Lamborghini’s new plug-in hybrid is the fastest car its ever built

Lamborghini makes fast cars; this is an indisputable fact. So when the iconic Italian automaker says it’s new plug-in hybrid is both “the most powerful V12 every built” and “the fastest Lamborghini ever,” you should pay attention.

At Monterey Car Week, Lamborghini unveiled its new Fenomeno plug-in hypercar that will be part of the automaker’s limited edition “Few Off” collection, which also includes notable entrants like the Sián and Countach. But before you reach for your wallet, you should know that this exclusive machine will cost a whopping $3.5 million. Just in case you’re worried about affordability.

If money is no option, then the Fenomeno is sure to impress when out on the track. The combination of 835cv from the naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 and a further 245cv from the three electric motors, the Fenomeno’s total power output registers as a blistering 1,080cv (a metric unit of horsepower that roughly translates to 1,065hp). That’s a clear step above the Revuelto’s 1,015cv (1,001hp) power output and a sign that Lamborghini’s hybrid models have some room to grow.

The Fenomeno also represents a record-smashing power-to-weight ratio of 1.64kg/cv, which Lamborghini says is the best in its 62-year history. Maximum torque is the same as the Revuelto: 725 Newton-meters at 6,750 rpm. And a zero to 100 kph (zero to 62mph) sprint will only take you 2.4 seconds — a tenth of a second quicker than the Revuelto. That might not mean much to the average person, but for real performance heads, every tenth of a second you can shave off makes a difference. The Fenomeno also has a top speed of more than 350 kph (218 mph).

Lamborghini says the increased power is possible thanks to the new 7kWh battery that is unique to Fenomeno. Up from 3.8kWh in the Revuelto, the new battery pack bestows the Fenomeno with a claimed driving range of just 20 km (12.4 miles) in electric-only mode, compared to just a few clicks in the Revuelto.

The Fenomeno features a monocoque chassis and exterior built entirely from carbon fiber, with carbon-ceramic brake discs for added stopping power. It rides on 21-inch rims at the front and 22-inch wheels on the rear, wearing Bridgestone Potenza Sport tires.

More aggressive in its styling than the Revuelto, the Fenomeno features two large air intakes on the hood derived from the Huracán GT3 race car, while its silhouette is inspired by the “long tail” of the track-only Lamborghini Essenza.

Naturally, the name was chosen as a nod to Lamborghini’s iconic bull logo, the company says:

The name Fenomeno comes, as per Lamborghini tradition, from a very brave and famous bull fought in Morelia, Mexico, in 2002. In a bullfight between two ‘toreros’, the bull was pardoned for the exceptional qualities it demonstrated. In both Italian and Spanish, Fenomeno means “phenomenal,” symbolizing something truly exceptional and unique.

Lamborghini only plans on making 29 Fenomeno hybrids — plus one for its own collection. But the hypercar’s design is meant to serve as a “design manifesto” for future Lamborghinis. When we’ll see a fully electric Lamborghini, though, remains a bit up in the air. In 2021, the Italian automaker outlined its electrification plans, which are supposed to produce gas-electric hybrid versions of its entire lineup. Following that, Lamborghini has said it will debut its first all-electric model sometime before the end of this decade.

We got a sneak peek of an electric Lamborghini with the all-electric Lanzador concept in 2023. Lamborghini initially planned to launch the production version in 2028 but pushed it back until 2029. Now it’s not clear if it will even arrive as a full EV. Lamborghini is also delaying its plans for an all-electric Urus and instead plans to release a performance version of its plug-in hybrid crossover.

In the meantime, these ultra-quick hybrids will have to suffice.