According to Forbes magazine, Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann believes that all-electric supercars are not yet the near future for the company, even though Lamborghini has already electrified its entire product range with hybrid technology.
"After COVID-19, we had the opportunity to refresh the entire Lamborghini product range," Winkelmann said. " We needed to reduce CO2 emissions while still maintaining the brand's DNA."
Although electric vehicles are increasingly dominating the performance race, the CEO of Lamborghini believes the time for the super EV is not yet here.
"We sell dreams, not just a means of transportation," CEO Winkelmann emphasized. "Lamborghini customers want emotion."
The Temerario is currently Lamborghini's latest mid-engine supercar, but it has now been electrified with a hybrid powertrain.
According to him, even younger customers still want the sound of the engine and the traditional mechanical feel.
Lamborghini has committed to its customers that the next generation of models will have a new design, better performance, and lower emissions than the previous generation. However, the most important thing is to retain the characteristic driving experience behind the wheel.
"When it comes to performance, there are always two sides," he said. One is the numbers, such as acceleration, top speed, or track time. The other is the emotion: the sound, the vibration, and the feel of the steering.
Lamborghini laid the foundation for the modern supercar concept with the Lamborghini Miura, launched in 1966. This model featured a mid-mounted V12 engine and was the fastest production car in the world for many years.
When it debuted in 1966, the Lamborghini Miura redefined the mid-engine supercar segment.
Currently, Lamborghini is betting on a hybrid strategy with models like the Lamborghini Temerario and Lamborghini Revuelto. The Temerario uses a twin-turbocharged V8 engine combined with three electric motors, delivering 907 horsepower and accelerating from 0-96 km/h in under 2.7 seconds.
The biggest advantage of a hybrid powertrain lies in its traction and torque distribution during high-speed acceleration, while Lamborghini still manages to retain the dramatic engine sound – considered the "soul" of the brand.
CEO Winkelmann said customers are reacting positively to hybrid models. "Demand is very high," he said. Lamborghini is now continuing to apply hybrid technology to limited-edition models such as the Lamborghini Fenomeno Roadster – a car that sold out even before its official launch.
Forbes reports that the trend of delaying pure EVs is also emerging among many other supercar manufacturers. Maserati is said to have postponed its all-electric MC20 plans due to low demand, while Bugatti opted for a hybrid powertrain for its latest Bugatti Tourbillon model.