Lamborghini Few-Offs: a tradition of exclusivity for the future

Lamborghini has been the epitome of incomparable style, outstanding performance, exclusivity and innovation since 1963. Its limited-edition series are the ultimate embodiment of its creative and technical prowess. They are a brand tradition that began in 2007 with the Reventón, which was the first production model to be fully designed by the Lamborghini Centro Stile and introduced the world to the “few-off” concept. The Reventón paved the way for other limited-edition models that instantly earned iconic status, including the Sesto Elemento, Veneno, Centenario, Sián and Countach LPI 800-4. As well as celebrating key moments in the marque’s history, these vehicles often featured pioneering technical and style solutions that were subsequently seen on production models. Lamborghini looks back at the most significant steps in the design and technology evolution its Few-Offs, as it prepares to unveil a new limited-edition super sports car at Monterey Car Week: the latest breathtaking display of Lamborghini design that celebrates its brand values.

“I remember when we presented the first few-off – the Reventón – at Frankfurt International Motor Show,” states Stephan Winkelmann, CEO and 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 coupés and 15 roadsters built, the Reventón was conceived to astound, thanks to its aeronautically inspired design, and above all to innovate, thanks to the use of unprecedented materials and technologies. The car, featuring a hybrid chassis made of steel with carbon fiber reinforcements (thermoset matrix composite), also marked the debut of body panels entirely made of carbon fiber composite — a solution later adopted on the Aventador, the first Lamborghini to feature a full carbon fiber monocoque chassis, complemented by carbon fiber body elements. In addition, the Reventón 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.

“The Reventón is my favorite car from the early 2000s,” notes Mitja Borkert, Lamborghini Design Director. “A revolutionary vehicle in both stylistic and conceptual terms, it made Lamborghini the first luxury automotive brand to produce a limited-edition super sports car.”

As well as encapsulating exclusivity, Lamborghini few-offs offer an unsurpassed way to showcase the company’s capacity for innovation. This is exemplified by the Sesto Elemento, which had a V10 engine and was presented by Lamborghini in 2010. Only 20 were made: weighing just 999 kg and boasting an exceptional weight-to-power ratio of 1.7 kg/CV, 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 carbon fiber, 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 Huracán 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 key example of a few-off is the Veneno, an ode to aerodynamics 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 carbon fiber monocoque and the interiors covered with CarbonSkin: a patented carbon fiber material found on the dashboard, seats and headliner. From the front to the back, every part was optimized with performance in mind, taking the weight-to-power ratio to just 1.93 kg/CV. 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 Huracán STO.

To celebrate the centenary of the birth of founder Ferruccio Lamborghini in 2016, the Sant’Agata Bolognese company shone a spotlight on its technical and stylistic excellence by presenting the Centenario. The vehicles were equipped with a 770 CV version of the naturally aspirated V12 engine used in the Aventador. Just 40 were produced: 20 coupés and 20 roadsters. It was the first Lamborghini with a central infotainment touchscreen, marking a crucial step in the digitalization of the relationship between drivers and vehicles. In addition, the Centenario was the first Lamborghini to feature rear-wheel steering. Deployed later on the Revuelto, it is designed to provide unbeatable handling at both low and high speeds.

At Geneva International Motor Show in 2019, Lamborghini presented the Sián FKP 37: its first vehicle 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. The Sián showed that rather than holding it back, the electric transition presented Automobili Lamborghini with an opportunity for evolution on the performance front. In addition, some distinctive design features found on later vehicles were first introduced on the Sián, such as the signature Y-shaped front lights now seen on the Revuelto.

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 Sián, 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 include a photochromic roof – which can go from solid color to transparent with one simple command – and 3D-printed internal air vents.

This year, Lamborghini will reveal a new limited-edition creation during Monterey Car Week. The new few-off will map out the future of Lamborghini super sports cars, celebrating the identity and vision of the company from Sant’Agata Bolognese.