During Monterey Car Week recently, Lamborghini commanded attention with the global debut of the Fenomeno, a $3.5M “few-off” hypercar that was limited to 29 units (and already sold out by the time car week came). While the head-turning stunner wowed audiences, Lamborghini’s impactful presence wasn’t limited to a car launch; it was a dramatic celebration of a spirited culture, raw power, and a community of loyal fans and devoted enthusiasts.
I’ve always believed that every corporate culture starts at the top – defined by the character and values of the founding team, and carried on by the executives who drive the brand forward decades later. As evidenced by this sentiment, I recently learned the background of how Lamborghini came to be, which, at its core, was a story of fierce competition, fueled by a fiery spirit.
As the owner of a tractor manufacturing company, Ferruccio Lamborghini (who had several luxury cars, including Ferrari), once approached Enzo Ferrari with feedback about Ferrari’s clutch, only to be dismissed by Enzo, when he retorted, “Stick to making tractors”. Like many entrepreneurs who’ve had to overcome obstacles in their path, even when you have the best of intentions or valuable knowledge to offer, people don’t always share your viewpoint.
As a result of this unexpected challenge, instead of letting someone else dictate his future and decide where he belongs in life, Ferruccio decided to take the bull by the horns. To get even, he made the brave decision to go head-to-head with Ferrari by launching his own supercar brand.
Since the 1960s, the marque has been defined by bravery, authenticity, and a charged sense of defiance. Now, over 60 years later, Lamborghini has proven to be much more than just another supercar company. It’s long been heralded as a cultural symbol of rebellion, individuality, and fearless Italian spirit.
The Fenomeno, in particular, embodies this ferocious heritage while pointing boldly toward the brand’s future.
When it comes to designing supercars for mavericks and trailblazers (who march to the beat of their own drum), Lamborghini’s Head Designer Mitja Borkert (pictured above) believes that cultivating teamwork is one of the keys to their success.
During our conversation last year, he said, “I always try to push my team to create the best results. And, by trying to be a good example myself, I try to stay motivated to sketch. I’m always feeding them with ideas and trying to fuel their creativity. It’s kind of like a garage band in a way.”
As the fastest Lamborghini produced to date, the Fenomeno hypercar fuses extreme engineering with a sense of sculptural elegance, powered by a naturally aspirated V12 paired with three electric motors that together deliver over 1,000 CV. Every detail has been meticulously crafted to thrill; from its race-inspired S-duct and elongated tail to the striking Y-shaped vertical taillights that create a dramatic signature after dark.
Inside, lightweight 3D-printed components and track-ready ergonomics meet bespoke Italian craftsmanship, offering an immersive experience that’s as refined as it is exhilarating. Even its name, inspired by a famous fighting bull, signals the spirit behind its creation: unapologetic power, head-turning design, and a dynamic statement of the brand’s DNA.
Bottom line: It’s a car built for baddies and bad boys.
Interview with Matteo Ortenzi, Lamborghini Product Line Director
Matteo Ortenzi has been with Lamborghini for nearly two decades, shaping some of the brand’s most iconic cars, from the Aventador to the all-new Fenomeno. As Product Line Director, Matteo oversees everything from early sketches to customer deliveries, ensuring every Lamborghini embodies the essence of what the brand is about: superior performance, striking designs, and emotional connection.
We sat down at the Lamborghini Villa in Pebble Beach this year to discuss the philosophy behind Fenomeno, the authentic hospitality that prevails within Lamborghini’s exclusive culture, and how the brand continues to captivate and mesmerize both fans and collectors.
Christina-Lauren Pollack: You’ve led Lamborghini across different markets, including your time as CEO of the Asia-Pacific region. How has that experience shaped your approach to building something as exclusive as the Fenomeno?
Matteo Ortenzi: What’s amazing is that Lamborghini’s DNA is truly universal. No matter the market, customers expect to be surprised, to feel something emotional, and to experience something beyond the ordinary. With the Fenomeno, we wanted to push those expectations further. This car represents the pinnacle of our capabilities, a statement of who we are as a brand, our heritage, and our identity, brought to life.
CLP: Lamborghini calls the Fenomeno a “design manifesto.” What does that mean to you?
MO: It’s our identity: design, performance, emotion. That’s why it’s a naturally aspirated V12. It’s joy and inspiration; a rebel with a cause.
CLP: The Fenomeno is stunning. How far did you push the technical envelope to bring it to life?
MO: We pushed the limits of our sports car platform. Because the Fenomeno is a few-off car, we had the freedom to explore its full technical potential, both in aerodynamics and design. There’s about 30% more aerodynamic load compared to other models, plus additional cooling, yet the car is still clean and purposeful. And honestly, the project was very smooth. Normally, there are challenges, but this time everything went well from concept to launch. I remember seeing the first completed car and thinking, ‘We did it.’ That was a very emotional moment.
CLP: For a car this exclusive, personalization is everything. How does Lamborghini’s Ad Personam program elevate the client experience?
MO: We offer more than 400 exterior colors and endless personalization options, but it’s not just about variety; it’s about guidance. We work closely with every client to create a bespoke car that truly reflects their personality. With Fenomeno, the collaboration was even deeper. These cars were already sold before their debut, and many owners had early access to design previews and close involvement in the process.
Our customers are not just clients; they’re part of a family. That sense of belonging is important to us. We’re still a small company, and that allows us to stay close to our customers and be very agile.
CLP: Lamborghini events always feel exclusive yet welcoming. How intentional is that?
MO: It’s fundamental. Lamborghini is a family. When people join this brand, whether as customers or employees, they become part of a community. That’s why our events feel so personal and emotional. We’re not just presenting cars; we’re building a lifestyle around them.
CLP: You’ve been with Lamborghini for nearly 20 years. Where does Fenomeno sit in your journey?
MO: The Aventador will always be special because it was my first project from a blank page. That car was also a turning point for Lamborghini, setting a new benchmark for design and performance. But Fenomeno represents Lamborghini today. It’s the best of our past and our future; a statement of what we can achieve when we’re free to push every limit.
CLP: Lamborghini is entering a new era with hybridization, electrification, and automation. How are you embracing these changes while preserving the brand’s identity?
MO: We’re very open to new technologies – AI, 3D printing, advanced automation – but they’ll always serve the Lamborghini DNA. Technology is a tool, not a replacement for passion. Even as we move toward hybrid and electric solutions, we’ll preserve the character and emotional connection that make Lamborghini unique.
Lamborghini Partners with Lifestyle Brands to Create an Exclusive World for Supercar Enthusiasts
As I’ve come to learn over the past few years, Lamborghini’s world extends well beyond the road, thanks to its stellar collaborations with several lifestyle-enhancing brands.
For more than forty years, Sonus faber has been creating loudspeakers that combine advanced innovation with the timeless artistry of Italian craftsmanship. Guided by a philosophy centered on natural sound, meticulous handcrafting, and heritage design, the brand continues to set new standards in high-end audio.
At Monterey Car Week this year, the company proudly unveiled the Il Cremonese Ex3me Automobili Lamborghini Edition, a $130,000 limited-run speaker system handcrafted in Vicenza and offered in Lamborghini finishes like Giallo Countach and Nero Nemesis. Limited to just 50 pairs worldwide, these handcrafted speakers feature Beryllium tweeters, natural-fiber midrange cones, dual woofers, and nanocarbon infrawoofers, all housed in a sculptural five-sided cabinet that echoes Lamborghini’s performance-driven aesthetics.
In addition to providing the sound system for Lamborghini automobiles, this collaboration represents a celebration of Italian excellence, delivering an uncompromising acoustic experience that mirrors the precision, innovation, and emotion of Lamborghini’s super sports cars.
During my time at the Lamborghini Lounge, Fiore Cappelletto, Head of Sales at Sonus faber, gave me a preview of the speaker system (pictured below), explaining:
“This project was about more than just creating a speaker; it’s about extending Lamborghini’s culture of customization, performance, and exclusivity beyond the automotive world. We completely reimagined one of our top loudspeakers, the Il Cremonese Ex3me, to reflect Lamborghini’s design DNA – carbon fiber, Alcantara interiors, bold colors – and even offer Ad Personam customization so each piece can match a client’s exact car specification. Just like a Lamborghini, these speakers are designed to be unique, emotional, and a statement of individuality.”
Since Lamborghini often collaborates with notable brands (to produce exclusive apparel, yachts, and other luxury goods that reflect the Lamborghini lifestyle), the company’s continued partnership with Roger Dubuis showcases a synergy between supercars and haute horology, with both brands embracing innovation, craftsmanship, and exclusivity.
Since its founding in 1995, Roger Dubuis has redefined the boundaries of fine watchmaking with an unexpected fusion of bold character and exceptional horological expertise. Pioneering the concept of Hyper Horology, the Maison has become synonymous with innovation and a relentless drive to shape the future of Haute Horlogerie. Backed by a fully integrated manufacturing process, in which every caliber is crafted in-house, the brand embodies a commitment to performance, creativity, and uncompromising excellence, which epitomizes why it’s a perfect marriage for Lamborghini.
During the Monterey Car Week party at the Lamborghini Lounge, the President of Roger Dubuis, Americas (Laurent Toinet), gave me a preview of the Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph (featured below) and explained why their ongoing collaboration with Lamborghini continues to drive both brands forward.
Laurent said, “Roger Dubuis often finds inspiration in the automotive world, borrowing design elements and innovative concepts that can be expressively translated into watchmaking. Our recent Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph launch is a good example of this. Lamborghini Squadra Corse is also a perfect partner in this respect, because their unexpected, courageous, and luxurious approach to supercar design mirrors our own horology experience. Each of us is committed to engineering that surpasses convention.”
This collaboration, paired with Sonus faber’s bespoke creations, demonstrates Lamborghini’s ability to curate a lifestyle ecosystem for its clients; one that extends from the garage to the home, and even to their wrist.
From its inception, Lamborghini has always shown the world its rebellious spirit, one that challenges conventions while embracing artistry and precision. As showcased at MCW, the ultra-fast and powerful Fenomeno is more than another hypercar; it’s a statement piece that crystallizes Lamborghini’s values: heritage, daring design, and a relentless push toward the unexpected.
Through visionary leadership from their executive team, bespoke collaborations with world-class brands, and a culture that values community as much as exclusivity, the brand continues to deliver an emotionally charged experience that defines the very essence of why Lamborghini was created, as the ‘rebel with a cause’.
[Media access provided by Lamborghini. Image credits: Christina-Lauren Pollack for Inspirations & Celebrations, Brooke Damnavits, and Sonus faber. All opinions are my own.]
inspirationsandcelebrations.net (Article Sourced Website)
#Lamborghini #Fenomeno #Takes #Bull #Horns #Monterey #Car #Week #Fastest #Hypercar #Inspirations #Celebrations