For over half a century, the V12 engine has stood as the ultimate symbol of performance, celebrated for its seamless power delivery, distinctive exhaust note, and commanding presence, yet in today’s automotive world it has become increasingly rare as manufacturers shift toward downsizing, hybridisation, and electrification. While many brands have retired the twelve-cylinder, Lamborghini has remained steadfast in preserving it as a core part of its identity. The engine is more than a power unit for the marque; it is a statement of philosophy, a reminder that emotion and character remain as important as raw numbers in the supercar arena. At a time when efficiency and sustainability dominate the conversation, Lamborghini continues to champion the visceral appeal of the twelve-cylinder, standing almost alone in this commitment. Now, reaffirming its dedication to this legendary configuration when many believed its days were numbered, the Italian automaker has unveiled the Fenomeno, a bold new supercar that marries dramatic design and advanced aerodynamics with the unmistakable force of a naturally aspirated V12.
Design
The Fenomeno is a new ‘design manifesto’: a hyper-elegant theme in a longtail-proportioned super sports model. At the heart of its Italian soul is the single center line silhouette; the extreme architecture of the main cabin; and the futuristic appearance from all views. The front features a bold look which combines a taut, streamlined shape with large, athletic surfaces. The front hood incorporates two large air intakes inspired by racing Lamborghinis such as the Huracán GT3, while the original light signature of the DRLs pays homage to the horns of the Lamborghini logo’s bull.
The new Automobili Lamborghini logo, unveiled in 2024, makes its debut on this super sports car enhancing the front that combines iconic stylistic elements of Lamborghini design such as the Y shape that visually brings together the front splitter in carbon fiber, and the sharp design of the light clusters. The side view reinterprets the typical Lamborghini silhouette, with a single line defining the vehicle profile from the tip of the front hood to the rear, inspired by the ‘long tail’ of the Essenza SCV12.
Interior
The passenger compartment reflects the hyper-design concept, presenting a new interpretation of Lamborghini’s ‘Feel like a pilot’ philosophy, creating an ever-deeper connection with the vehicle both for the driver and their passenger. The driving position and race steering wheel offer an incredibly engaging driving experience, while the three digital screens not only meet requirements for stylistic minimalism but have also allowed most of the physical buttons to be eliminated, allowing the driver to concentrate fully on the road or track, just like in a race car.
The Fenomeno takes Lamborghini’s R&D prowess in ultra-light materials to extremes: carbon fiber is the main player in the passenger compartment, starting out with the center console equipped with sport pad, and continuing with the door panels and bucket sports seats. The latter were designed specifically for the Fenomeno, as were the air vents in the carbon fiber instrument cluster made using 3D printing technology. The ambient lighting system emphasizes the spaceship-like forms of the passenger compartment, making the on-board experience even more special.
Powertrain
The Fenomeno is a unique design that goes beyond the most iconic stylistic components of the brand. In addition to its distinctive design and specially created aerodynamics, the Fenomeno has three electric motors and the most potent mid mounted V12 in Lamborghini’s history. With a record 835 CV from the normally aspirated V12 engine and an additional 245 CV from the three electric motors, the total power output is 1,080 CV with a maximum torque of 725 Nm. Fenomeno is characterised by an unparalleled and remarkable amount of power that the driver can fully utilise because of technological advancements like the 6D sensor and CCM-R Plus carbon-ceramic brakes that are being used on a Lamborghini for the first time. The powertrain is housed in the monofuselage, Lamborghini’s innovative aeronautics inspired chassis, which as well as a monocoque made entirely of multi-technology carbon fiber, has a front structure in Forged Composite®, a special material made of short carbon fiber soaked in resin. This material has been produced and used by Lamborghini since the 2007 debut of the Reventón, the forerunner of all few-offs and a trailblazer thanks to its futuristic bodywork made entirely of carbon fiber.
In order to maximise the car’s dynamics and provide the driver the greatest experience possible behind the wheel of a V12, the Fenomeno is also outfitted with technologies commonly found in race vehicles. On the road and on the racecourse, the CCM-R Plus brake system with carbon-ceramic discs ensures optimal performance. Bridgestone’s specially designed track-oriented tires provide tremendous grip, while the single-nut forged rims help to produce exceptional agility. Sport-tuned suspension completes the Fenomeno, giving it exceptional stability and precision when driving in competitive settings. Together with its remarkable power, these features make the Fenomeno the quickest Lamborghini ever, accomplishing the 0-100 km/h sprint in an astounding 2.4 seconds and the 0-200 km/h sprint in a just 6.7 seconds. The top speed is more than 350 km/h. The drive to the four wheels is provided by the internal combustion engine that delivers traction to the rear wheels, and by the pair of electric motors installed on the front axle, while the third radial flux electric motor positioned above the gearbox provides torque to the rear depending on the selected driving mode.
Transmission
The Fenomeno adopts an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox installed transversely behind the longitudinal V12 engine, leaving space under the tunnel for the lithium-ion battery that powers the electric motors. This layout allows the final weight to be kept low, as well as making the footprint more compact. Located above the gearbox this electric unit provides the functions of starter motor and generator, as well as providing energy to the two front electric motors via the battery located under the tunnel. It delivers the boost function in 100% electric driving mode and allows zero emission four-wheel drive motoring by driving the rear axle directly.
