Lamborghini Archives

21st century Countach unveiled on 50th anniversary of Lamborghini’s supercar

The Countach was undoubtedly a legendary Lamborghini model and an early entrant in the supercar era. On its 50th anniversary, the carmaker has unveiled a successor – the Countach LPI 800-4 – as a futuristic limited edition recreated for the 21st century. It imagines how the iconic Countach (pronounced ‘coon-tach’) of the 1970s and 1980s might have evolved into an elite super sports model of this decade.

The distinctive silhouette with the essential line running from front to rear, sharp angles and lines and idiosyncratic wedge shape, innovated modern super sports design as well as future Lamborghini models. The LPI 800-4 uses those characteristic lines of the original Countach’s five models over nearly 20 years, with the final outline being pure and uncluttered.

*One of the many versions of the original Countach. It was one of the very few Lamborghini model names not connected to bulls.*

Giving the LPI 800-4 a distinctive Countach face, inspiration was taken from the Quattrovalvole edition with its long, low rectangular grille and headlights, as well as in the wheelarches with their hexagonal theme. The sharp inclination of the greenhouse adopts the straight lines redolent of the original Countach, adjoining the powerful, clean front-to-rear line.

There is no fixed rear wing outside the pure lines, and the airscoops are integrated fluidly in the strong shoulders of the car, embellished with the distinctive Countach slatted ‘gills’. The iconic and aerodynamically powerful NACA air intakes cut into the side and doors of the LPI 800-4 while the distinctive Periscopio lines running through the roof to the rear of the car, particularly distinctive if viewed from above, appear to float towards the rear of the car.

The rear is immediately recognizable from its distinctive inverted wedge shape, with the rear bumper featuring a lower, sleeker line, and the ‘hexagonita’ design shaping the 3-unit rear light clusters. The LPI 800-4 sports the quad tailpipes of the Countach family, connected within the carbonfibre rear diffuser.

The V12 engine of the Countach is as legendary as the design. Mounted at the rear together with its forward-cabin layout, the original Countach featured side-mounted radiators from Formula 1 cars, plus a forward-facing gearbox and tubular spaceframe technology.

The familiar 6.5-litre V12 engine is part of the hybrid powertrain that includes a 48V electric motor (e-motor) to generate up to 803 ps/720 Nm. The e-motor is powered by a supercapacitor providing 3 times more power compared to a lithium-ion battery of the same weight. This enables the 4-wheel drive supercar to rocket from standing still to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds, after which it will pass 200 km/h in another 5.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 355 km/h, it is claimed.

The monocoque chassis and all the body panels are in carbonfibre, provide the optimum lightweight solution as well as exceptional torsional stiffness. With a dry weight of 1,595 kgs, the weight-to-power ratio is 195 kg/ps.

Visible exterior carbonfibre features are available in the front splitter, around the front window and wing mirrors, engine bonnet cover air intakes and rocker panel and it is always present in specific interior details. Moveable air vents produced by the state-of-the-art 3D printing technology, and a photocromatic roof – changing from solid to transparent at the push of a button – act as a reminder that this car, despite its historic inspiration, is a future automotive screensaver for the 21st century.

The LPI 800-4 unveiled in California this week is in Bianco Siderale, a finish containing a hint of pearlescent blue and reminiscent of Ferruccio Lamborghini’s own Countach LP 400 S, complete with red and black leather heritage interior.

The interior also takes design cues from the original Countach within the context of a modern car. The classic and luxurious leather features geometric stitching on the specially designed comfort seats and dashboard, sporting a square motif referencing the bold style and optimism of 1970s design and technology. Access for driver and passenger is, of course, via the infamous scissor doors, first introduced on the Countach and that have become a Lamborghini V12 signature.

“The Countach LPI 800-4 is a visionary car of the moment, just as its forerunner was,” said Automobili Lamborghini President & CEO, Stephan Winkelmann. “One of the most important automotive icons, the Countach not only embodies the design and engineering tenet of Lamborghini but represents our philosophy of reinventing boundaries, achieving the unexpected and extraordinary and, most importantly, being the ‘stuff of dreams’. It upholds the Lamborghini tradition of looking forward, of exploring new design and technology avenues while celebrating the DNA of our brand.”

Lamborghini will build 112 units, the number taken from the ‘LP 112’ internal project name used during the original car’s development. Pricing is not known though that is not something potential customers will need to know right away. Those who do book one will get their car during the first quarter of 2022.

Production of Lamborghini Aventador ends with LP 780-4 Ultimae

Huber delivers first unit of its Lamborghini Aventador facelift

Earlier this year, coachbuilder Huber announced a Lamborghini Aventador facelift, and the first unit has been delivered to a customer in the United Kingdom. The customer is the membership Secretary of the Lamborghini Club UK, Ciro Ciampi who also founded the car community known as ‘Petrolheadonism’.

Ciampi received his latest toy on the lawn of the former residence of David and Victoria Beckham. The property is currently home to one of Britain’s most private car collections, creating a spectacular setting for the handover. The scene was not only complemented by the car collection but also by the attendance of Italian supercar patron, Fabio Lamborghini. He was impressed by the Era and happy to give his approval by being the first to unveil the car to the world.

Designing for the aftermarket
Led by Sean-Peter Huber, the UAE-based brand is on a mission to build a new community of collectors and car enthusiasts who value going back to the drawing board. His passion for car design has put them in uncharted territory in the aftermarket, but the first steps are already telling of what an exciting future the brand holds.

Entitled ‘Era’ to mark 10 years of the Aventador and to pay homage to the end of its production, Huber’s Era has created a new take on one of the worlds most revered supercars. The team focused on creating new body panels that respect the familiar DNA, exchanging the front and rear bumpers with an entirely new design in carbonfibre and an optional carbonfibre boot. Huber said: “The Era should remind us of how much we all admired the Aventador when it was launched in 2011”.

Limited to 21 sets
The fully-funded project is independent of Lamborghini with the first batch of bumper units already taken up by selected collectors who have been supporting Huber’s vision from the start. The Era price starts at 30,000 euros (about RM150,000) and will be limited to 21 pieces in the current edition.

According to Raj Singh, founder of Supercar Service Ltd (Huber’s UK distributor), in their 11-year history, they have not found an aftermarket design that integrates so well with the LP-700-4 chassis. As an option to customers around the world and to assure quality control, Huber has designated Supercar Service as ‘flying service’ partner, sending personnel to customer locations to assemble the Era.

Production of Lamborghini Aventador ends with LP 780-4 Ultimae

Even after you recover from COVID-19 infection, your quality of life may be affected and you can suffer for a long period after that. So do your best to avoid being infected by taking the necessary measures to protect yourself as well as others – and get vaccinated.

Lamborghini sets sales record even with a global pandemic, with the Urus as its bestselling model

In spite of the pandemic that affected the whole world last year and this year, Lamborghini has not seen decreased sales. Quite the opposite in fact: for the first 6 months of 2021, the sportscar maker delivered 4,852 cars and SUVs globally, making it the best half-year ever, with a 37% increase over the same period of 2020. In fact, even when compared to 2019 before COVID-19 hit, the growth in the same period is 9.9% in 2021.

Sales continue to rise
And sales of all Lamborghini models are on the rise, with orders taken already covering production until April 2022. The most popular model in 2021 is the Urus SUV with 2.796 units delivered, followed by the Huracan (1,532 units) and Aventador (524 units).

The US market again took the most units (1,502), followed by 602 units exported to China (including Hong Kong and Macau (602). Other major markets included Germany, the UK, Japan, the Middle East and Italy. Globally. Lamborghini’s network consists of 168 dealers in 51 markets.

“This exceptional result is a double confirmation for us. It is proof of the solidity and strength of this brand, which is enjoying growing appeal despite a period of continuous challenges and uncertainty,” said Lamborghini’s President & CEO, Stephan Winkelmann.

“It also endorses the positive reception to our new industrial plan for future electrification of our product range, in which we will invest over 1.5 billion euros by 2024. Lamborghini’s course is set for a period of great transformation, where technological innovation and sustainability will go hand in hand with a focus on maximum product performance and loyalty to the brand’s DNA,” he said.

Urus also sets record
The Urus stands out not only as the most popular model but is also the highest produced model in the company’s history – in the shortest amount of time since its launch. Three years after it was introduced to international markets, the Super SUV has crossed the threshold of 15,000 vehicles produced.

15,000th unit for UK market
The 15,000^th unit is for the British market, configured with the latest Graphite Capsule set of colours and finishes. The exterior has the new shade of Grigio Keres Matt, with Verde Scandal details. The two-tone interior is dedicated to the new collection in Nero Ade/Verde Scandal.

The Urus has significantly contributed to the overall increase in Lamborghini sales since it entered the market in December 2017. The company’s total volumes doubled in 2019, the first year it was fully marketed.

Fastest car on ice
With a 4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine producing 650 ps/850 Nm, the Urus is one of the fastest Super SUVs currently on the market. It is certainly the fastest car on ice, having set a speed record on the ice of Lake Baikal in Russia in March this year. On that run, it hit a top speed of 298 km/h and an average speed from a standing start of 114 km/h over 1000 metres.

Ducati Diavel 1260 Lamborghini unveiled, priced from RM130,000

‘Journey into the Vast’ gives Lamborghini owners in China a chance to enjoy motoring again

In spite of the ongoing global pandemic and many countries having restrictions on movements, it appears that Lamborghini owners in China can still enjoy motoring in their supercars. The carmaker’s subsidiary in China recently held the Esperienza China Giro ‘Journey into the Vast’ which saw 42 of the supercars travelling over 800 kms in the northwestern region of the country.

An iconic annual event since 2015
This is the seventh time since 2015 that the Lamborghini Esperienza Giro China has been run. It has become an iconic annual event of the brand, bringing Chinese customers an exclusive and extraordinary driving experience in an exploration of China’s spectacular landscapes.

This year, the 5-day journey started from Yinchuan and passed through the colossal Helan mountain range with its distinct peaks and valleys, experiencing local culture and beliefs with blessings at the Fuyin Temple. The fleet then came to the expansive desert as the tranquil red light of the setting sun fell on the Yellow River and the stars started to shine in the darkening skies, and drove along the stunning Route 66 of Zhongwei to reach the quaint ancient villages of Beichangtan.

Finally, the fleet came to the Tonghu Grassland with its unique beauty of desert, lake and oasis; and then visited the Lanzhou Danxia Geological Park to enjoy the precious sight of the red bed of Danxia against the blue skies and steep cliffs.

Fun in the sand for Urus owners
In the Tengger Desert, owners of the Urus got to try its off-road capabilities, especially with the Sabbia (sand) mode. With its active torque vectoring, the Super SUV still offers the agility and precision on sand dunes even though there is reduced grip. Of course, for owners of other models, this fun exercise was not available.

The event also included a ‘Lamborghini night’ in the depths of the desert. The owners stayed in the Desert Star Hotel that beautifully integrates regional and modern design elements, immersing themselves in the natural beauty of the desert’s green oasis, starry skies, and rustling sand.

In Japan too, Lamborghini has kept the spirt of motoring alive with its cross-Japan project known as UNLOCK ANY ROAD JAPAN. Using only the Urus SUV, the event had media as participants and the route was more than 6,500 kms. It started at the end of April and ran for around one month. Starting from Fukuoka in the south, the route passed through cities such as Hiroshima, Kobe, Osaka, Nagoya, and Kanazawa and then travelled north along the Sea of Japan to reach Tokyo.

Lamborghini Essenza SCV12 makes first public appearance at Auto Shanghai 2021

Production of Lamborghini Aventador ends with LP 780-4 Ultimae

Lamborghini has unveiled the Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae as the final production model of the V12 supercar. 600 cars will be available – 350 in coupe form and 250 roadsters. Pricing will start from around 422,735 euros (about RM2.08 million), with production to start before the end of this year.

“The Aventador LP 780-4 denotes the final, purest, timeless naturally-aspirated production V12 Lamborghini,” said Stephan Winkelmann, President & CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “It delivers the essential 12-cylinder experience in terms of inimitable design, engineering solutions and the most emotive driving experience, and is the definitive Aventador concluding an extraordinary era. It is the last of its kind, delivering the maximum power and conclusive performance expected from Lamborghini’s current V12 engine.”

Besides the purity of the original Aventador concept, the LP 780-4 Ultimae captures all the power and performance of the Aventador’s 10-year evolution, including the know-how of the Nurburgring-Nordschleife record SVJ powertrain set in July 2018.

Essentially a SVJ under the skin, it incorporates the purest features of all Aventador editions since it first appeared in 2011. The 12-cylinder 6.5-litre ‘Longitudinale Posteriore’ (LP) engine delivers 780 ps – 40 ps more than the Aventador S and 10 ps over the SVJ – to its permanent 4-wheel drive. Transmission is via Lamborghini’s lightweight Independent Shifting Rod 7-speed shifting system, providing robotized gearshifts in up to 50 milliseconds.

The Aventador LP 780-4’s unique, extremely rigid and lightweight carbonfibre monocoque, and extensive use of carbonfibre throughout the body, contributes to its dry weight of just 1,550 kgs. The coupe version, weighing 25 kgs less than the Aventador S, delivers the same weight-to-power ratio as the SVJ at 1.98 kg/ps, accelerating from 0 – 100 km/h in a claimed 2.8 seconds and hitting a top speed of 355 km/h. From 100 km/h to standstill is said to be done in 30 metres.

Lateral control is optimized through 4-wheel steering, introduced on the Aventador S, to give agility at low and medium speeds and enhanced stability at high speed. Lamborghini Dynamic Steering (LDS) on the front axle is calibrated for responsive feedback with sharp turn-in while adapted to integrate with the active rear-wheel steering on the rear axle. Separate actuators respond in five milliseconds to drivers’ steering movements, allowing a real-time adjustment to steering angles enhancing cornering properties.

The permanent 4-wheel drive, due to the rear-wheel steering, is calibrated to allow more torque to the rear axle so that when powering off, less torque is shifted to the front axle to allow sporty but safe oversteer behaviour.

The LP 780-4 Ultimae’s design adopts a specific front bumper concept for increased aero load on the front, with longitudinal performance similar to the SVJ. Delivering the state of the art aerodynamic performance, the front splitter and open ‘mouth’ directs additional airflow to optimize aerodynamic efficiency, engine and radiator cooling.

The active aero system’s rear wing moves into 3 positions, dependent on speed and the drive mode selected, optimizing the car’s overall balance. Vortex generators created in the front and rear of the underside maximize air flow and assist with brake cooling.

The driver and passenger environment is refined, with a new collection of tone-on-tone colours that are elegant while recalling the Aventador’s powerful original design cues taken from the world of aeronautics. The LP 780-4’s comfort seat is taken from the Aventador S, with the ‘Ultimae’ name embroidered into the seat bolster, while the A-pillar driver dashboard area carries the 001 of 350/250 reference to the limited editions.

The customizable TFT digital dashboard displays driver modes as well as controlling in-car connectivity. Apple CarPlay manages voice activated communications and entertainment, with the Lamborghini telemetry system available as an option for those wanting to celebrate the last Aventador on track.

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Track-only Lamborghini Essenza SCV12 with full carbon chassis meets FIA Hypercar safety standards

With 30 years of experience in using composite materials in the automotive field, it’s not surprising that Lamborghini is the first carmaker to have a car on the market with a carbonfibre roll-cage homologated according to the FIA Hypercar safety standards. The model is the Essenza SCV12 which was developed by Lamborghini Squadra Corse and designed by Lamborghini Centro Stile as the direct descendant of cars such as the Miura Jota and Diablo GTR.

‘Laboratory of ideas’
“The Essenza SCV12 was born as a ‘laboratory of ideas’. This allowed us to use technical solutions usually found in racing prototypes, such as the suspension installed directly on the load-bearing gearbox, which is an innovative solution for a GT car. In addition, it features the new carbonfibre monocoque chassis without steel roll- cage, resulting from technical collaboration with the FIA, thanks to which we’ve started a process that will lead to an exponential improvement in safety for GT racing drivers in the future,” said Giorgio Sanna, Lamborghini’s Head of Motorsport.

Rigorous testing to meet standards
The carbonfibre chassis has been subjected to the testing required by the FIA for chassis homologation. This testing is extremely rigorous, involving both static and dynamic tests, and required Lamborghini Squadra Corse technicians to extensively modify the structure of the production chassis from which the Essenza SCV12 chassis is derived.

The carbonfibre monocoque was reinforced in several points, having to withstand forces of over 12 tons during the FIA homologation tests without presenting significant deformations. There are more than 20 static tests which, in addition to the chassis, involve the pedals, seatbelts and fuel tank. The dynamic crash tests, on the other hand, involve impacts at speeds of up to 14 metres/second. In this type of test, the chassis must not be subjected to any intrusion of external elements that could come into contact with the driver, and the fuel tank must not leak.

Saving weight and space
The decision of the Lamborghini Squadra Corse technicians to maintain the carbonfibre structure, ie not mounting a steel roll-cage, was a benefit in terms of overall weight, along with the use of innovative laminated foams inside the chassis (ROHACELL 71 XT). This also provided a significant increase in cockpit space for optimal driving comfort.

In the Essenza SCV12, the driver sits on an OMP FIA 8862 homologated seat, mounted on carbonfibre cradles designed by Squadra Corse and produced in Lamborghini’s CFK laboratories. The seat has been lowered compared to the road models and the driver and passenger are protected on the door side by two side impact guards, also made of composite material, which replace the classic steel tubes found in racing cars.

Another new solution is the cradle situated in the rear part of the monocoque, which houses the engine perfectly positioned on the longitudinal axis, while the gearbox has a load-bearing and structural function. This characteristic also made it possible to achieve torsional stiffness values 20% higher than those of the Huracan GT3 EVO.

“Along with the aerodynamic load of over 1,200 kgs at top speed, the torsional stiffness of the car contributes to ensuring extraordinary driving precision,” explained Marco Mapelli. “This makes it possible for the driver to tackle curves at speed without any appreciable correction of the steering angle. Essenza SCV12 is a very fast car, thanks to the extraordinary thrust of the 830 bhp engine, and it’s relatively easy to drive.”

Only for track use
The track-only hypercar, limited to 40 units, has the most powerful V12 naturally-aspirated engine ever developed by Lamborghini, combined with aerodynamics inspired by racing prototypes and new technical solutions designed for the ultimate driving experience.

The first units of Essenza SCV12 were delivered to customers about 2 months ago and the dedicated program of track events will start at the end of this month. Essenza SCV12 owners will become part of an exclusive club that will give them access to special programs to drive their hypercar on the most prestigious circuits in the world. The program includes storage service in a new hangar built in Sant’Agata Bolognese for the Essenza SCV12 club. Each car will have a personalized garage and dedicated services, including webcams to allow customers to monitor their cars 24 hours a day using an app.

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New Huracan Super Trofeo EVO2 by Lamborghini Squadra Corse in 2022

Since 2009, 950 drivers have raced in the Super Trofeo, competing in the Lamborghini one-make event for over 310 hours at the most prestigious tracks in the world. 2021 sees the series in its 13^th season, which will also be the final one before the introduction of the new Huracan Super Trofeo EVO2 by Lamborghini Squadra Corse.

“Seven years have passed since we introduced the first Huracan Super Trofeo, and now Squadra Corse is adding a new chapter to its history,” said Stephan Winkelmann, President & CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “The Huracan is one of the biggest bestsellers in the history of the brand, and the Super Trofeo has additionally helped to increase its success”.

“The Super Trofeo is the best testing ground for technical and aerodynamic solutions for both road cars and GTs, and with the Huracán Super Trofeo EVO2, we have definitely taken another step forward,” said Maurizio Reggiani, Chief Technical Officer of Automobili Lamborghini. “In April 2021, we celebrated the milestone of the 400th Huracan racing car, and our goal with the Super Trofeo EVO2 is to reach 500 in just a few years”.

The new version of the racing car will be used across each of the 3 continental Lamborghini series, starting in 2022. Aerodynamics and design are the areas in which Squadra Corse and Centro Stile have concentrated on the most.

From an aesthetic point of view, the Huracan Super Trofeo EVO2 takes the design of the previous generations to the extreme, anticipating the styling elements that will debut on road cars in the coming years. The front end has undergone a radical change, featuring new high-intensity full LED light clusters with a hexagonal design and a pronounced ‘omega’ lip that joins the carbonfibre fins and reinforces the stylistic link with the Huracan STO. Also new are the air curtain intakes, which optimize airflow, by keeping it adherent to the sides, as well as downforce.

The rear, dominated by the large carbonfibre wing, was inspired by minimalism and lightness. The frames of the new LED light clusters pay tribute to the design of the Countach and are efficiently supported by the arched carbonfibre bumper, which harmoniously links the aerodynamic appendages located behind the wheels to the redesigned diffuser fins.

Innovations are also seen in numerous components of the bodywork, such as the side member paneling and the aforementioned rear aerodynamic appendages, replacing plastic materials with carbonfibre, while maintaining the maximum sustainability in terms of running costs. In addition, the rear fenders are now composed of a single element, which includes part of the side spoiler, for optimal surface continuity.

The brake system, designed and developed by Squadra Corse, has also undergone changes. The steel front discs are larger and the new calipers can accommodate pads with a new design and a larger surface area to optimize performance and consumption.

Propulsion is entrusted to the 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10 engine that delivers a maximum power output of 620 bhp. Drive to the rear wheels goes through a sequential 6-speed X-Trac gearbox.

The Huracan Super Trofeo EVO2 makes its public debut tomorrow at the occasion of the second round of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe. The price in Europe is €250,000 (about RM1.26 million) ex-factory. Existing owners can upgrade the Huracan Super Trofeo EVO with a dedicated kit that will be available from early 2022.

Are you good enough to be a Lamborghini Official Sim driver?

Are you good enough to be a Lamborghini Official Sim driver?

*Visit www.bhpetrol.com.my for more information.*

With most countries having movement restrictions of one kind or another over the past year, many driving enthusiasts have taken to racing online – sim racing. It was therefore not surprising that the first edition of Lamborghini eSports ‘The Real Race’ in 2020 was a major success, attracting more than 2,500 drivers from 109 countries.

The competition returns with 10 races for its second year in 2021 with a new and upgraded regional format. Once again, the world’s leading sim racers will compete driving a Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO in the simulation racing game, Assetto Corsa Competizione.

More global approach
Following 2020’s inaugural competition won by German sim racer Nils Naujoks, this year’s event offers a more global approach to ‘The Real Race’. Racers will compete both in traditional Grand Prix and in three Endurance races to earn points within their regional tournaments in Europe, America and Asia.

The competition will take place from June to November in which racers around the world can sign up for the open qualifiers, running weekdays Monday to Friday (to sign up, go to https://esports.lamborghini/). The top 40 players from the open qualifiers go to the closed qualifier hosted every Saturday. Finally, the top 20 participants from the closed qualifiers will enter ‘The Real Race’ on Sunday, competing twice on the same track. The 10 weekly qualifiers for each region will offer participants the chance to earn points for their respective regional ranking and climb the ladder to become the next regional champion.

6 months long
“eSports is a field where we want to play a major role,” said Federico Foschini, Lamborghini Chief Marketing & Sales Officer. “’The Real Race’ is 6 months long, allowing players to live the thrill of true competition through the preparation and participation in races against some of the best sim racers in the world. We’re proud to host this competition and to offer the winner the opportunity to live a real-life immersive experience in the world of Lamborghini and be provided with the prospect of a career in eSports.”

For ‘The Real Race’, the Huracan GT3 EVO, a 3-time winner of the Daytona 24 Hours, has received an exclusive race livery from Lamborghini’s Centro Stile, its in-house design department. The livery is customizable in 12 different versions by competitors, with each car and displaying the trademark logos of partners, Kaspersky and Assetto Corsa Competizione.

Lamborghini Official Sim driver
The winners will enjoy will a track experience with the Lamborghini Squadra Corse and a VIP experience at Lamborghini Headquarters as well as a chance for the TOP 1 player of each regional ranking to become a Lamborghini Official Sim driver.

Assetto Corsa Competizione was developed alongside car manufacturers and provides a dynamic platform for Lamborghini’s latest racing series. The game is also used by official Lamborghini Squadra Corse test and race drivers in their real-world preparations.

This second edition of ‘The Real Race’ strengthens Lamborghini’s support and commitment to the eSports scene. After launching its first digital competition last year, Lamborghini has signed partnerships with major gaming brands on the eSports scene including Rocket League and Asphalt 9: Legends, which now offer players the opportunity to drive Lamborghini models including the Huracan STO and the Essenza SCV12.

The Real Race – Lamborghini enters eSports arena for the first time

Lamborghini Essenza SCV12 makes first public appearance at Auto Shanghai 2021

For this year’s Auto Shanghai motorshow, Lamborghini had three models on display, with the Essenza SCV12 hypercar making it global debut. The Essenza was accompanied by the road-homologated track car Huracan STO which makes its China debut along with the Huracan Fluo Capsule, the latest collection of the vibrant colours for V10 super sports cars (showcased in Asia Pacific for the first time on a Huracán EVO).

Stephan Winkelmann, who returned to the helm of the Italian sportscar company Lamborghini after being away for 5 years, was on hand to speak proudly of the past’s year’s achievement. “Automobili Lamborghini closed 2020 with its highest-ever profitability and its second highest-ever in terms of turnover and sales despite a factory closure of about two months due to COVID-19. This growing momentum has continued into 2021: the year opened with a very positive outlook, with deliveries in the first 3 months reaching the highest level on record. Orders placed thus far already cover 9 months of production,” he said.

“At this pivotal point in the company’s history, we are working very hard and preparing Lamborghini for a new era. The new development plans to be announced soon will outline how Lamborghini is going to become an even stronger brand, both here in China and around the world,” he said, adding that volumes in the Chinese market are expected to rise to second place in terms of sales, remaining one of the most significant markets for Lamborghini globally.

The Essenza SCV12
Following its virtual launch in 2020, the display at in Shanghai this week is the first public one of the Essenza SCV12. This track-only hypercar is finished in the exclusive Verde Selvans, Grigio Linx, Nero Aldebaran Gloss and Arancio California launch livery.

The limited-edition car – only 40 units will be available – was inspired by the Squadra Corse’s years of experience in competition. The innovative solutions found in this unique car create the new ultimate experience for the driver, with a futuristic design that fully inherits brand’s iconic elements, while balancing lightweight construction, functionality and design aesthetics.

The Essenza SCV12 is a direct descendant of cars such as the Miura Jota and Diablo GTR, with the most powerful V12 naturally-aspirated engine ever developed by Lamborghini. The 830 bhp engine receives a significant power boost from the RAM effect at high speeds. This high output is transferred to the wheels by a new X-trac sequential 6-speed gearbox designed as a structural element mounted within the chassis, combined with a rear-wheel drive system.

The large rear wing, side fins and front splitter are elements inspired by the Huracan Super Trofeo EVO and GT3 EVO. They promise greater efficiency and create higher downforce levels than a GT3 car, with up to 1,200 kgs on the rear end at 250 km/h.

As the first GT car developed to stringent FIA prototype safety standards, the Essenza SCV12 features an exceptional power-to-weight ratio of 1.66 bhp/kg. This is made possible by its new-generation carbonfibre monocoque chassis without an internal rollcage.

Born for life on the track and to race, there is the promise of the purest track experience that Lamborghini can offer. Every Essenza SCV12 customer will become a member of an exclusive club with access to special programs to drive their hypercar on the most prestigious circuits in the world. In addition to premium track facilities, the program also gives access to exclusive training programmes similar to those followed by the official racers.

China debut for Huracan STO
The Huracan STO is a street-homologated super sportscar with the soul and characteristics of a real racing car. It is considered to be the purest incarnation of Lamborghini Squadra Corse’s motorsports prowess and heritage, possessing the technologies derived from the Huracan Super Trofeo EVO and GT3 EVO racing cars. These cars have scored many victories, including the 24 Hours of Daytona on three occasions and the 12 Hours of Sebring twice.

With a powerful V10 naturally-aspirated engine delivering 640 bhp/565 Nm, the rear-wheel Huracan STO can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.0 seconds, from 0 to 200 km/h in 9.0 seconds, and reach a top speed of 310 km/h, it is claimed.

To further reduce weight, over 75% of the exterior panels are of carbonfibre. Extensive applications of lightweight technology give the Huracan STO a weight-to-power ratio of 2.09 kgs/bhp with a dry weight of only 1,339 kgs.

Three new driving modes are available to the driver – STO, Trofeo and Pioggia. The default STO mode is for road driving and fun on curvy roads while the Trofeo and Pioggia (rain) modes optimise all systems for dry and wet surfaces, respectively.

The new Brembo CCM-R braking units use materials and expertise derived from F1 applications, ensuring superior heat resistance, performance and consistency.

Lamborghini Huracan EVO Fluo Capsule
In the exclusive Ad Personam room at the Lamborghini stand, visitors can view the Huracan EVO Fluo Capsule. Launched in November 2020, this is its first appearance in the Asia Pacific region, bringing to the super sportscar a daring yet elegant collection of bright and bold colours in a matte paint exterior with complementary interior colour and trim options.

The display unit is being presented in matte Verde Shock (green) colour with another four exterior and interior configurations – Arancio Livrea (orange), Celeste Fedra (blue), Arancio Dac (orange) and Giallo Clarus (yellow), combined with matte black details and coloured accent lines. The Capsule offers an additional layer of variety and personalization to the already near-infinite possibilities that the Ad Personam program offers.

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50 years ago – launch of the Lamborghini Countach

Although the North American International Auto Show has typically been held in January, it is the Geneva International Motor Show in March which has traditionally been considered the first major international motorshow for the year. The event often sees exotic and futuristic models being displayed and 50 years ago, the undisputed highlight was the Countach LP 500 by Lamborghini. However, the bright yellow sportscar was unveiled at Bertone’s stand so as not to distract attention from the new Miura SV that was making its debut.

Strong, positive response
Response to the Countach was so positive that Lamborghini was convinced it could be a successful production model and quickly set its engineering team to work. The Countach project, internally coded as ‘LP112’, where LP indicated the rear longitudinal position (‘Longitudinale Posteriore’ in Italian) of the 12-cylinder engine, stemmed from Ferruccio Lamborghini’s desire to maintain the image of a company at the forefront of style and technology following the Miura.

How the name was chosen
The origin of the car’s name lies in the dialect of the Piedmont region of Italy. In its final stages of assembly, the car was hidden in a shed for agricultural machinery on a farm near Grugliasco (a province of Turin) to avoid possible work stoppages related to labour unrest, and was ‘discovered’ by a farmer who exclaimed in amazement and enthusiasm, ‘Countach!’ (a word in Piedmontese dialect expressing ‘wonderment’). When Piedmont-born Marcello Gandini became aware of the fact, he thought that this word had a particularly strong communicative force and also convinced Nuccio Bertone, Ferruccio Lamborghini and his engineer colleague, Paolo Stanzani of this.

While the original car that was displayed was eventually destroyed during a crash test in England, the second prototype that was close to the production model was unveiled at the 1973 motorshow in Geneva and also displayed at the Paris Motor Show the same year.

The beautiful, clean, futuristic lines of the Countach were styled by Marcello Gandini, Design Director of Carrozzeria Bertone. Gandini was also responsible for the decision to use the scissor doors, which since that time have characterized the production of Lamborghini’s 12-cylinder models.

The third prototype shown at the 1974 Geneva Motor Show was virtually a pre-production unit of what would come to be the LP400 Countach that went on sale the same year. The LP500, with a more powerful 4.8-litre engine (the LP400 had a 3.9-litre engine) was introduced 8 years later.

LP500 gets bigger engine
The LP 500 was a substantially different car for the LP400, which had a dry weight of around 1,100 kgs. It had a platform frame rather than a tubular one, and on the 12-cylinder engine were air intakes with a shark gill design. Some of the body panels were of kevlar (a high-strength material used for bulletproof vests) and inside, it featured sophisticated electronic instrumentation.

In 1988, Pagani created a restyled version of the Countach which became its 25th Anniversary Edition (shown above). It was regarded as the most refined and possibly the fastest variant of the Countach, able to go from 0 – 60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 295 km/h. Between 1980 and 1983, the Countach was also used as the Safety Car during the Monaco F1 Grand Prix.

Lamborghini Countach — *The Countach that was used in ‘The Cannonball Run’ movie.*

A legend in automobile history
From 1974 to 1990, 1,999 Countachs in 5 different series were produced, representing a model that, in addition to ending up displayed on the bedroom walls of an entire generation and being used in dozens of films, allowed Lamborghini to survive the most difficult years of its history and to enter permanently into the halls of legend.

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