Lamborghini Weighs Synthetic Fuel to Sustain Combustion Engines Alongside EV Push

Lamborghini is progressing with its plan to debut a fully electric vehicle by the end of the decade. However, the Italian automaker is not ready to phase out combustion powertrains. Instead, it is investing in synthetic fuels as a viable route to extend the operational lifespan of its V8 and V12 engines under future emission constraints.

Parallel Path: Electrification and Fuel Innovation

While many automakers are committing to rapid EV adoption, Lamborghini is pursuing a dual-track strategy. The company is advancing electric technologies while also engineering solutions that retain its traditional engine formats. Synthetic fuels, particularly those under development by Porsche $P911.DE, are being evaluated as potential enablers to preserve combustion systems within tightening regulatory limits.

Next-Gen V8 Engine Built for Flexibility

The newly developed twin-turbo V8 engine, featured in the Temerario, successor to the Huracán, has been specifically designed to operate on both petrol and synthetic fuel. According to Chief Technical Officer Reuven Mohr, the configuration was engineered to ensure efficiency and sustained output across both fuel types. “This engine was built to deliver consistent performance using either conventional or synthetic sources”, said Mohr in a statement to CarExpert. This fuel-agnostic setup provides a hedge against regulatory shifts and market uncertainties while aligning with performance benchmarks.

Preserving Core Driving Dynamics

Lamborghini’s engineering priorities include more than emission reductions. The focus remains on maintaining the driving characteristics that define the brand: instant throttle response, distinctive exhaust tone, and high-revving architecture. These are difficult to replicate in battery-electric platforms and remain central to the supercar segment’s identity.

Factors Supporting Continued ICE Development

Lamborghini’s strategy around combustion engine retention reflects a calculated response to market and policy signals. The following considerations underpin the decision:

• Flexibility in fuel sourcing for long-term viability;

• Alignment with ultra-low volume emission exemptions;

• Preservation of mechanical engagement in mid-engine platforms;

• Cost-effective adaptation of existing production lines;

• Potential for joint programs within the Volkswagen Group $VOW.DE ecosystem.

Strategic Balance Ahead

Although the company’s first EV will mark a turning point, Lamborghini appears committed to fuel-diverse product architecture through at least the next decade. Synthetic fuels are being evaluated not as transitional but as complementary technologies, particularly suited to limited-series, high-performance vehicles.

While the scalability and affordability of synthetic fuels remain open questions, the brand’s engineering dualism allows it to adapt without sacrificing identity. This approach offers an alternative to full electrification in product lines where sound, feel, and response remain critical selling points.