- A Lamborghini test driver was spotted leaving the brand’s facility in a Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.
- The brand often benchmarks Ferraris, but this is its first time testing a Korean car.
- This move likely ties to Lamborghini developing its first electric vehicle, the Lanzador.
A ballistic missile that redefines EVs. That’s most likely what Lamborghini would like us all to say about its first production electric vehicle. Coincidentally, that’s how we defined the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N when we tested it last year. Given that it has generally received raving reviews from the press, the House of the Raging Bull probably wants to see what all the fuss is about, because it is seems to be benchmarking it.
A recently surfaced video from a Lamborghini production facility, captured by YouTuber Varryx, reveals familiar scenes. Test drivers come and go in various supercars made in the building including, the Temerario and Revuelto. In fact, a few models from other brands make appearances too, such as a Ferrari and a McLaren.
More: Lamborghini Delays First EV Until 2029
That’s no surprise, as automakers often benchmark their upcoming models against their main rivals. It’s the light-blue Hyundai Ioniq 5 N that really sticks out though. Boasting 641 hp (478 kW), it’s the fastest thing Hyundai has ever built to sell to the public. Across the automotive world it’s been a revelation for electric vehicles because it’s not just quick, but is also heavily engaging. That said, it makes sense that Lamborghini would like to discover what makes it so good.
Electric supercars aren’t exactly flying off of the shelves. Cars like the Aspark Owl, Hispano Suiza Carmen, and the Nio EP9 make great headlines but none have truly set a new standard for supercars in general. On top of that, reports indicate that even the highly rated Rimac Nevera doesn’t have as many suitors as the brand would like.
More: Frank Stephenson Is A Big Fan Of The Lamborghini Lanzador’s Design
With all of that in mind, the Italian brand needs to be sure that its first EV, the Lanzador, which is due before the end of the decade, will be worthy of the badge on the hood. CEO Stephan Winkelmann has previously said that a Lamborghini is, in no small part, defined by “how much emotion you experience when you drive.”
There is no question that maintaining that emotional connection is vital for the brand. After all, EVs such as the Ioniq 5 N already have supercar-like levels of performance – and the likes of the Tesla Model S Plaid and Lucid Air Sapphire enter hypercar territory.
Thus, straight-line performance is no longer enough. Lamborghini will need more than that to really stand out and demonstrate that, even with an electric powertrain, it can still build cars that are exciting to drive while staying true to its rich heritage.
Kudos to them for not hesitating to bring a Hyundai in for testing in an effort to make the best car possible. Skip to the 21:01 mark in the video below to see the Ioniq 5 N leave the Lamborghini factory.
H/T to Carbuzz