The 2022 Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 received a fine share of criticism after the big debut. The massive fan base that probably still keeps posters of Countach from the 70s was eagerly expecting the remake. But once it came, disappointment followed.
Some say the new Countach is not anywhere near to being the iconic model from the past, especially considering the fact it uses the Aventador's chassis and bears the Sian's spirit. Others note the unbelievable price is not worthy of the only Countach-looking-like components. The list goes on.
But then, Lamborghini must have had a good reason to build the new Countach, knowing it lacked the resources to make it from scratch based on the original model? Surely, money had a big role to play here, but was it all about the revenue?
In 2021, Lamborghini had already sold 8,405 vehicles globally, with the Urus, the Huracan, and the Aventador making most of the sales, none of which come cheap. Did it need the Countach at all? Then again, based on the remake of an icon, Lamborghini aims to earn well over $2 million for each Countach sold.
We don't claim we can decipher Lamborghini's intentions, but we can speculate and discuss the new Countach based on the available information. Let's do it together, and maybe we can manage to make a solid conclusion by the end of this article.
The Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 Marks The 50th Anniversary Of The Iconic Model From The '70s
We should first refresh our knowledge of the original Countach to better understand the brand's drive to make a new one. The first model of this sports car was revealed in 1971 as the successor of the Miura and brought forth Lamborghini's dedication to blending power and design. It was the Countach that pushed Lamborghini towards the road it takes today with its iconic Italian wedge shape, the wild V-12 engine mounted lengthwise, the scissor doors, and much more.
The Countach was one of the last models that Ferruccio Lamborghini worked on before his retirement. Other team members included Paolo Stanzani, Massimo Parenti, Bob Wallace, and Marcello Gandini. They worked together to improve the features of Miura to boost performance, even out weight distribution, and enhance high-speed stability. But in the end, they created a sports car, not an improved GT.
Gandini created a masterpiece of its kind with the Countach, making it wide, low, and overloaded with bold lines. The car's distinctive (and first in production) wedge shape and the monstrous engine also contributed to the Countach becoming incredibly popular and present on every car enthusiast's wall.
The truth is, the Countach didn't sell the way everyone expected back in the day. It had a nice number of drawbacks and issues, including low visibility, an uncomfortable cabin, and a high price tag. Revisions and updates came over the years, but the Countach was not very practical in general.
All of this didn't influence its popularity, though. The Countach helped Lamborghini define itself as a brand, which can sometimes be more important than sales. That's why the brand still celebrates this sports car as the most significant point of its history. Just last year, Lamborghini marked the 50th anniversary of the Countach introduction, and with it, it announced the new model.
Knowing everything we do about the Countach, one has to wonder what Lamborghini aims to achieve with the redesign? Is it the goal to re-establish its name? Lamborghini hardly needs to do so. Maybe it's about memories and emotion? It's hard to tell, but we'll try anyway.
"The Future Is Our Legacy": A Truthful Bold Moto Or A Marketing Trick?
The first thing one might think when looking at the new Countach is that maybe Lamborghini wanted to resolve all the issues with the original model and make it better as the latter did partially with Miura. But then, the new Countach was based on the Aventador and the Sian, which is pretty clear even from the first look.
It's interesting to note that the new Countach is an unmistakable take on the original model from a modern perspective, but without Gandini. The famous designer even distanced himself from the project, saying the new Countach doesn't mirror his vision. Of course, fans noticed this early on.
The team behind the new car definitely tried, that's for sure. All the significant design markings are present, plus the hybrid powertrain that matches a V12 of 769 horsepower with a 48-volt electric motor of 33 hp. So, the Countach is still a monstrously powerful sports car with distinctive styling.
As per Stephan Winkelmann, the current CEO, the Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 pays homage to the iconic model while showcasing the brand's dedication to the future. It reflects the Lamborghini tradition as well as the focus on the future. Mitja Borkert, the current head of Lamborghini design, has a similar vision.
So, branding and customer experience are behind the Countach remake? It makes sense, but we can't neglect the price point, especially when only 112 units of the LPI 800-4 were made and sold out at $2.6 million even before the premiere. In the end, maybe all these factors played a part in Lamborghini's decision to make the new Countach.