The Lamborghini Sián is Lamborghini’s first hybrid

The Sián, due to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this month, combines the manufacturer’s iconic V12 engine with an advanced hybrid powertrain. Moreover, it promises the highest power-to-weight ratio of any V12 Lamborghini which in turn makes it the fastest, too, with blistering acceleration of 0-62mph in under 2.8 seconds and a top speed in excess of 218mph.

But while everything points to this being a bona fide hybrid – the name even means means lightning in Bolognese dialect, referring to its status as the first electric Lamborghini – it appears the Italian manufacturer isn’t ready to give up on conventional petrol power just yet, with the gearbox-integrated 48-volt e-motor only subtly assisting the 6.5-litre V12, contributing just 34 horsepower to the Sián’s 819 horsepower output.

In a world first, Lamborghini has substituted a heavy battery pack with a supercapacitor, an innovative energy accumulation technology that is three times more powerful than a battery of the same weight and three times lighter than one of the same power. The supercapacitor absorbs and expels energy at a faster rate than a battery, however is less effective at retaining charge.

Impressively, the electric system (including both the supercapacitor and e-motor), weighs just 34kg, therefore delivering a power-to-weight ratio of 1.0 kg/hp.

Despite being based on the Aventador’s chassis, the Sián is no replacement; instead it will complement the fighting bull family as a limited edition sitting above the Aventador SVJ in both price and performance.

Aerodynamics and design go hand-in-hand, with the car featuring long, honed, sculptured contours, reminiscent of those of the iconic Countach. Also inspired by the iconic ‘70s supercar, are the six hexagonal tail lights, diagonal line features on the front hood and the ‘Periscopio’ tunnel, which housed a rear mirror on the classic.

63 units will be built (a subtle reference to Lamborghini’s founding year), and unsurprisingly, all are already reserved.