The automaker is considering retain its ICEs in the next decade.
Lamborghini has built a reputation for making some of the most attractive supercars thanks to its loud V10 and V12 ICE models. This is why it doesn't come as a surprise to hear that the Raging Bull brand is considering using synthetic fuel, otherwise called eFuel.
As reported by Australia's CarExpert, Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann tinkers with the possibility of using eFuel in the next decade. He cited three reasons or “steps” in looking into using eFuel.
“The first one is we might utilize synthetic fuels only for our race activities. The second thing is to protect our car parc, because the majority of our cars after 60 years still exist. So after 2035, there must be an opportunity, and this is what I think is very important. That all of our customers can continue to drive their cars,” Winkelmann said.
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“The last step is that hybrid drivetrains can be acceptable, as new cars, after 2035. Whatever it takes, we will have a clear understanding in some years about the legislation and regulations,” he added.
Yes, the European Union (EU) did mention banning the sales of internal combustion engine (ICE) cars by 2035. But looking at the provision closer, combustion cars can still ply the roads, given they use “renewable liquid and gaseous transports fuels of non-biological origin and recycled carbon fuels.”
Porsche is one brand not shy about championing the use of eFuel. Last year, the German automaker opened its Haru Oni eFuel plant in Punta Arenas, Chile, to produce carbon-neutral gasoline. But before petrolheads get too excited about the news, there is one challenge in commercializing eFuel: cost. It is still expensive to produce, so imagine selling it to consumers.
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“Incoming emissions regulations are making internal combustion engines increasingly expensive in the near future, further limiting the development of electricity output. So there are a lot of things we have to consider,” said Winkelmann.
It is still unclear whether Lamborghini will follow Porsche. But at least we now know that eFuel is in the talks behind the company's closed doors. What we know is that the company is bridging the gap between ICEs and EVs by introducing plug-in hybrid technologies into its supercars, starting with the Revuelto.
Powering this model is a V12 engine with three electric motors, producing over 1,000 horsepower. The Lamborghini SUV, the Urus, will also be offered with a plug-in hybrid powertrain before going full electric by the end of the decade.
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Keyword: Next Lamborghini Supercar Could Use Synthetic Fuel