August 19th 2023
Despite a rich history crafting potent V12 supercars, Lamborghini is now casting its gaze towards an electric horizon with the Lanzador concept. The 2+2 Lanzador isn’t just a mere design exercise; rather, it offers an early glimpse into the carmaker’s inaugural EV, set to roll out in 2028 as a high-end alternative to other luxury EVs.
In a showdown against rivals like the Ferrari Purosangue and Rolls-Royce Spectre, the Lanzador aims to marry the all-weather capabilities of the former with the commanding presence and proportions of the latter. Boasting daring aesthetics, a futuristic cabin, and, most crucially, a staggering power output of 1,341 horsepower, this model is poised to harmonize seamlessly with Lamborghini’s existing lineup, whether V12-powered or not.
The Lanzador concept keeps a tight lid on explicit details regarding its electric powertrain concealed beneath its bold exterior. Lamborghini does reveal that it will incorporate twin motors with a robust specific output, delivering all-wheel drive capabilities. These motors will be juiced by an undisclosed “high-performance battery, ensuring ample range,” though specifics remain scarce. One noteworthy disclosure is that the Lanzador will flaunt an impressive 1 megawatt of power, translating to that impressive four-digit horse count.
To harness all this horsepower, the Aerodinamica Lamborghini Attiva system steps in, granting meticulous control over aerodynamics through a moveable front splitter, lateral blades at the rear, an extending diffuser, and shutters in the air curtain system. When operating at peak efficiency, these aerodynamic features streamline the vehicle for minimal wind resistance, while more spirited driving modes amplify downforce for enhanced control.
Lamborghini doesn’t skimp on a dynamic suspension system either, featuring air springs, adaptive dampers, and rear-axle steering to elevate performance and stability. Likewise, precision torque vectoring aids in distributing power to the front and rear motors, each channeling power to the left or right to facilitate agile turn-ins and well-balanced handling.
Donning a distinct form compared to its Lamborghini brethren, the Lanzador amalgamates the “ultra high-performance essence of the Revuelto super sports car with the versatile spirit of an Urus.” This translates into more ground clearance than initially anticipated, thereby enhancing its maneuverability on rough roads and everyday scenarios. Given the history of elevated Lamborghinis being a source of driving delight, the Lanzador might prove to be exceptionally enjoyable behind the wheel.
Nonetheless, these proportions might take some acclimatizing. As a fresh addition to the brand’s lineup, the Lanzador seems slightly tall and awkward at first glance. Though the glossy black lower body cladding helps mitigate its visual height – squinting at the blue sections reveals the silhouette of a supercar – the Lanzador only stands about 4 inches lower than an Urus. However, its refined and contemporary bodywork is markedly cleaner and more conventionally appealing compared to the polarizing Revuelto. This paves the way for potential future Lamborghinis following suit in terms of design restraint.
Despite the modernized proportions and contours, the Lanzador concept keeps a range of signature Lamborghini design cues intact. These include the geometric Gandini arches over the wheels (akin to the Countach) and a Y-shaped bodyside accent reminiscent of mid-engined car air intakes. The roofline, even though tailored for rear passengers, retains the essence of a contemporary Lamborghini, while the three-part taillights draw parallels with the plug-in hybrid Revuelto flagship. The daylight opening’s shape even bears a resemblance to that of the defunct Murcielago, with the rear windows imitating the “batwing” extendable air intakes of that vehicle.
Stepping into the future-forward interior, it’s worth noting that the Lanzador shies away from the signature scissor doors synonymous with V12 supercars since the Countach. Instead, it opts for traditionally opening doors that lead to a spacious-feeling cabin by sport coupe standards. Rear seats can be reconfigured, and a capacious cargo area bolsters daily practicality. Up front, Lamborghini’s characteristic “pilot” concept comes into play, seating the driver and front passenger behind a Y-shaped dashboard with a floating central console bridge demarcating them.
Taking on infotainment duties is a digital instrument cluster and a passenger-side display, with a distinct absence of a central touchscreen. Instead, an array of buttons and switches adorns the console, some responsible for screen control, others for car functions. Just as in all contemporary Lamborghinis, the start button rests beneath a hatch reminiscent of a missile launch, while a toggle handles shifting between forward and reverse.
Lamborghini also champions the use of eco-friendly materials in the cabin. For instance, the Merino wool upholstery is sourced from Australian sheep that regrow fleece annually, ensuring a renewable supply. Stitches binding the woolen dashboard, door panels, and seat upholstery comprise threads crafted from recycled nylon, and the seat foam incorporates recycled plastic, 3D-printed to minimize waste.
Sustainably tanned leather further graces the cabin, treated using residual water from olive oil production. Rather than sending this high-acidity, phytotoxic water to wastewater facilities, Lamborghini repurposes it for chemical manufacturers to create tanning agents. The carmaker also takes pride in the symbiotic relationship between its supercars and Italy’s olive oil industry.
The Lamborghini Lanzador concept crystallizes the carmaker’s fresh decarbonization ethos, christened Direzione Cor Tauri. This phrase, signifying the brightest star in the Taurus constellation, also translates to “the heart of a bull” in Latin. Lamborghini cites Cor Tauri as a symbol of aspiration, embodying a commitment to reducing carbon emissions without forsaking the quintessential spirit of the bull, a symbol cherished by Feruccio Lamborghini.
On the horizon, every Lamborghini is slated for some degree of electrification by the close of 2024, with the Lanzador poised to make its entrance in 2028 as the fourth model in the brand’s repertoire and its inaugural EV. The production iteration of the Lanzador will take shape close to the brand’s headquarters in Sant’Agata Bolognese, prompting Lamborghini to recruit additional staff to aid in EV development and production. While pricing remains a nebulous figure at this stage, it’s prudent to anticipate that the Lanzador won’t come cheap, considering the current Lamborghini lineup starts well above $200,000, with the Revuelto cresting the $600,000 mark.