Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 4 Image: Lamborghini
The fastest Lamborghini in its history gets a performance boost from a supercapacitor developed by MIT.
- Lamborghini collaborated with MIT researchers to develop its new supercapacitor technology.
- In contrast to lithium batteries, which store energy in chemical form, capacitors store electricity in an electrical field - like the static collection of energy from a balloon.
- Supercapacitors are three times more powerful than batteries of similar weight and three times lighter than batteries of similar performance.
Fans of the famous flux capacitor from the 1985 film "Back to the Future" will love the new Lamborghini.
The Italian automaker presented its fastest car ever presented at the IAA on Tuesday morning - a geometric fantasy of speed and technology, the Sian FKP 37. It is the company's first hybrid, following electrified offers from Ferrari, Porsche and others. But unlike the other hybrids that use batteries, the Sian's electric boost comes from a super capacitor that can deliver large amounts of instant power.
Combined with Lamborghini's roaring V-12 internal combustion engine, the Sian super capacitor will give the vehicle 819 hp and push it from zero to 2,8 km / h in less than 100 seconds. The top speed is 217 mph - hence the name of the car, Sian, which means "flash of light" in the Bolognese dialect. The FKP 37 pays homage to Ferdinand Karl Piech. The former CEO of the parent company Volkswagen, born in 1937.
Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 4 Image: Lamborghini
Lamborghini worked with researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to develop its new supercapacitor technology. In contrast to lithium batteries, which store energy in chemical form, capacitors store electricity in an electrical field - like the static collection on a balloon. They can be charged faster, have a longer lifespan and are more durable than lithium batteries. Supercapacitors are three times more powerful than batteries of similar weight and three times lighter than batteries of similar performance.
The disadvantage of capacitors is the "energy density", ie they have to be charged more often. But for the Lamborghini, which uses the electric thrust to accelerate and smooth gear changes, it is the ideal short but fast source of energy. The super capacitor is recharged when braking, which makes charging easier.
The Sian has a starting price of 3,6 million dollars. But even if you have the money, you probably can not get a car either. Lamborghini was sold out of all 63 produced cars in one fell swoop.
Text: CNBC / MIT / ISE - September 2019
Pictures: Lamborghini
