Lamborghini has been the Almighty of supercars. The Italian automaker has built some of the most iconic cars in history, including the Aventador and Miura. However, the Countach stands out as perhaps the most enigmatic and iconic Lamborghini that cemented the manufacturer’s place in automotive history. The Countach was perhaps the envy of the world in the mid-’80s, and Lamborghini has released a re-imagined 2022 Countach LPI 800-4 to celebrate such an icon.
However, the ‘new era’ bit comes in the form of its underpinnings, as it’s based on the Sian and features a hybrid powertrain that produces a total of 804bhp. With a top speed of 221mph and the ability to go from 0-62mph in just 2.8 seconds, the Countach LPI 800-4 is anything but slow. Here are the top ten facts that you need to know about this car:
- The Name
- Lamborghini’s Philosophy
- Design Evolution
- Design Details
- Unique Opportunity
- Underpinnings
- Performance
- Carbon Fiber
- 21st Century Technology
- Legacy
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1. The Name
The original Countach was named after the reaction of a security guard who saw it for the first time and said “Contacc” in astonishment. Lamborghini claims that the name is an expression of amazement and admiration in the Piedmontese dialect of Italy.
Although it was initially considered to be a stupid idea to name the car Countach, it soon became a reality.
2. Lamborghini’s Philosophy
The new Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 not only represents Lamborghini’s design and engineering principles but also embodies the manufacturer’s philosophy of pushing boundaries. The car is a tribute to the original Countach, which was a groundbreaking and visionary model that defined the concept of a supercar for generations. The new Countach LPI 800-4 combines the iconic style and heritage of the past with the innovation and technology of the present, creating a hybrid supercar that is both futuristic and nostalgic.
3. Design Evolution
The new Countach has been designed and constructed to imagine how the original Countach of the 70s and 80s might have evolved. It appears to fit perfectly on a bedroom wall. The car features a low, geometric cabin that complements the sharp and angular lines of the exterior, expressing a hypermodern design that amplifies the sensation of being in a car from the future.
The car also incorporates elements from the original Countach, such as the scissor doors, the hexagonal wheel arches, the NACA air intakes, and the distinctive rear wing.
4. Design Details
The clean, uncluttered lines reflect the original LP 500 concept and LP 400 production car. The car features a recognizable face similar to the Quattrovalvole edition, including a rectangular grille and lights, NACA air intakes cut into the sides and doors, and a wedge-shaped silhouette.
5. Unique Opportunity
Mitja Borkert, Lambo’s design boss, is extremely proud of the final product. “The Countach LPI 800-4 is an unparalleled design opportunity. Continuing the evolution of such an important car into a new era is a unique privilege.”
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6. Underpinnings
The Countach LPI 800-4 is based on the Sian, which is derived from the Aventador SVJ. The car boasts a £2.5m hybrid powertrain. The naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine produces 770bhp and is mounted longitudinally in the middle.
It is paired with a 48v electric motor that sits between the V12 and gearbox, providing an additional 34bhp for a total output of 804bhp. The motor is powered by a supercapacitor instead of a Li-ion
battery (which is lighter), and the car is equipped with four-wheel drive.
7. Performance
The Countach LPI 800-4 is no slouch, achieving 0-62mph in 2.8 seconds, 0-124mph in 8.6 seconds, and a top speed of 221mph. These numbers are impressive for any supercar, let alone one that pays homage to a classic icon. The hybrid system adds an extra boost of power and torque, while the four-wheel drive system ensures optimal traction and stability. The Countach LPI 800-4 also features a rear-wheel steering system that improves agility and maneuverability at low speeds and enhances stability and responsiveness at high speeds.
8. Carbon Fiber
The monocoque and body panels are constructed entirely of carbon fiber, with visible CF on the front splitter, front window and wing mirrors, intake covers, and rocker panels. Carbon fiber is a lightweight and strong material that reduces the overall weight of the car and improves its performance and efficiency.
It also gives the Countach LPI 800-4 a distinctive look that blends modern technology with retro style. The carbon fiber elements contrast with the glossy paintwork and create a striking visual effect.
9. 21st Century Technology
The car is equipped with 3D-printed air vents, a Photocromatic roof that changes from solid to transparent with the touch of a button, and an 8.4-inch HDMI center touchscreen. However, the “classic and luxurious” leather features 1970s motifs.
10. Legacy
The Countach is a legend that continues to set the original manifesto for all of Lamborghini’s subsequent models, from its futuristic and recognizable design to being the centric embodiment of all Lamborghini models today, such as the Aventador and Huracán.
