Lamborghini recently declared it will continue making cars focused mainly around internal combustion engines for at least another decade. This decision reflects its deep-seated conviction to creating a driving experience that pleases the ear and stirs the soul. The luxury automaker has taken this somewhat radical step to understand the desires of its customers. Despite advances in trains, these lovers remain devoted to the unspeakable pleasure that only classic motors can provide.
CEO Stephan Winkelmann confirmed that while Lamborghini is aware of environmental concerns, it has chosen to maintain its identity rooted in high-performance combustion engines. “This is something they want, they still want the sound and the emotion of an internal combustion engine,” Winkelmann stated. He noted, “Today enthusiasm for electric cars is going down,” suggesting a shift in consumer sentiment toward electrification.
The startup company is making international headlines with the announcement of an extremely limited edition super-sports car called Fenomeno. Only 30 will be built, and each will cost more than €3 million (£2.6 million) before taxes. This ultra-rare offering is a perfect reminder of Lamborghini’s commitment to rarity and performance. With a maximum speed well over 215 mph, the Fenomeno proves Pagani’s continued engineering superiority.
Lamborghini, for instance, gets a special exemption in the UK due to low production numbers. They make less than 2,500 new cars a year, giving them more flexibility in how they pursue regulatory compliance. This status allows the company to continue producing vehicles with internal combustion engines. It releases them from a number of stringent environmental regulations that manufacturers with the higher production volumes are required to adhere to.
Lamborghini’s current lineup is defined by three main models. One of those is the Urus, a super-luxury SUV that not only has a plug-in hybrid option, but comes in a petrol-powered variant. The Detroit-based automaker will show its first below-$40,000 Elettrica model next year. This introduction is another important step in their broader strategy to combine hybrid technology with traditional combustion engine models. Proving that point, Lamborghini revealed some pretty significant details about the Elettrica during its Capital Markets Day earlier this month.
Two years ago, Lamborghini seemed really committed to developing an all-electric successor to the Urus, though those plans were later put on hold. With EV production timeline now pushed back to at least 2035, the once all-electric model is hardly a certainty. Despite these setbacks in electrification efforts, Winkelmann emphasizes that maintaining internal combustion engines is “paramount for the success of Lamborghini.”
Winkelmann spoke to the transpo industry about the company’s commitment to reduce its environmental footprint. “We are selling 10,000 cars in a world that is producing 80 million cars a year, so our impact in terms of CO2 emissions is not that important,” he explained. His remarks indicate that while Lamborghini acknowledges its role in global emissions, it views its contribution as minimal compared to larger automotive manufacturers.
In addition, there is a concept model called the Lanzador that could eventually be all electric. Each electrified model highlights Lamborghini’s relentless pursuit of state-of-the-art EV technology. It does not mean that the world is moving now in the short-term away from internal combustion engines.