Lamborghini Reveals New V12 For Next Supercar, Aventador Name Rumoured

While the car itself remains under wraps for now, Lamborghini has today revealed an all-new 6.5 litre V12 engine, destined for duty in the Murcielago's upcoming successor.

Producing 525kW and 690Nm of torque, the new V12 is a good 30kW more powerful than the highly-tuned V12 driving the Murcielago LP 670-4. Torque too is up, bettering the LP 670-4 by 30Nm.

The new and more powerful engine comes as a welcome surprise for fans. It follows Lamborghini's announcement earlier this year that it would re-focus future development towards handling and lightweight construction rather than outright power.

The full details of the new V12 have yet to be revealed, although Lamborghini has revealed that its construction includes a crankcase and cylinder heads made from aluminium-silicon alloy.

"With this new V12, we are heralding a technological leap that encompasses all areas of the company and our future model line-up," Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann said.

Coupled to the new engine will be a brand-new automated manual transmission dubbed Lamborghini ISR, or Independent Shifting Rod (see gallery).

Lamborghini says the new system allows gear shifts to happen "virtually in parallel," with the second shifting rod engaging the next gear even as the first is disengaging.

"With a unique package of innovations, Lamborghini will redefine the future of the super sports car. This engine, together with an all-new concept gearbox, will be the strong heart of the Murciélago successor next year."

Performance figures for the new engine have not been revealed.

Lamborghini Registers Aventador Name Trademark

Reports out of the US today suggest Lamborghini has registered the name 'Aventador' with the US trademark office. No simple and direct translation for the name exists, although a close approximation is understood to be "one who dares."

It seems likely that Lamborghini's new supercar will carry this name, with many currently referring to it simply as 'Jota' and the LP-700-4. Time will tell.