As Lamborghini continues to rewrite the rules of car design, the presentation of a new model, the Fenomeno, which is being produced in only 29 units, marks a milestone in the automaker's history, writes Tim Barnes-Clay.
The name Fenomeno pays tribute to a great bull that captivated the crowd at a bullfight in Morelia, Mexico, in 2002, reflecting the excellent quality that Lamborghini seeks to maintain. Both in Spanish and Italian, the meaning of the word is "phenomenal," and therefore it’s ideally suited as the name for this beast of a supercar.
Architecturally, the Fenomeno boasts a design inspired by aeronautics, featuring a slender monocoque construction made from carbon fibre. From a design perspective, the Fenomeno is absolutely breathtaking. It has a racy and elegant longtail shape that is inimitably Lamborghini.
Get into the Fenomeno, and immediately you'll understand the brand's 'feel like a pilot' mantra better than ever. Whether you're in command at the wheel or riding shotgun as a passenger, this groundbreaking car has been clearly designed to enhance every aspect of the driving experience. Indeed, at the heart of the Fenomeno is its dynamic driving position and competition-tuned steering wheel, both of which promise to deliver an engaging experience akin to that of a genuine competition car. Physical buttons are no more; the three angular digital screens not only lend themselves to stylistic restraint but will also allow you to focus entirely on the road or circuit ahead.
A tribute to Lamborghini's relentless push for technological progress, the Fenomeno showcases the brand's expertise in ultra-lightweight materials. Carbon fibre steals the limelight everywhere within the cabin, beginning with the beautifully crafted centre console with its sporty pad, all the way through to the sweeping door panels and specially designed bucket seats. These seats, along with the air inlets in the carbon fibre dashboard, have been created using 3D printing technologies, mirroring Lambo's forward-thinking philosophy. Furthermore, ambient light envelops the interior in an otherworldly glaze that accentuates its space-age-inspired lines, adding a layer of mystery to the in-car experience.
At the core of the Fenomeno is the most potent V12 engine ever produced by Lamborghini, supported by three electric motors to yield an astronomical total output of 1,065hp. Breaking down this formidable power unit, the naturally aspirated V12 lump alone produces an astonishing 823hp, and the electric motors contribute an additional 242hp to the mix.
We've only seen this car unveiled, so we can't tell you how it drives, but with race-car-like technology at its disposal, the Fenomeno promises to deliver a previously unprecedented dynamic drive. Lamborghini says that its braking system, along with track-oriented tyres, provides exceptional grip and responsiveness. Additionally, the sport-tuned suspension enhances precision and stability. As a result, this performance translates to an acceleration from zero to 62mph in just 2.4 seconds and from a standstill to 124mph in 6.7 seconds. The top speed exceeds 217mph.
Lamborghini tells us that the Fenemeno's dual-clutch gearbox offers swift gear shifts that enhance the driving experience to extraordinary levels of sports performance. An additional eighth gear optimises fuel consumption while elevating comfort for those cruising at high speeds. The system's continuous downshift feature apparently enables you to downshift multiple gears by holding down the left paddle. This function ensures that the ideal cog can be selected instantly during braking.
Above the gearbox sits an electric unit that serves multiple functions: as a starter motor, generator, and source of power for two front electric motors via a lithium-ion battery cleverly tucked beneath the centre tunnel. This electric unit facilitates a boost function in full electric driving mode, enabling zero-emission four-wheel drive by directly propelling the rear axle. Its operation varies according to the selected driving mode.
Given the immense power and performance capabilities, the earlier-mentioned braking system has been meticulously engineered from the ground up. The Fenomeno is equipped with cutting-edge CCM-R Plus carbon-ceramic brakes, inspired by LMDh race car technology, notably seen in the Lambo SC63, and elevating road performance to race-worthy standards.
To complement its claimed braking capabilities, the Fenomeno features racing shocks that can be manually tweaked, allowing for suspension tuning to suit track conditions and driving preferences. This setup is said to maximise damping performance, keeping body movement in check while providing a greater travel ratio between the wheel and shock, ensuring optimal functionality.
“When we presented the Reventón in 2007, our goal was to create a truly superlative super sports car that represented the ultimate expression of what Lamborghini stood for,” says Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “This new few-off carries forward the same philosophy of distinction and innovation that is a fundamental part of our DNA.
“The Fenomeno is an extraordinary car in terms of performance, style and disruptive representation of Lamborghini, created to celebrate the value and achievements of our brand, and dedicated to those customers who expect the utmost exclusivity from us,” continued Winkelmann. “But beyond its extraordinary design and power, the Fenomeno is the few-off that, more than any other in Lamborghini's history, introduces innovative technical solutions to make the driving experience truly unique.
"With the Fenomeno, Lamborghini once again presents an incomparable super sports car in a limited edition. The combination of the most powerful V12 in our history, breathtaking design, superior aerodynamics, and cutting-edge technologies such as extreme lightweight construction makes the Fenomeno the most extraordinary super sports car of our time," added Stephan Winkelmann.
It certainly stands as a true manifesto of technology and design. A phenomenon in name and nature. Born in Sant'Agata Bolognese. We just we could drive it. Maybe one day.
