Lamborghini preps ‘few-off’ hypercar for Monterey

Lamborghini can always be relied upon to come up with an incredible limited edition supercar. Even the Sterratos and SVJs of this world are pretty special to begin with, but when it moves to the ultra-rare stuff – fewer than 100 units, sometimes just 50 or less – Lambo throws everything it has at them. Supercapacitors, CarbonSkin interiors, Pyrosic exhausts, 3D-printed vents – proper Wayne Enterprises level stuff. Very Lamborghini, basically. 

Lots of it makes its way to volume production Sant’Agata supercars as well, which makes the confirmation of a new ‘few-off’ hypercar for Monterey in August all the more interesting. The model, thought to be called Fenomeno – ‘phenomenon’ in quite a few European languages, with the name trademarked by Lambo earlier this year – is described as the ‘latest breathtaking display of Lamborghini design that celebrates its brand values.’ 

We’ve been here before, of course. According to the manufacturer, the ‘few-off’ run began with the Reventon, that outrageous creation from 2007 that previewed a lot of what was to come with the Aventador: carbon composite panels and LCD instruments, most notably. The chassis for the 20 coupes and 15 roadsters was a mix of steel with carbon reinforcements, and unsurprisingly, they remain very collectible indeed: this hardtop is £1.65m. 

The Sesto Elemento followed in 2010, a very clear precursor to the Huracán as it turned out. Carbon fibre was its USP, including the forged composite that would go on to mark out the Performante; it weighed in at just 999kg, and still with the mighty V10 providing the power. Only 20 were ever made, a fascinating insight into what might have been had hybridisation not been the required path. The Sesto Elemento is about half the weight of a Revuelto. 

Well done to anyone who remembered the Veneno, next in the canon of top-tier Lamborghinis. ‘A track car built for the road’, its contribution to the future was the manual rear wing load adjustment system, a first for Lambo and a feature that went on to the SVJ and STO. It seems very likely, then, that the Fenomeno will debut some kind of upcoming technology. Because the trend continues throughout the few-offs; the Centenario, which in 2016 marked 100 years since Ferruccio’s birth, featured rear-wheel steering and the central infotainment touchscreen. Imagine a new Lamborghini today without those. 40 were made across two body styles, and today a Centenario is one of the most valuable Sant’Agata supercars on the planet – set aside a couple of million. 

By contrast, the Sián FKP 37 was almost commonplace, with 63 units made— more than 50 per cent extra. Just two were allocated to the UK, and amazingly enough one is in the PH classifieds; it might require even more than two million. Its significance was introducing electrification to the V12 Lamborghini through supercapacitors. There was more than a bit of Revuelto to the way it looked, too. Finally, the most recent few-off was the Countach, wrapping the Sian’s hybrid architecture in a more classic suit.

There were 112 produced (because the original was known as LP 112 in development), and one of its notable innovations was a photochromic roof. Not exactly supercapacitors, but you can bet on it being a very popular Urus option when it makes the extras list. Lamborghini Edinburgh has a gorgeous red one with 6,000 miles under its white wheels for— you’ve guessed it— a couple of million quid. 

It’s some back catalogue for the Fenomeno to follow, then. Lamborghini isn’t saying much for the moment about what’s coming in August, though it does suggest that the new car ‘will map out the future of Lamborghini super sports cars, celebrating the identity and vision of the company.’ Which is certainly interesting given the calibre and influence of the previous specials. Stephan Winkelmann added: “Produced in extremely limited runs, these models are milestones in Lamborghini history in terms of performance, customization, and uniqueness. They present an opportunity to unlock our full design potential and break new ground with innovative technical solutions, taking a vision of the future and making it available today.” Monterey Car Week can’t come soon enough.