The first electric Lamborghini could finally... have a petrol engine!

In 2023, Lamborghini proudly presented the Lanzador. A radical concept, billed as a 2+2 elevated "Ultra GT", promised for 2028 and destined to make history: it would be the first electric Lamborghini 100 %. Over 1,300 horsepower, a 980-volt architecture and a design worthy of Sant'Agata Bolognese's wildest creations. At the time, everything seemed set: the future would be electric, and the Lanzador would lead the way. Then things began to change.

Market slows down, plans slow down

Last year, Lamborghini was already talking about launch postponed to 2029. A year's delay officially to "fine-tune" the model, unofficially to observe a high-end electric car market that's not growing as fast as hoped. And this summer, the slowdown was also confirmed for the next Urus, the brand's best-seller, which will not only be 100 % electric, but also rechargeable hybrid.

The phrase that changes everything for Lanzador

And it's not over yet. At the end of July, in Australia, Lamborghini boss Stephan Winkelmann told CarExpert:

"It's possible that the Lanzador will be a plug-in hybrid... but it's still open."

Simply put: the first electric Lamborghini may not be electric. The reasons? Lower-than-expected demand, the importance of preserving the brand's sonic and emotional DNA, and concerns about the resale value of an all-electric supercar.

Preserving emotion above all else

At Lamborghini, we've said it before: performance isn't just about numbers. Of course, the electric Lanzador promised instant torque and lightning acceleration. But the roar of an engine, the revving up, the mechanical vibration... it's all part of the experience.

And as long as regulations allow, Sant'Agata wants to keep this dimension. Especially if synthetic fuels open the door to cleaner combustion.

Lamborghini already knows what to do. The Revuelto combines a naturally-aspirated V12 with three electric motors to exceed 1,000 hp, while remaining true to the Lamborghini spirit. The Temerario also introduces an even more compact and powerful V8 plug-in hybrid. Applying this recipe to the Lanzador would maintain extreme performance while adding electric range for the city.

2029: electric or hybrid?

The countdown is on. In a few months' time, Lamborghini will have to decide. If the Lanzador comes in a 100 % electric version, it will be the emblem of a new era. If it comes out as a hybrid, it will be the symbol of a gentler transition, chosen to avoid rushing customers.

"We have made two decisions so far based on the fact that the acceptance curve for electric cars worldwide and globally, not just in our type of segment, is flattening, and this is even more true for our type of cars," said Mr. Winkelmann to CarExpert