Stefan Winkelmann, Chairman
"Brand preference remains unchanged, expectations rise"
Hybrid flagship model sold out worldwide for 3 years
Participating in hybrid endurance race as part of electrification
"Aiming for victory from the first season"
"The preference for our brand does not change just because we are moving towards electrification. I believe people will rather look forward to how we (Lamborghini) will evolve in the future."
Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman of Lamborghini, recently stated this in a video interview addressing concerns that Lamborghini might lose its unique 'emotion' if it follows through with its electrification plans. He emphasized that their electrification plan signifies Lamborghini's evolution, not just a simple shift to electric vehicles. He added, "We will launch 'sustainability' models (such as electric vehicles) that embody Lamborghini's unique characteristics in design, performance, and emotion, while meeting societal responsibilities."
All car manufacturers are focusing on electrification. The phase-out of internal combustion engine vehicles is inevitable to pass on a sustainable future to the next generation. Sports cars are no exception. We may no longer see cars that capture people's attention with the distinctive roar of internal combustion engines.
However, Lamborghini aims to catch 'two rabbits.' The Revuelto, unveiled last month in Korea, is the company's flagship model and its first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). It retains the V12 engine while adding three electric motors, reaching a maximum output of 1,015 horsepower. It is more powerful than the previous model (Aventador, 780 horsepower) and preserves the 'emotion' of the internal combustion engine's unique exhaust sound. Competitor Ferrari has yet to release a hybrid flagship model. So far, the reception has been positive. Winkelmann said, "Customers have shown a much better response than expected," and "three years' worth of global inventory has sold out."
Starting with the Revuelto, Lamborghini will gradually advance electrification. Next year, hybrid versions of the Hurac?n and the sports utility vehicle (SUV) Urus will be released. In 2028, a 100% pure electric vehicle will be launched, and by 2030, the company plans to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from all vehicles by more than 80%.
In addition to vehicle launches, Lamborghini will participate in motorsports to implement its electrification strategy. From next year, Lamborghini will compete in the Le Mans Daytona Hybrid (LMDh) series. This competition pits hybrid vehicles developed by various manufacturers against each other in endurance races. The participating vehicle is the SC63. Unveiled on the 13th (local time) at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK, this car is equipped with a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, with a combined maximum output of 500 kW (680 horsepower) from the hybrid system.
Winkelmann explained that the company is participating in this competition considering environmental aspects such as carbon neutrality. He said, "I believe LMDh will provide very useful data for producing competitive vehicles in the future," adding, "This can be applied to production cars, and the vehicle was developed with the goal of winning."
He expressed great pleasure that the Lamborghini Super Trofeo race will be held in Korea next month. This race is the fastest one-make race (single-make race) in the world. All drivers compete in the Hurac?n Super Trofeo Evo2. The series consists of six rounds and four classes, with four rounds taking place in Korea next month. This year, Lee Chang-woo and Kwon Hyung-jin are participating in the entire series as the first Korean drivers. He said, "We have improved brand visibility through collaboration and connections with Korean companies, such as Hankook Tire supplying tires," and added, "I expect the Super Trofeo to attract a lot of attention."
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