At Lamborghini, a new model always means the name of a victorious bull. This time it is called Lanzador and in 1993 it sent madrilene bullfighting fans into sheer ecstasy. That shouldn’t be any different for Lamborghini fans, because some had longed for the first electric model for a long time. And they have to be strong now, because it will be another five years before the electric Lanzador, the fourth series from the Italian sports car manufacturer, comes onto the international markets. Nevertheless, the approximately five-meter-long SUV coupe, which is presented at the posh event The Quail as the highlight of Monterey Car Week, is not a crazy study of the future, but a very concrete preview of the new superstar from Santa Agata, based on the Urus model. Market premiere: 2028.
With a brand that has made a name for itself not least with high-revving V10 and V12 engines, the pressure on the first vehicle with an electric drive is enormous. But the Lanzador skilfully plays with well-known Lamborghini attributes, a design that is well worth seeing and is placed in a segment that the Lamborghini managers give significantly more than opportunities as a sedan. “With the fourth model, we are opening up a new vehicle segment: that of the Ultra GT. This will offer customers a new, unrivaled Lamborghini driving experience thanks to groundbreaking new technologies,” says Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini.
So far, Lamborghini has kept a low profile when it comes to the expected performance data, but there are two powerful electric motors on the front and rear axles. The engine output of over 1,000 watts / 1,360 hp is to be brought to the ground via a torque vectoring system on the rear axle, while the two electric motors are supplied with power from a high-performance battery. There is also a variable air spring chassis including a steering rear axle. “For us, electrification is not a limitation, but a smart way to develop more power, performance and driveability,” explains Rouven Mohr, Lamborghini’s Chief Technical Officer.
A particularly large amount of effort is put into the aerodynamics, because the complex air ducting, in contrast to the sports car, is to be subtly hidden behind bodywork elements. Similar to the Huracan and Aventador, the electric SUV also has variable aerodynamic elements that, depending on the driving program, speed and pace, ensure maximum contact pressure or minimum air resistance in order to ensure maximum range. For example, the active aerodynamic system uses the front air flap along with a movable splitter that opens the brake cooling channels and cooling fins when needed to achieve the best performance. Optically hidden sipes provide downforce without creating additional drag. Aeroblades on the mighty 23-inchers ensure minimal turbulence. At the rear, depending on the driving program, airblades protrude on the sides and out of the diffuser in order to improve aerodynamic downforce in conjunction with the rear spoiler through which air flows.
Unusual for a five meter long crossover: the Lamborghini Lanzador has only two doors as a 2 2-seater; not least to distinguish him from the coming Urus. The car manufacturer from northern Italy wants to position the unusual package as a separate segment called Ultra-GT. Inside there are four individual seats, some screens that fold away and a decidedly puristic operation, while a large number of reused materials are used in the interior to flank the finest leather or carbon. If the rear seats are not required, there is space in the rear for luggage or a wide variety of sports equipment.
