Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., commonly known as Lamborghini, is an Italian luxury sports car and SUV manufacturer. It was founded by Ferruccio Lamborghini in 1963 with the intent of competing with established brands like Ferrari. The company is currently owned by the Volkswagen Group, through its subsidiary Audi AG, which acquired Lamborghini in 1998.
Market Position:
Lamborghini is a prominent player in the high-performance luxury sports car market, competing with brands like Ferrari, Porsche, McLaren, and Aston Martin. It also holds a strong position in the luxury SUV market with its model, the Urus. Lamborghini consistently ranks among the top supercar manufacturers worldwide, known for its aggressive design, speed, and cutting-edge technology.
In 2023, Lamborghini recorded a revenue of €2.38 billion, with strong sales in major markets including the U.S., China, Germany, and the UK. Lamborghini’s brand recognition and desirability continue to grow, particularly with younger luxury buyers.
Interesting Facts About Lamborghini:
- Ferrari Feud: According to legend, Ferruccio Lamborghini decided to build his own sports cars after an argument with Enzo Ferrari about the quality of Ferrari’s clutch systems. Ferrari reportedly dismissed Lamborghini’s complaints because he “made tractors,” sparking Lamborghini’s desire to prove him wrong.
- First Car: Lamborghini’s first production car, the 350 GT, was introduced in 1964. It featured a 3.5-liter V12 engine and laid the foundation for the brand’s reputation for luxury and performance.
- Miura Supercar: The Lamborghini Miura, released in 1966, is often credited as the world’s first supercar. Its mid-engine layout revolutionized the sports car industry, and it remains one of Lamborghini’s most iconic models.
- Lamborghini Countach: Launched in 1974, the Lamborghini Countach became an icon of the 1980s. Its wedge-shaped design and scissor doors became synonymous with the Lamborghini brand and influenced the design of future supercars.
- Lamborghini Urus: Lamborghini’s Urus, introduced in 2018, is one of the world’s fastest and most powerful SUVs. With a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 641 horsepower, it combines Lamborghini’s signature performance with off-road capabilities.
- Limited-Edition Models: Lamborghini is known for producing ultra-exclusive models in limited quantities. For example, only 63 units of the Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 were produced in 2020, as a tribute to the year of Lamborghini’s founding (1963).
- First Lamborghini SUV: Before the Urus, Lamborghini produced a lesser-known SUV, the LM002, from 1986 to 1993. Known as the “Rambo Lambo,” the LM002 was originally designed for military use and featured a V12 engine from the Countach.
- Lamborghini Aventador: Launched in 2011, the Aventador is one of Lamborghini’s flagship models, featuring a 6.5-liter V12 engine and an iconic design. The Aventador has become one of Lamborghini’s best-selling models.
- Record Sales: In 2022, Lamborghini sold over 9,233 cars, setting a new sales record for the brand. The Urus SUV was the most popular model, followed by the Huracán and Aventador.
- Lamborghini’s 50th Anniversary: In 2013, Lamborghini celebrated its 50th anniversary with a special tour across Italy, called the “Grande Giro Lamborghini,” which featured hundreds of Lamborghini cars driving through the Italian countryside.
- Lamborghini Essenza SCV12: Launched in 2020, the Essenza SCV12 is a track-only hypercar powered by a 6.5-liter V12 engine, producing over 830 horsepower. Only 40 units of the Essenza SCV12 were made.
- Fastest Lamborghini: The Lamborghini Veneno holds the title of the fastest Lamborghini ever made, with a top speed of 221 mph.
- Ownership Changes: Lamborghini has changed hands several times over the years. It was owned by Chrysler Corporation from 1987 to 1994, before being sold to Indonesian investment groups, and then acquired by Audi AG (part of Volkswagen) in 1998.
- Famous Bull Logo: The Lamborghini logo features a charging bull, reflecting Ferruccio Lamborghini’s admiration for bullfighting. Many Lamborghini models are named after famous bulls, such as the Miura, Gallardo, and Huracán.
- Lamborghini in Film: Lamborghinis are often featured in films. A Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 was notably used in The Dark Knight (2008), and the Aventador was featured in Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014).
- Huracán STO: Launched in 2020, the Lamborghini Huracán STO is a track-focused version of the Huracán, featuring a 640-horsepower V10 engine and aggressive aerodynamics, designed to deliver extreme performance.
- Museum in Bologna: Lamborghini operates a museum in Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy, where visitors can see a collection of classic and current Lamborghini models, as well as learn about the brand’s history and heritage.
- Aventador SVJ Roadster: The Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster is one of the most extreme open-top models ever produced by the brand, offering a 770-horsepower V12 engine and advanced aerodynamics for unparalleled performance.
Famous Owners of Lamborghini:
- Jay Leno: The comedian and car enthusiast owns several Lamborghinis, including a Lamborghini Miura and a Lamborghini Countach.
- Cristiano Ronaldo: The football superstar is known to own multiple Lamborghinis, including a Lamborghini Aventador.
- Floyd Mayweather: The boxing legend owns a Lamborghini Aventador and has been spotted with various other luxury sports cars in his collection.
- Justin Bieber: The pop star has been seen driving a Lamborghini Urus, highlighting the growing popularity of Lamborghini’s SUV model.
- David Beckham: The former football star and fashion icon has been spotted driving a Lamborghini Gallardo, another one of the brand’s popular models.
- 50 Cent: The rapper owns a custom Lamborghini Aventador and is known for his extravagant car collection.