Lamborghini Lanzador EV officially revealed

The Lamborghini Lanzador was officially revealed in concept form late Friday (early Saturday in Australia) during Monterey Car Week, previewing the Italian brand’s first electric production model.

As we reported after first images were leaked earlier in the day, the ground-breaking EV will be a high-riding 2+2-seat grand tourer that’s set to enter production as Lamborghini’s fourth model line by 2028.

The tech-laden dual-motor all-wheel drive ‘Ultra GT’ was described by the high-performance brand as “a concrete vision of a purely-electric fourth series production Lamborghini” that will deliver class-leading “sportiveness” even though it’s claimed to create an all-new vehicle type.

Currently, Lamborghini’s model range consists of two mid-engined supercars – the Huracan V10 and the Revuelto V12 plug-in hybrid – and the V8-powered Urus hyper-SUV.

Intended to be the bridge between the supercars and the SUV in the Lamborghini line-up, the Lanzador is claimed to combine the “ultra-high performance elements” of the Revuelto and the versatility of the Urus.

"With the fourth model concept, we are opening a new car segment: the Ultra GT. This will offer customers a new, unparalleled Lamborghini driving experience thanks to pioneering technologies,” said Automobili Lamborghini chairman and chief executive officer, Stephan Winkelmann.

“The Lanzador concept delivers on each of the elements that should define the first full-electric Lamborghini.

“With Lanzador we are looking into our future without forgetting our DNA. The first coupes from Lamborghini with their front engines were sporty, elegant Gran Turismos suitable for everyday use as 2+2-seaters.

“The concept for our fourth production model leverages our philosophy of super sportiness combined with brave new technologies and fearless design.”

While not offering specific numbers, Lambo promises the Lanzador’s permanent AWD powertrain can generate over 1000kW of power. It also promises a new-generation battery will not only help deliver huge power, but also a long range.

Winkelmann offered 300 miles (480km) as a target range when pressed by media at Pebble Beach.

Lanzador’s new generation of software and control systems will redefine the driving experience, Lamborghini chief technical officer Rouven Mohr said. Drivers will be able to personalise the experience via controls on the steering wheel.

Key ingredients include the newly-developed Lamborghini Dinamica Veicolo Integrata (LDVI) driving dynamics control system, active aerodynamics and active suspension.

“We are taking Lamborghini integrated driving dynamics control to a whole new level, which has not been possible for production sports cars before and offers our customers a completely new driving experience,” said Mohr.

“Finding the right balance between power, performance, range and aerodynamics is certainly one of the biggest challenges during development, but challenge is a cornerstone within Lamborghini R&D.”

LDVI uses significantly more sensors and actuators to refine and adjust the driving experience more precisely.

Active aero, dubbed ALA (Aerodinamica Lamborghini Attiva), includes strategies pioneered by the Huracan Performante and Aventador SVJ. There are also new aids including a front air shutter and movable splitter, plus narrow airblades that extend out from the rear diffuser and rear sides to increase downforce depending on the drive mode.

The active suspension includes a “steerable rear axle” and air suspension. Active e-torque vectoring and wheelspeed control help ensure the Lanzador’s massive performance is channelled to the appropriate wheels in corners.

“I am sure that with the concept car and the technology it contains, we will convince loyal, but also tech-forerunner clients, that the new generation of Lamborghini vehicles will open a new chapter in terms of technology, performance, digitalization and driving dynamics,” said Mohr.

Appropriately, considering its rocket-like performance potential, Lambo says the design of the Lanzador was inspired by spaceships.

Famed past Lamborghinis such as the Sesto Elemento, Murcielago and Countach LPI 800-4 were inspirations for its cab-forward shape (even though it’s not mid-engined).

Lanzador’s unspecified but increased ground clearance bumps its roof height to 1.5m, which is more than 300mm taller than the Revuelto and all Huracans apart from the Sterrato crossover (about 250mm) and about 140mm below the Urus.

Front-seat passengers sit low in the Lanzador, separated by a Y-shaped centre console. Twin automatically retractable displays include one for the front-seat passenger.

The interior uses sustainably tanned leather and recycled materials. Many non-visible plastics, such as the foam of the sports seats, are made of 3D-printed recycled fibres. Integrated carbon, such as in the centre console and door panels, is made of regenerated carbon.

Australian merino wool dresses the dashboard, seats and door panels.

Reflecting its GT skew, the Lanzador has storage space in both the frunk and behind the seats. So, another meaning for spaceship!