get hot, the material reacts and rotates the vanes to cool down.

Lamborghini Sian FKP 37 Interior Design

The Sian's interior is mostly a revised version of the Aventador's cabin

Impressed by the Sian’s exterior? Well, you’re going to be a bit disappointed by its interior, which is mostly a revised version of the Aventador’s cabin. The dashboard, the center console, and the steering wheel look strikingly similar to the Avendator. But to Lambo’s credit, they feature a few unique items.

The dashboard, for instance, comes with thinner A/C vents at the corners and in the center stack. Apart from this, the dashboard is identical to the Aventador, which is actually good news thanks to the three-layer design. Lambo took full advantage of the layout and sandwiched a dark grey Alcantara top (with contrast stitching) to an orange leather fascia, and a black bottom.

The lower center stack houses a new, tablet-style infotainment display

More good news comes from the lower center stack, which now houses a new, tablet-style infotainment display. The unit runs into a revised control panel, which then continues into a cool, Y-shaped carbon-fiber cover for the center console. The steering wheel also seems identical to the Aventador’s, but it now features carbon-fiber spokes and a different type of Alcantara on the grip areas. White contrast stitching is visible on the inside of the rim. Lambo revised the door panels to showcase a more intricate design, including a Y-shaped center section in a two-tone finish, new metal trim, and an upper section with geometric shapes.

The seats are wrapped in fancy Poltrona Frau leather, which, for the first ever, features 3D printed parts. Lambo went with the same two-tone layout that combines black with burnt brown that has a gold tint. Naturally, customers will be able to order just about any color combinations they like through the Ad Personam program.

Lamborghini Sian FKP 37 Drivetrain And Performance

The electric motor adds an extra 34 horses, pushing the Sian's total output to a whopping 808 horsepower

The Lambo Sian might look stunning on the outside, but the really big news lies under the shell. Although the rear hood hides the already familiar, naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V-12 from the Aventador, the Sian also features a 48-volt system. This setup turns it into a mild hybrid. It’s not the company’s first hybrid — the Asterion concept from 2014 featured electrification as well — but it’s Lambo’s first mass-produced hybrid.

The 6.5-liter V-12 is also more powerful than the norm. Lambo upgraded some internals and the mill now cranks out 774 horsepower. This rating makes it the most powerful incarnation of the iconic V-12 engine because it delivers 34 more horses than the Aventador S and 15 more horsepower than the Aventador SVJ. Lamborghini has yet to release torque figures, but the Sian should have more than the SVJ, rated at 531 pound-feet.

Things get even better when the 48-volt system kicks in. The electric motor adds an extra 34 horses, pushing the Sian’s total output to a whopping 808 horsepower. That’s a whopping 68 horsepower more than the Aventador S and an extra 49 horses over the Aventador SVJ. Again, no torque figures yet, but total output should easily surpass the 600-pound-foot mark.

How quick is the Sian compared to the Aventador? Well, Lambo says that it sprints from 0 to 62 mph in 2.8 seconds. That’s a tenth-second quicker than the Aventador S, but on par with the Aventador SVJ. This is a bit surprising given that the Sian has a better power-to-weight ratio than the Aventador SVJ (according to Lambo). But the Sian makes up for that in other departments. The hybrid supercar is two tenths quicker than the Aventador SVJ from 19 to 37 mph (30 to 60 km/h) and 1.2 seconds faster than the same car from 43 to 75 mph (70 to 120 km/h).

Instead of a lithium-ion battery, the supercar is equipped with a supercapacitor

When it comes to top speed, the Sian reaches 217 mph, a benchmark that puts it on par with both the Aventador S and Aventador SVJ.

Fast and powerful, the Lambo Sian is also innovative. Instead of a lithium-ion battery, the supercar is equipped with a supercapacitor. The Italian firm showcased this technology in the Terzo Millennio concept in 2018 and refined it for mass production.

A supercapacitor is a high-capacity capacitor with a capacitance value much higher than other capacitors, but with lower voltage limits. In short, it bridges the gap between electrolytic capacitors and rechargeable batteries. A supercapacitor typically stores 10 to 100 times more energy per unit volume or mass than electrolytic capacitors. It can also accept and deliver charge much faster than batteries and tolerates many more charge and discharge cycles than rechargeable batteries.

The motor and supercapacitor are small enough to fit in the space between the cockpit and the mid-mounted engine

You probably already guessed one of the benefits of the supercapacitor over the lithium-ion battery, but there’s more to it. Lambo says that its supercapacitor is also three times more powerful than a battery of the same weight. This means that it’s three times lighter than a battery that produces the same power. This solves a major problem for hybrids, which are usually much heavier than internal combustion vehicles due to the batteries being large and heavy. To put it in context, the electric motor and supercapacitor weigh only 34 kg (75 pounds) together. At 34 horses, the system has an impressive power-to-weight ratio of one horsepower per kg.

The motor and supercapacitor are also small enough to fit in the space between the cockpit and the mid-mounted engine. This not only saves space, but also enables the Sian to benefit from a perfect weight distribution.

Another innovative feature that comes with the Lambo Sian is the highly advanced braking system. Specifically developed for this car, it charges the Sian’s supercapacitor to full power every time you step on the brakes. This is also possible thanks to the supercapacitor’s symmetric behavior, which unlike lithium-ion batteries can charge and discharge with the same power.

The energy stored from braking is instantly available as a power boost, but it can also be used to drive the car on electric power only. There’s no word on range, but Lambo says that you can accelerate the Sian on electric power alone until you hit 81 mph (130 km/h). That’s when the electric motor disconnects automatically and the V-12 kicks in. You can also use electric power to go in reverse or park.

Lamborghini Sian FKP 37 Prices

Pricing information for the Sian is not yet available, but this supercar won’t be cheap. With production limited to only 63 units, which symbolizes the year when Ferruccio Lamborghini established the company (1963), the Sian is bound to cost a fortune. With the Aventador SVJ priced from $518,000, the Sian will probably fetch in excess of $1 million, or maybe even close to $2 millin before the fancier options. But don’t get your hopes up on ordering one, Lambo probably sold all 63 units before the car was unveiled.

But while the Sian is notably more expensive than the Aventador, it’s by no means the most expensive Lamborghini ever built. This title goes to the Veneno Roadster, limited to only nine units and priced at around $3.6 million. The coupe version, of which only three were manufactured, was sold for $3.3 million. The Sesto Elemento, built in 20 examples, was sold for $2.3 million a pop, while the unique Aventador J was sold for $2.2 million.

Lamborghini Sian FKP 37 Competition

Ferrari SF90 Stradale

The SF90 Stradale is a perfect for the Lamborghini Sian. It also features a dramatic exterior design that sets apart from the other Ferraris and it’s also a hybrid. However, this Italian beast features a smaller V-8 instead of a V-12. The gasoline engine displaces 4.0 liters and mates to no fewer than three electric motors and a 7.9-kWh battery. The system delivers a whopping 986 horsepower and pushes the SF90 Stradale from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.5 seconds. That’s quicker than the Lamborghini Sian, but its top speed is slightly lower at 211 mph. The SF90 Stradale can also travel for 16 miles on electric power alone. The SF90 is expect to cost less than $1 million, so it will be the most affordable in this comparison.

Read our full review of the 2020 Ferrari SF90 Stradale.

Koenigsegg Regera

If it’s cutting-edge hybridized speed with a multi-million dollar price tag that you’re after, then the Koenigsegg Regera has the goods. Making it move is a 5.0-liter V-8 with a double dose of turbocharging, a 4.5-kWh battery pack, and three electric motors. These units combine to produce a whopping 1,479 horsepower and 1,475 pound-feet of torque. That’s a lot, and properly applied, Koenigsegg says it’ll slingshot the Regera to 62 mph in 2.8 seconds and to 249 mph in 20 seconds. The Swedish brand will build only 80 units, each priced from a whopping $1.9 million.

Read our full review of the 2017 Koenigsegg Regera

Final Thoughts

From the Sesto Elemento and the Veneno Roadster, to the Reventon, and beyond, Lamborghini has certainly made a reputation for itself when it comes to its low-production super cars. To make this occasion even more special, the Sian is the Raging Bull’s very first hybrid supercar, giving us all a preview of things to come from one of the most iconic supercar brands on Earth. Of course, it bears mentioning that Lamborghini is a little late to the party, considering McLaren, Porsche, and Ferrari each introduced their own hybrid supercar models several years ago (P1, 918 Spyder, and LaFerrari, respectively).

Nevertheless, better late than never. And it’s not a big issue anyway. Keeping up with the Joneses is one thing, but keeping your brand intact is even more important. And for any of you out there calling the Sian out as blasphemy, it’s important to note the reality of Lamborghini’s position - that is, it’s owned by Volkswagen, and currently producing the Urus SUV.

The seal has been broken with the SUV and a hybrid vehicles was just a natural step into the future. The important thing is that Sian is a serious contender for this market. It looks out of this world (got to love an exterior that pays tribute to the iconic Countach), it has a powerful drivetrain, and features loads if innovative technology. And it still keeps that big V-12 we all adore. Sure, the interior is a bit of a let down, but hey, it’s a small compromise in a sea of cool features.

• Love it
  • * Amazing exterior design
  • * Insanely fast
  • * It keeps that classic Lamborghini sound
• Leave it
  • * Signals Lambo’s move towards electrification
  • * Absurdly expensive
  • * Some rivals are faster

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2020 Lamborghini Sian.

Read our full review on the 2019 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ.

Read our full review on the 2018 Lamborghini Aventador S.

Read our full review on the 2017 Lamborghini Terzo Millennio Concept.