Unlike Ferrari and McLaren, which tapped into the electrified segments with the LaFerrari and P1 respectively, Lamborghini has yet to do so.
They did offer a glimpse into such models, however, with the hybrid Asterion and electric Terzo Millennio. But these vehicles remained simple concepts and the Italian brand is still not interested in putting them into production.
Nevertheless their first-ever electrified mass-produced model is coming, in the next 18 months or so, in the form of a plug-in hybrid Urus. The super SUV will probably get its powertrain from the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, where it produces 680PS (670hp / 500kW) and 850Nm (627lb-ft) of torque.
Even if the market dictates it though, Lamborghini still won’t make a full-blown battery-powered supercar, for now at least. The information was confirmed to AutoNews by the company’s Chief Technical Officer Maurizio Reggiani, who spoke about several must-have key features for the brand in every product they deliver.
Also Read: McLaren Says ‘Yes’ To Hybrid and Electric Vehicles, ‘No’ To SUVs
“Our target is to deliver a super sports car, and these specifications don’t exist with a battery package in terms of energy and power”, said Reggiani. “A super sports car is an emotion. It must be perceivable based on acceleration, the emotion the car must give you.”
In addition to the potential handling issue that comes with the addition of a large battery pack, an electric Lamborghini would allegedly have to go around the Nurburgring three times without stopping for electricity. Also sound is yet another major concern or, as Reggiani put it, “the other fundamental point we are looking at”.
Despite the apparent denial of a battery-powered Lamborghini, the automaker’s research and development department is working close with the MIT to come up with a battery that could eventually make its way into an EV made in Sant’Agata Bolognese.
Testing is expected to end next year and after that, the company “can start to think about what this sort of car would be”, added Maurizio Reggiani.
Note: Lamborghini Terzo Millennio pictured