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Ferruccio Lamborghini founded his company in 1963 to create the perfect sports car. Lamborghini was clear that it wanted a V12 engine: even if this was a challenge in terms of technology and dimensions. He insisted that it was the only possible option for a high-end Lamborghini. Lamborghini V12 tradition was born with the inimitable and emotional sound, acceleration, and performance of the twelve-cylinder as part of the legacy of the flagship model of the house.
The Lamborghini 350 GT, introduced in 1963, was powered by the 3.5-liter V12 engine developed internally by Giotto Bizzarrini, mounted at an angle of 60 ° with an output of 320 horsepower. Legend suggests that Lamborghini offered Bizzarrini a bonus for every additional horsepower it could muster.
The wide front of the car housed the engine, adopting the usual mechanical design of the time and the concept that «oxen pull the cart.» Lamborghini 350 GT.
Then as today, acceleration and the feeling of being «pressed» in the seat are some of the most alluring emotions of a supercar. The aspirated V12 engine, then as now, was the inimitable choice for linear power and speed; the Best sportiness, responsiveness, and vibration-free progression.
The first Lamborghini V12 continued as the basis for new versions of the V12 engine, with various refinements developed on later models.
The 400 GT (1966) developed the capacity of the 4.0-liter V12 engine with a larger bore and stroke, producing 320 hp at 6,500 rpm and an increase in top speed from 250 to 270 km / h.
This new 4.0L engine was the basis for several acclaimed future models, including the Espada de dos plus dos (1968) with 350 hp and top speeds of 260 km / h. The Islero (1968) of 330 hp of power, evolved to the Jarama (1970), which was delivered 350 hp before an increase of 15 hp in the Jarama S, and possibly Ferruccio Lamborghini’s favorite who, like the evolving world around him, wanted a sports car two plus two.
However, performance basis on science, not just courage, and Lamborghini recognized that the further the engine locates towards the center of the car, the better the weight distribution achieves.
The Miura (1966) broke all the rules: combining engine and transmission in a single launch until the final editions of the Miura SV, the 4.0L V12 engine in the so-called P400, was moved to the center rear of the car, in a transverse position. Car-styling addressed this new design then an icon was born. The fastest production car at the time of its launch. With an output of 370 hp, with an acceleration of 0-100 km in 6.7 seconds, and a top speed of 285 km / h, the Miura’s mid-rear engine design set a new standard followed by Lamborghini and other high-performance brands. Lamborghini Miura As of now, 370 Lamborghini bulls started pushing the cart instead of pulling it, confirming the brand’s innovative approach to designing its aspirated-powered supercars.
Since the first V12 prototype, the sound of the V12 has been an automotive symphony, and in the Miura, the orchestra sits closely to the driver’s ears. Each of the 12 cylinders must move in tune with the others: 12 outstanding violins coordinated by the most competent conductor and the result of R&D and technical excellence, while the crescendo – the frequency that rises higher, gear by gear – enhances the feel and physical appeal of the V12’s performance.
After the success of the V12 models of the 1960s and early 1970s, the Countach (1974) relocated the engine again: rearward, longitudinally, hence its nickname LP (Longitudinale Posteriore) and 400 (engine displacement). 4.0 l). With its bold design incorporating scissor doors and characteristic nuanced details, the Countach wrote a new story in the design language of Lamborghini supercars, and a top speed of 300 km / h played music even closer to the ears of the car.
Lamborghini Countach, The LM002 incorporated the Countach engine with a displacement of 5.2 l and an output of 444 hp, at the heart of the first SUV. Offering power on par with a high-end engine on- and off-road performance, accompanied by the sound of the V12 orchestra. Lamborghini LM002 Although there were no more location options to explore for mounting the engine as the best solutions were already in place, the research on continuously improved performance did not stop nonetheless.
The Diablo (1990) and its 5.7 l 485 hp V12 engine confirmed the position of the LP engine but offered an all-wheel-drive system for the first time along with an acceleration of 0-100 km / h of 4, 5 seconds and a top speed of 320 km / h.
As the new century dawned with the launch of a new flagship model in 2001, the infamous Lamborghini V12 remained the engine of choice when the Diablo was followed by the Murcielago, with an initial 6.2L capacity delivering 580 hp and the last 330 Super Veloce version km / h. And increased capacity of 6.5 l, which performs 670 hp as indicated by its suffix: LP 670-4. Lamborghini Murcielago.
The latest chapter of the V12 begins in 2011, with the launch of the Aventador and its extraordinary all-new 6.5L V12. With 700 hp, an acceleration from 0-100 km / h in just 2.9 seconds, and a maximum media reporting speed of 350 km / h to date, no less than four engine variants include the engine of the SVJ that delivers 770 hp.
Lamborghini Aventador The Lamborghini V12 engine is a masterpiece of engineering performance, with the hands-on wheel necessary to truly understand unique power and sound. While it’s time to drive one, we recommend keeping your headphones close at hand and listening to the music created by its powerful motor.
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