Lamborghini to Announce Decision on PHEV Model by Year's End: According to the CTO
The automotive industry has undergone significant changes since Lamborghini unveiled its Lanzador concept car at Monterey Car Week two years ago. The Italian supercar manufacturer has been considering a switch from the original electric powertrain to a plug-in hybrid for the Lanzador, with a decision expected by the end of the year.
Lamborghini Chief Technology Officer Rouven Mohr has confirmed that a decision on the Lanzador has yet to be made. However, he did hint at a possible change, stating that the body type for a plug-in hybrid Lanzador might be different from the original electric concept, as they are investigating the best body type for the vehicle.
If the Lanzador does transition to a plug-in hybrid, the packaging could still resemble the original electric concept from a customer's perspective. The high-riding, two-door design, with room for four, could potentially be popular, especially in the Middle East. A lifted Urus-like plug-in hybrid Lamborghini could appeal to fans of the brand, given the growing interest in hybrid and electric vehicles.
The decision to switch to a plug-in hybrid drivetrain would likely be met with positive reception. Demand for EVs, especially outrageous ones, has cooled in the industry, but the Lanzador's unique design and performance could still attract a niche market.
The Lanzador concept teased a future where Lamborghini ICE supercars and high-performance EVs would coexist. If the Lanzador becomes a plug-in hybrid, it would mark a step towards that future. The official specs for the Lanzador are yet to be revealed, and it remains to be seen when they will be disclosed.
Despite the potential change, Mohr assured that the overall appearance of the Lanzador could still be similar with a combustion engine. However, the Lanzador's design may need to be adjusted to accommodate a plug-in hybrid drivetrain and its components.
As the clock begins to run out on 2025, the official announcement for the Lanzador could be imminent. The decision about the Lanzador's powertrain is crucial, as the car is expected to launch at the end of the decade. Some reports suggest the Lanzador could come to market as a plug-in hybrid, but only time will tell.
In conclusion, the Lanzador concept car, originally planned as a fully electric vehicle for 2023, is likely to become a plug-in hybrid instead by the end of 2025. The decision about the Lanzador's powertrain is expected soon, and the potential shift to a plug-in hybrid could mark a significant step for Lamborghini in the evolving automotive industry.
