60 years after Ferrucio Lamborghini launched the first of his sportscars, the company he founded starts its journey towards a fully electric fourth series production model.
Creating the Ultra GT segment
The Lanzador sportscar concept introduces a high ground-clearance GT (avoiding the use of ‘SUV’?) with 2+2 seats true to Lamborghini’s DNA. It will be the basis of a new model to be launched in 2028, during which time Lamborghini will introduce a new car segment – the Ultra GT.
The concept car fits in with the Italian company’s roadmap towards decarbonization and electrification announced in 2021.
“With Lanzador, we are looking into our future without forgetting our DNA. The first coupes from Lamborghini with their front engines were sporty, elegant Gran Turismos suitable for everyday use as 2+2-seaters. The 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,” said Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman & CEO of Automobili Lamborghini.
Designed inspired by spaceships
The design of the Lanzador is inspired by spaceships. Mitja Borkert, Head of Design Lamborghini, explained that the starting point of the design process was from the volumes of a super sportscar, but taking it onwards to create a true driver’s driving position, inspired also by the Huracan Sterrato.
The exterior design has taut, clean lines that are authentically Lamborghini, inspired by legendary Lamborghini models including the Sesto Elemento, Murcielago and Countach LPI 800-4.
The side view takes the single silhouette line of Lamborghini in combination with a unique architecture developed for the concept car, with the typical inclination of the cabin seen clearly from both front and rear.
At the same time, the design of the car’s lower part is shaped by the smart aerodynamic approach, integrating state of the art movable, yet integrated, components, as found in Lamborghini sportscars. With the roofline at around 1.5 metres, the electrified Grand Turismo sits low on the road.
Typical Lamborghini stylistic elements
The futuristic concept car’s detailing is sophisticated, reflecting its unique character. The slim headlights take inspiration from the Countach LPI 800-4, while the hexagonal-shaped taillights include the characterful light signature with three LED elements on each side.
The typical stylistic elements such as the Y and the hexagon, which have characterized Lamborghini’s design from the very beginning, can be found throughout the car including the rear lights and within.
‘Feel like a pilot’ philosophy
The interior layout strictly follows the ‘feel like a pilot’ design philosophy of Lamborghini, combined with the spaceship idea. It takes the idea of a 2+2 GT, but moves that a step forward, creating a 2+2 lifestyle concept where the rear space of the cabin can also be used for carrying all sorts of sports equipment or luggage.
A cargo space is provided under the short and steeply sloping front bonnet, while the large glass tailgate opens wide. Adjustable rear seats and a variable luggage compartment in the rear make the car adaptable to almost any everyday situation.
The interior is roomy, thanks to the electric package, and gives the designers much freedom. The driver and passenger sit low as if in a jet, separated by a centre console that visually flows into the dashboard. Positioned within the centre console is a panel for control of the entertainment system, climate control and new digital functions.
Passengers receive information via the automatically retractable displays. Using the Lamborghini ANIMA control, the driver switches between the different driving modes, including Efficiency and Performance for the best possible driving dynamics.
Maximum power over 1 megawatt
Drivetrain details are limited as the car is still under development. However. Lamborghini says that there will be one motor on each axle for all-wheel drive and maximum power will be over 1 megawatt (that’s 1,000 kW or 1,360 ps).
Electric energy will be provided by a new generation high-performance battery which the company says ‘will ensure a long range’.
“For us, electrification does not mean a restriction, but an intelligent opportunity to develop more performance and drivability,” said Rouven Mohr, Lamborghini’s Chief Technical Officer. “There will therefore be no compromises in terms of power, driving pleasure and performance: this is an all-electric Lamborghini that customers can enjoy every day.”
Fully active-control systems
There will also be fully active-control systems that will offer integrated driving dynamics control at a whole new level, which has not been possible for production sportscars. The driver will be able to adjust the systems while driving, via controls on the steering wheel. Therefore, he can actively influence the car’s behaviour to have a personalised character and dynamics.
A key advantage of electric sportscars with two motors is the precise torque distribution for enhanced driving dynamics. In this Lamborghini concept, the control element calculates the necessary or desired torque for each axle individually within milliseconds, with the two motors differentiating and serving the left and right sides on the rear axle.
With Wheelspeed Control, there can be very fine regulation of power and force at each of the wheels for even more precise turn-in, and direct as well as fast driving on particularly winding roads and with strong acceleration.
New level of sustainability
Lamborghini also expects to achieve a new level of sustainability with the interior made almost entirely of sustainable materials. One example is with the leather which is tanned with special water (from olive oil production) in a particularly environmentally friendly way.
A significant aspect of sustainable production and resource saving lies in a new 3D printing process for plastics, such as the foam used in the sports seats. A new printing material for FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling) printing is made from recycled waste, such as used plastic bottles.
It is a very versatile material and a stable, harmless plastic, ideal as a base material for 3D-printed seat foam due to its good mechanical, thermal and chemical resistance and its ability to be used elegantly and virtually invisibly under seating fabrics. The material can be recycled again after its useful life.
Massive investment for electrification
Before its first fully electric model, Lamborghini plans to electrify its entire product range by the end of 2024. The company is investing more than 1.9 billion euros over 4 years for the conversion to hybrid technology, the largest investment in its history.
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