Lamborghini's hybrid V12 to enter production by 2020?

The powertrain is expected to be used in the Aventador's successor and a limited-edition flagship hypercar.

Lamborghini is reportedly preparing to build a hybrid version of its V12 engine in 2020, powering the Aventador's successor and a limited-edition flagship hypercar.

The company has previously hinted at hybrid technology as a viable option for achieving emissions targets while still selling high-displacement naturally aspirated engines. The hybrids will be able to drive on electricity alone, perhaps more than 30 miles, to offset the emissions output when all 12 cylinders are firing.

Speaking to Autocar, Lamborghini CTO Maurizio Reggiani has voiced enthusiasm for an electric motor on the front axle rather than adding the electric components to the engine or transmission. Such an approach eliminates the need for a propeller shaft going to the front wheels.

"My personal idea is that this is the best concept, to give the best control and management of the chassis," he said. "It would be easy to have full torque vectoring at the front, to help compensate again for the increase in weight with more agility."

The seven-figure flagship hypercar has already been shown to potential buyers, providing a private glimpse at the electrified powertrain as the car moves closer to production.