In 2007, Lamborghini presented the Reventon, the first production model designed by Centro Stile which had been established 3 years earlier as a creative design centre for the sportscar company. With the Reventon, Lamborghini introduced the ‘few-off’ concept of limited-edition models to the world.
These models, which instantly earned iconic status, were the Sesto Elemento, Veneno, Centenario, Sian and Countach LPI 800-4. As well as celebrating key moments in the marque’s history, the supercars often featured pioneering technical and style solutions that were subsequently seen on production models.
“I remember when we presented the first few-off – the Reventon – at the Frankfurt International Motor Show,” said Stephan Winkelmann, CEO & Chairman of Automobili Lamborghini. “It was a unique vehicle that, like those that followed it, helped to reinforce our marque’s exclusivity. 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.”
With just 20 coupes and 15 roadsters built, the Reventon was conceived to astound, thanks to its aeronautically inspired design. Even more significantly, it innovated with the use of unprecedented materials and technologies.
The supercar, featuring a hybrid chassis made of steel with carbonfibre reinforcements (thermoset matrix composite), also marked the debut of body panels entirely made of carbonfibre composite — a solution later adopted on the Aventador, the first Lamborghini to feature a full carbonfibre monocoque chassis, complemented by carbonfibre body elements.
In addition, the Reventon was the first Lamborghini with three LCD screens in the instrument panel. The same solution was later used in production models, once again starting with the Aventador.
As well as encapsulating exclusivity, Lamborghini Few-offs showcased the company’s capacity for innovation. This was exemplified by the Sesto Elemento of 2010, which had a V10 engine. Only 20 were made; weighing just 999 kgs and boasting an exceptional weight-to-power ratio of 1.7 kg/ps, it was notable due to the substantial use of advanced, ultra-light composite materials such as magnesium and Pyrosic, which was found in the exhaust system.
The chassis and body were completely crafted from carbonfibre, complemented by unprecedented materials such as the newly created Forged Composite. This technology, patented by Lamborghini, was later employed for aesthetic components on various models, including the Huracan Performante, and today stands as one of the key structural technologies applied in the Revuelto. Its monocoque represents the most advanced evolution of the technical solutions developed and implemented by Lamborghini in the field of Advanced Composite Materials.
Another notable example of a Few-off is the Veneno that Lamborghini presented in 2013. Defined at its debut as ‘a track car built for the road’, it fully harnessed the mechanical potential of the Aventador and its V12 engine, introducing advanced aerodynamic solutions. The highly functional design was devised to optimize efficiency and downforce even at high speeds.
Further innovations came in the shape of the carbonfibre monocoque and the interiors covered with CarbonSkin (a patented carbonfibre material) for the dashboard, seats and headliner. Every part was optimized with performance in mind, taking the weight-to-power ratio to just 1.93 kg/ps.
The Veneno was also the first Lamborghini with a manual rear wing load adjustment system, which could be set to high, medium or low. This feature was found on a number of later models, such as the Aventador SVJ and Huracan STO.
At Geneva International Motor Show in 2019, Lamborghini presented the Sian FKP 37 as its first supercar with an electrified powertrain. Fitted with a V12 engine and an electric system with supercapacitors, this limited-edition car marked the first step towards the company’s subsequent electrification strategy.
Marking the 50th anniversary of the Countach LP500 prototype in 2021, Lamborghini presented the Countach LPI 800-4. Based on the hybrid architecture of the Sian, it paid tribute to the company’s first rear longitudinal V12 engine by presenting a contemporary take on it. Some of the most notable innovations included a photochromic roof – which can go from solid colour to transparent with one simple command – and 3D-printed internal air vents.
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