“As late as possible” says Lamborghini’s APAC frontman, Francesco Scardaoni, when asked about the thought of going full-electric.

Photos: Clifford Chow & Jay Tee
Text: Clifford Chow

SEPANG INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT, MALAYSIA

“As late as possible”, came the answer when asked about when Lamborghini would ditch internal combustion engines, and go fully-electric. We were at Sepang a few weekends ago to attend the opening of the single make series – Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia. We had the opportunity to catch up with Lamborghini’s Asia Pacific Director, Francesco Scardaoni, who provided us with insights, on how their storied supercar brand will roll with the next lap – the subject of full-electrification can be a touchy one for the Italian carmaker.

Electrification poses new challenges to supercar manufacturers, be it development, implementation, and probably more at the top of my mind – how a vehicle is marketed. We already know that the Lamborghini Huracan is at the end of its production life. And with its replacement, that stonking V10, makes way for what we deem as less exciting a V8, paired with plug-in hybrid tech.

We have already witnessed the launch of the Revuelto, the Italian brand’s first-ever PHEV V12 supercar, during the third quarter of last year. But while full-on electrification is just around the bend for many automakers, Francesco’s assurances that Lamborghini’s commitment to keep the internal combustion engine going as long as it can, brings much relief to a panel of like-minded automotive scribes. On a warm afternoon, with the majestic soundtrack of Huracan Trofeos rumbling by, I could safely say, fellow scribes who were with me, shared the same concerns, that electrification be the killjoy of what is arguably the best invention in the world.

While we lament, I am aware that some governments have moved their electric vehicle mandated timeline further. For instance, in the UK, this has been revised from 2030 to 2035. Similarly, some North American states are doing the same, while their car makers turn back to marketing hybrid cars.

Scardaoni confirms these U-turns, stating that legislators within the EU are constantly changing the rules with regards to emissions and pollution. So with that, Lamborghini’s committing to a full-electric lineup later has its merits, since it buys them time to better determine the best product approach for their customers. Their entering into the new phase of hybridisation in 2023, marked by the launch of the earlier-mentioned Revuelto, is to comply with new regulations on emissions. The Lanzador, which signals Lamborghini’s switch to full-electrification, will be unveiled in 2028. On the side, the supercar brand is already researching synthetic fuels, in an attempt to keep the internal combustion engine alive, beyond 2028.

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Lamborghini’s approach of starting later, I feel, has another unseen merit. This would be from an important Public Relations and Marketing angle. If full electrification does take a back seat in the few short years to come, then Lamborghini will be better-poised (with synthetic fuels in-hand) to adjust their own goalposts accordingly.

Perhaps, this will be the glimmer of hope we petrolheads are looking for.

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