As Lamborghini makes the transition from gasoline to hybrid to all-electric powertrains, its Countach LPI 800-4 is a key player. It’s meant to bridge the gap between the Lamborghini of old and the future of the brand. Now, its CEO is promising that the marquee will never again lean on a retro design for future production models, again.
The Countach LPI 800-4 is perhaps most true to the original in that it garnered a lot of attention and split opinion sharply. Built atop what is basically an Aventador chassis, the car has notably been called a cynical cash grab and faithful to its famous name too. It sold out before it was even shown to the public too but that’s not enough for Lamborghini to continue building old-school nameplates it seems.
In an interview with Road and Track, Lamborghini CEO, Stephan Winkelmann says that the brand is done with retro models. “The Countach is a unique experiment, but because we are a small brand we have to look forward… We cannot rely on the past and think that the past is creating the future.”
Read More: Ferrari Is Taking Very Careful Steps Towards An Electrified Future
He goes on to say that “We look forward. We always have new things coming up so we have to be concentrated on the future, not on the past.” And that’s notable because the brand is indeed working towards its first all-electric model which might be named Revuelto and then onto a completely electrified lineup.
Hardcore, and somewhat jaded, Lamborghini fans (like myself) might remember though that Winkelmann has made this promise before. Back in 2006, Lamborghini unveiled a Miura Concept which was a stunning but tasteful homage to the original.
When that car came out and wowed fans across the world, Winkelmann splashed cold water over any hope that it might make it to production saying “Retro design is not what we are here for. So we won’t do the Miura, even as a limited edition.” Of course, then Lamborghini changed course to build the Countach and now it’s changing course again to say that it won’t do any more retro cars.
Pick a side already Lambo, and if you’re going to keep building retro cars at least give us what we want, which is a new LM 002 obviously. What do you think of the news that Lamborghini is done with retro vehicles? Is there a specific model that you think should return? Or should those old bulls be left out to pasture?
