Under the Audi umbrella, Lamborghini has shed its former “wild” image from the Countach era, and perhaps that’s for the better. During that period, the company’s financial performance was dismal, with frequent changes in ownership. The nadir came in late 1978 when Lamborghini filed for bankruptcy. It wasn’t until the late 1990s, after joining the Volkswagen Group, that the “raging bull” was truly tamed and began its resurgence.
In 2024, Lamborghini set a record by delivering 10,687 vehicles, marking the most prosperous period in the brand’s history. The healthy financial situation in recent years has paved the way for niche projects like the Huracan Sterrato, an off-road supercar that has made waves. A follow-up version based on the Temerario is almost certain to debut, and there may even be more special projects in the pipeline.
Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato
Federico Foschini, Lamborghini’s Chief Commercial Officer, revealed to Autocar that the brand is gearing up to launch even more “outrageous” models. He hinted at variants of the Revuelto, including a potential off-road version similar to the Sterrato. In the SUV segment, the Urus once had a rugged ST-X off-road prototype, though it never entered production. With its three existing models, the Urus remains the most logical candidate for a special off-road version.
Foschini emphasized that the demand for bold projects like the Sterrato is real, which is why Lamborghini will continue to explore this growing segment. He stated, “We’re always looking for craziness in every aspect.”
Beyond high-riding supercars, Lamborghini hasn’t ruled out developing a rear-wheel-drive version of the Temerario. Meanwhile, the Revuelto—a large plug-in hybrid supercar—has already introduced the Fenomeno variant, the most powerful and fastest Lamborghini ever produced. Foschini asserted, “The only limit is the sky” when discussing the potential for variants of current models.
Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato
Regarding flagship sales, the Urus will not abandon internal combustion engines, contrary to previous rumors. Lamborghini confirmed that the second generation of this SUV will retain a gasoline engine, paired with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, rather than going fully electric. Similarly, the four-seater Lanzador—originally announced as a pure electric vehicle—is now likely to debut as a PHEV in 2029, a year later than initially planned.
Hybrid technology is becoming a “necessary compromise” for supercar brands like Lamborghini. Without a large enough fleet of electric vehicles to offset emissions from their high-displacement engines, these brands must rely on hybrids to meet stringent regulations in Europe and other markets. But if any brand can make hybrids exciting, it’s Lamborghini—the marque from Sant’Agata Bolognese.
“Lamborghini Reconsiders Pure Electric Car Plans, Prioritizing PHEV Technology”
“The renowned Italian automotive brand, Lamborghini, is poised to embark on a strategic shift in its electrification journey. Amidst a perceived global slowdown in demand for luxury electric vehicles, Lamborghini is boldly re-envisioning its approach, ready to spark a revolution on the road less traveled.”