Lamborghini will continue building cars with internal combustion engines (ICE) for at least another decade, as the brand’s customers still want the “sound and emotion” of a traditional engine, according to CEO Stephan Winkelmann.
Speaking from Lamborghini’s London showroom, Winkelmann said that falling enthusiasm for electric vehicles, particularly among luxury buyers, has provided the opportunity for extended use of hybrid systems. He described the continued use of petrol engines, paired with electric motors, as “paramount” to the brand’s future success.
Lamborghini currently offers three core models. The Revuelto and the recently announced Temerario are both plug-in hybrid supercars, offering brief electric-only driving alongside their petrol engines. The Urus SUV, which accounts for more than half of the brand’s sales, is available as both a plug-in hybrid and a traditional ICE model.
There’s also the Fenomeno, a €3 million limited-run hypercar, with only 30 examples being made. Capable of over 215mph, it sits at the extreme end of Lamborghini’s performance spectrum.
Plans for a fully electric Urus successor, initially due by 2029, have now been delayed to at least 2035. Likewise, the Lanzador, an all-electric GT concept revealed in 2023, may end up as a hybrid instead. A final decision is expected soon.
Winkelmann emphasised that Lamborghini’s environmental footprint is minimal compared to global car production. The brand sold 795 cars last year so, despite being environemntally responsible, Winkelmann said that it doesn’t really make a lot of difference what fuel the cars use.
Even with the 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel cars that is planned for both the EU and UK, low-volume manufacturers, like Lamborghini, can continue selling ICE models beyond that date.
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