Lamborghini has unveiled the Countach LPI 800-4, a limited production hypercar designed as a homage to one of the most iconic models in the history of Sant’Agata, the legendary Countach. Just in time for the supercar’s 50th anniversary, the LPI 800-4 honors the original’s design while using modern technology derived from the Sián FKP 37, itself based off the Aventador.
While the Aventador-derived greenhouse and proportions are quite evident – and not so in-tune with the original Countach, the carbon-fiber body panels of the LPI 800-4 are brand new, evoking the essence of the Countach storyline spread out in two decades (1971-1990). Like all modern Lamborghini flagship supercars, it retains the wedge shape, angular surfaces, and of course, scissor doors. After all, those features were all introduced by the Countach LP500 prototype designed by Marcello Gandini in 1971 when he was working for Bertone.and were carried on to the production LP400 that was launched in 1974
The front end with its trapezoidal headlights, flat nose, and rectangular intakes is reminiscent of the 1985 LP5000 QV (Quattrovalvole), one of the later versions of the Countach. The same goes for the hexagonal wheel-arches filled with retro-inspired rims measuring 20-inches at the front and 21-inches at the rear, shod in Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires. The slits behind the side windows are a nod to the 1971 prototype, just like the “periscopio” design for the roof and rear windscreen. However, elements like the huge Naca-style air-duct on the profile and the upper intakes on the wide shoulders look more like the final 1988 Countach 25th anniversary.
The hexagonal three-unit taillights are borrowed from the Sián, but the rest of the tail has a more sensible approach integrating a carbon fiber diffuser, quadruple exhaust pipes, and a short-cut rear bumper revealing much of the ultra-wide rear tires. There is no fixed rear wing, and while Lamborghini reveals nothing about active aerodynamics, the shut lines on the rear deck make us believe it is hiding an active rear spoiler.
As you probably guessed from its design, the Countach LPI 800-4 shares its underpinnings with the Sián FKP 37 which was unveiled back in 2019. Besides the carbon-fiber monocoque, it also utilizes the same mild-hybrid V12 powerhouse with a slightly decreased (4hp less) combined output of 803 hp transmitted to all four wheels – hence the 800 and the 4 in its name. More specifically, there is the usual longitudinally positioned (LP) naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine which in this case produces 769 hp, working together with a 48-Volt electric motor producing an additional 34 hp which is located inside the 7-speed automated manual gearbox. Like in the Sián, energy from the regenerative braking system is stored in a supercapacitor which is lighter than a traditional lithium-ion battery.
Lamborghini announced a 0-100 km/h acceleration in 2.8 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 8.6 seconds and a top speed of 355 km/h. This makes the Countach LPI 800-4 equally fast with both the Sián FKP 37 and the non-hybrid Aventador LP780-4 Ultimae, although the mild-hybrid technology might bring an advantage to in-gear acceleration. The answer is yes and no. The steering wheel and the seats are shared with the Aventador but the dashboard, door cards, and center console come from the Sián. To differentiate the Countach, Lamborghini designers added new climate vents and some different leather trim on the central tunnel. They also claim to have added a new 8.4-inch touchscreen for the infotainment, although the unit looks quite similar to the one on the Sian. What is definitely unique to the Countach is the “Stile” button that initiates a presentation of the car’s design philosophy for the “privileged audience” as Lamborghini calls the driver and the passenger.
The presentation vehicle has a red and black leather interior taking inspiration from Ferruccio’s personal Countach LP 400 S – just like the dedicated Bianco Siderale exterior shade. Each owner will be able to customize it further by choosing from a range of heritage exterior paints and four interior configurations, plus additional colors for the carpets, ceiling, and stitching. The Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 was unveiled at The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering in the U.S. and will be produced in a limited number of 112 units. The company has not provided details on pricing, but we expect the hypercar to be positioned between the less special Aventadors and the more exclusive Sián FKP 37. The first customer deliveries are expected in the first quarter of 2022.
The LPI 800-4 is very likely the last model based on the Aventador monocoque architecture, as a new-generation flagship is expected soon, possibly with a plug-in hybrid powertrain in line with the company’s electrification strategy.
