New Lamborghini Countach revealed as 803hp V12 plug-in hybrid

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Lamborghini has already done that. For the first time in the history of a Lamborghini supercar, the storied company from Sant’Agata Bolognese has revived a nameplate for a new car. And it’s not just a nameplate – the Countach is arguably the exotic car that created the supercar segment. And now, 30 years later, she’s living again.

The most important things first. You can’t have a Lamborghini Contach without a V12 engine and this car is available in spades. The familiar 6.5-liter naturally aspirated engine develops 769 hp (573 kW) on its own, but it’s aided in the form of a 34 hp (25 kW) electric motor powered by Lamborghini’s ultra-capacitor 48-volt technology. With everything combined, the Countach generates 803 horsepower (599 kW) to all four wheels via a seven-speed gearbox. Lamborghini says it hits 60 mph in 2.8 seconds, and 124 mph in 8.6 seconds, and if you never lift, wind resistance will stop you at 221 mph. It’s easily the quickest and easiest countach ever.

If this sounds too familiar, you’re not wrong. The Countach borrows the same hybrid powertrain from the Sián FKP 37, although the power here is slightly lower. That’s not the only similarity with the Sián either – the scalloped roof that blends in with the Countach’s retro hood matches the Sián, as are the hexagonal taillights. The interior is also a Sián layout, although you’ll find the Countach branding and subtle differences honoring the classic supercar.

Interestingly, common exterior design features also pay tribute to the original Countach, and we refuse to believe it’s a coincidence. The Sián debuted nearly two years ago, so if the Countach has been on the minds of Lamborghini executives for a long time, they’re keeping this car a secret.

Sticking with the design, the early Countach LP400’s cleaner lines serve as the primary inspiration for this reboot. The nose is properly flat, and while it doesn’t have pop-up headlights, the designers added dips behind the headlights that mimic the old lenses. At the rear, you’ll find a little more simplicity with the modest, inverted wedge fascia that flanks the aforementioned taillights and quad exhaust ports. On the sides, the arrow-shaped scallops fuse into the doors with massive side intakes to mimic the famous NACA ducts on the original Countach. Of course, these are scissor doors.

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Design touches are not entirely LP400. The gills behind the side windows come from the original Countach model. The upper side vents behind them appear more prominent as seen on the LP500 S. The wheels – 20 inches in the front and 21 inches in the rear – build the distinctive dial design that first appeared on the LP400 S and has remained a staple of the Countach until the end. The front end takes cues from the LP5000 S Quattrovalvole, but you won’t find the big wing/fender flares or the V-wing that made the Countach famous. And you won’t find the Testarossa-inspired side strips featured on the Countach’s 25th anniversary.

We mention those last parts because we suspect that people might find restarting the Countach a bit frustrating. Yes, it’s a redesigned Aventador that shares components with the Sián, and it misses the features that elevated the Countach to legitimate install status in the ’80s. For that matter, it’s devoid of all the different curves, contrasting angles, ailerons on ailerons, and a plethora of slots we’re used to in modern supercars.

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Then again, it’s not trying to imitate a modern supercar. It’s a homage to a larger-than-life automobile icon, and while we admit we don’t know the future of Lamborghini, we suspect it’s also a sad farewell to the high-powered V12 Lambo era. Technically, it’s a hybrid, but with nearly all of its power coming from that twelve red-stripe pot of 8500 rpm, there’s nothing wrong with it’s superiority in the internal combustion world. The V12 engine will live with Lamborghini for a while anyway. But he almost certainly wouldn’t scream like that.

Now for the million dollar question, and we mean it literally. Lamborghini hasn’t said how much the new Countach will cost, but rumors have it over £1m. We know only 112 will be built – another homage to Kountach for designating the LP 112 for the prototype.

We also know that Lamborghini removes everything expected when it comes to colors and finishes, reviving the original ’70s Countach colors along with more modern shades to offer over 30 choices. Honestly, we can’t wait to see one at Bronzo Zante.

For the lucky few who managed to get one of the 112, deliveries begin in the first quarter of 2022.

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