By PH Staff \/ Friday, 18 August 2023 \/ Loading comments<\/p>\n
Somewhat inevitably, the subject of Lamborghini\u2019s first pure electric car has been a veritable hot potato since the firm acknowledged its intention to build such a thing more than two years ago. Its sensitivity is common to most manufacturers that are famous (or best known at least) for building supercars, and is only slightly mitigated in Lamborghini\u2019s case by the fact that its best-selling model is already a hulking SUV. The recent introduction of the plug-in hybrid (but still V12-powered) Revuelto represented an opening salvo for the brand; now, at Monterey Car Week, Lamborghini has revealed the other end of the electrified equation – the battery-powered Lanzador concept, a \u2018visionary, rebel, Ultra GT\u2019. <\/p>\n
That it takes the form of a \u2018high ground-clearance GT with 2+2 seats\u2019 is not a shock – Lamborghini\u2019s CEO has been hinting at the prospect for months – but the extent of that ground clearance is perhaps something of a surprise. We\u2019d half expected something closer to the Sterrato mould: pumped-up, yes, but fundamentally car-like. More fool us. Lamborghini may claim a roof height of \u2018around 1.5 metres\u2019 and identify everything from the Murcielago to a spaceship as inspiration – but from where we\u2019re sitting it looks like the styling and physical presence of the Urus holds plenty of sway over the general design direction, even allowing for single defining silhouette line that connects front to back. <\/p>\n
Ostensibly, the resulting showroom model is not due until 2028 – and the manufacturer commits to precious few numbers – but that hasn\u2019t prevented it from describing the Lanzador as a \u2018concrete vision of a future purely-electric fourth series production Lamborghini\u2019 – so it\u2019s safe to assume that when CEO Stephan Winkelmann talks about the Ultra GT as a new segment, it\u2019ll be pioneered by something very much in this mould. <\/p>\n
“With the fourth model concept, we are looking into our future without forgetting our DNA. The first coup\u00e9s from Lamborghini with their front engines were sporty, elegant Gran Turismos suitable for everyday use as 2+2-seaters,\u201d he noted. \u201cThe concept for our fourth production model leverages our philosophy of super sportiness combined with brave new technologies and fearless design, perfectly fitting into our Direzione Cor Tauri strategy.\u201d<\/p>\n
The nod to \u2018new technologies\u2019 there is obviously not coincidental. The brand is keen to stress that, without getting bogged down in exhaustive technical detail, its electric concept is a preview of how it imagines an Ultra GT of the near future might look. “For us, electrification does not mean a restriction, but an intelligent opportunity to develop more performance and drivability,” reckons Rouven Mohr, Lamborghini’s Chief Technical Officer. What does that mean exactly? Well, an electric motor on both axles for sure, with the rear capable of active torque vectoring and \u2018peak power of over one megawatt\u2019. Or well beyond 1,300hp. <\/p>\n
Beyond that, there are many thoughtful hints (some fleshed out, some not) about the route its first EV is taking, although presumably some can be taken with a hefty pinch of salt this far away from anything as ticklish as a functioning production line. Broadly speaking, the firm promises notable advances in software-based control systems (Lamborghini Dinamica Veicolo Integrata or LDVI) which lay at the heart of an exciting-to-drive EV, and a generous degree of active aerodynamics (Aerodinamica Lamborghini Attiva or ALA) which balance improved efficiency with better downforce thanks to extensive adaptive elements throughout the bodywork. <\/p>\n
Elsewhere among the optimisation possibilities is an active chassis that features a steerable rear axle and air suspension, and \u2018Wheelspeed Control\u2019 that allows Lamborghini to very finely regulate power at individual wheels for a superior turn-in. “I am sure that with the concept car and the technology it contains, we will convince loyal, but also tech-forerunner clients, that the new generation of Lamborghini vehicles will open a new chapter in terms of technology, performance, digitalization and driving dynamics,” added Mohr.<\/p>\n
Inside, the manufacturer indulges a number of concept-minded flourishes – retractable displays, 3D-printed recycled fibres, a centrally mounted \u2018pilot\u2019s unit\u2019 for control of the infotainment – but expect the seating position to remain a distinguishing theme; ditto the 2+2 \u2018lifestyle concept\u2019 where adjustable rear seats and a variable luggage compartment mean that \u2018all sorts of sports equipment or luggage\u2019 can be accommodated. Lamborghini\u2019s fourth model, much like the Urus, will be partly about practicality. <\/p>\n
\u201cFor me, the Lamborghini Lanzador is to date our most visionary and futuristic concept car, as well as delivering stunning looks and a new kind of beauty,\u201d reckons head of design, Mitja Borkert. \u201cThe proportions are new and unseen, with the potential to create an entirely new automotive segment. The Lanzador presents supers sports car volumes but with the pilot in a slightly higher position, echoing that of the Hurac\u00e1n Sterrato. [It] is a brave and unexpected concept visualising a potential future Lamborghini model, with an emotional design and Lamborghini-performance approach to creating a true Ultra GT.\u201d <\/p>\n