The Secret Behind Supercar Manufacturers Sustaining Combustion Engines

Key Takeaways

• Plug-in hybrids are aiding combustion engines by minimizing emissions in zero-emission areas while delivering impressive performance.
• The integration of hybrid technology has allowed for the creation of some of the most extravagant combustion engines ever, securing their role in high-end supercars.
• Combustion engines won’t disappear; instead, they will transition into luxury items akin to horses.

As we approach 2024, merely three V10 engines are still being manufactured. V12 engines are not faring much better, as they, too, begin to dwindle. At last count, the U.S. market had only six or seven V8-powered sports cars available. Stricter EPA emissions regulations and the continual rise in electric vehicle performance make the outlook for combustion engines increasingly challenging.

Despite the increasing push to eliminate combustion engines, supercar manufacturers have discovered a way to preserve them—not by switching to all-electric models or excessively turbocharging engines. The key to sustaining combustion in the ultra-luxury segment rests in plug-in hybrid technology.

How Does Adding Electricity Save Combustion?

It may seem paradoxical that introducing electricity can save combustion engines, but there’s a rationale to it. To grasp this, it’s important to understand the motivation behind widespread electrification laws. While we won’t dive too deep into details, it’s essential to note that vehicles have been classified as significant pollutants in urban areas. Governments worldwide are establishing zero-emission zones in cities to mitigate smog in places lacking sufficient greenery to absorb carbon emissions.

This implies that when operating within these zones, vehicles must not emit any pollution from their exhaust. However, this doesn’t mean drivers can only use electric vehicles; it’s possible to own a robust V12 engine as long as the vehicle includes an electric range of 12 miles. But what happens outside these designated areas? The reality is supercars generally don’t accumulate extensive mileage.

Supercars Aren’t Being Used As Commuters

Determining an average mileage for supercars and hypercars is challenging, yet one fact stands out: owners of elite vehicles such as the McLaren P1, Bugatti Chiron, or Pagani Huayra do not use them daily. Most often, these cars go out for leisurely weekend drives. The individuals purchasing hypercars perceive their acquisitions differently than the average consumer; while many may own one or two cars, these collectors often have dozens. They do not make a choice between just two vehicles; they acquire multiple options and aim for a complete collection, much like a Top Trumps game set.

In 2023, average U.S. motorists drove approximately 13,476 miles annually. In comparison, many supercar owners report usage closer to 1,000 to 1,500 miles per year for their vehicles. Rare instances of drivers reaching up to 4,500 miles in a year exist, but these are exceptional. Given that hypercars likely see even less use and constitute a minute fraction of total cars on the road, their overall environmental impact is negligible.

Moreover, by predominantly using electric power for short trips, their impact on emissions is even lower.

Hybrids Are Producing the Most Impressive Combustion Engines Ever

This political justification for electrification is just one part of the story; from the viewpoint of automotive enthusiasts, plug-in hybrids are enabling us to experience some truly remarkable engines.

To clarify, we are not against electric vehicles. We admire impressive models like the Rimac Nevera, with its astonishing 0-60 mph in just 1.74 seconds. The newly introduced Nevera R promises even more power and enhanced performance. However, at the end of the day, such achievements are merely numbers. Unless you are a professional driver striving to optimize your performance times, the essence of a supercar lies in the sensory experience: the feel of the vehicle, the exhaust smell, and the sound of a finely-tuned multi-cylinder engine roaring. Turbochargers frequently dampen that excitement by muffling the exhaust noise and diminishing throttle responsiveness—a trade-off for compliance with strict efficiency standards.

Plug-in hybrids change this dynamic entirely. With the electric component addressing fuel economy and emissions concerns, manufacturers can focus on delivering exhilarating engineering feats that captivate the senses.

Examples of Electrification Yielding Remarkable Supercars

Notable examples include the Aston Martin Valkyrie with its 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 revving up to an astounding 11,000 rpm, the new Bugatti Tourbillon, which maintains its 16-cylinder configuration but ditches the quad turbochargers, creating an uniquely audible engine sound. Then there’s the Lamborghini Temerario, featuring turbocharged V8 engine that revs to 10,500 rpm. How is this achieved? Thanks to electric assistance, which provides torque at low RPMs enabling the use of larger turbos that activate at high RPMs—this results in not only thrilling performance but a significant power output of 907 horsepower for what many would call a smaller Lamborghini.

• 

  Bugatti Tourbillon

  Base Trim Engine

  8.3-liter V16 hybrid

  Base Trim Drivetrain

  All-Wheel Drive

  Base Trim Transmission

  8-speed dual-clutch automatic

  Base Trim Horsepower

  1,775 hp

• 

  Lamborghini Temerario

  Base Trim Engine

  4.0-liter Twin-Turbo V8 Plug-In Hybrid

  Base Trim Drivetrain

  All-Wheel Drive

  Base Trim Transmission

  8-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic

  Base Trim Horsepower

  907 hp

• 

  Aston Martin Valkyrie

  Base Trim Engine

  6.5L V12 Hybrid

  Base Trim Drivetrain

  Rear-Wheel Drive

  Base Trim Transmission

  7-Speed Automatic

  Base Trim Horsepower

  1,160 hp

Achievements like these would be impossible without the advent of hybrid technology, which seems to be just the beginning. While niche manufacturers may receive exceptions from future combustion engine bans, it is important to note that not all supercar and hypercar brands fall into the category of low-volume production. For the brands that are somewhat more accessible—though still held in high regard—such as Ferrari, McLaren, Aston Martin, Lamborghini, and Porsche, plug-in hybrid systems represent a path forward for continued combustion, and not just any combustion, but some of the most extraordinary and exhilarating engines we’ve encountered.

Combustion Will Never Fade Away; Hybridization Has Revived It

In defiance of widespread anti-combustion sentiment, we believe that regardless of how advanced electric cars become, the combustion engine is here to stay. Whether through synthetic fuels, hydrogen combustion, or hybrid technology, it will always have a place. Similar to how the automobile supplanted horse-drawn carriages, it’s reasonable to foresee that EVs will dominate the mass market. However, just as horses transformed from essential transportation to luxury symbols, so will traditional combustion cars.

The advantage of hybridization is that it liberates combustion engines from the constraints of flawed efficiency metrics. Plug-in hybrid supercars and hypercars deliver the ultimate dual benefit: they meet government regulations for zero emissions and allow enthusiasts to relish the visceral experience of combustion for years to come—without concern over heavy electric vehicle batteries.

Sources:US Department of Transportation, Ferrari Chat, Pistonheads, Hagerty.com