Performance is king in the high-stakes world of luxury sports cars, and automakers are fiercely competing to maintain their edge.
Recently, Lamborghini has taken aim at Mercedes-Benz, specifically its AMG division, criticizing the move towards hybrid powertrains, according to Motor.
Marketing Director with Stark Warning
This clash comes in light of feedback from owners of the new AMG C 63, who expressed disappointment with the car's performance compared to its V8-powered predecessor.
A senior Mercedes executive had previously stated that customers needed to adjust to the hybrid model's different driving experience. However, Lamborghini’s Paolo Rachetti, the company’s product marketing director, responded with a stark warning: “Extreme power reduction is very risky.”
Rachetti emphasized that relying on smaller engines, such as six- or four-cylinder configurations, could dilute the essence of a true sports car.
The Engine is Vital
According to Rachetti, the engine is vital for creating the excitement of driving, offering the thrilling sound, vibrations, and responsiveness that enthusiasts crave. He argued that it’s challenging to replicate those sensations without a traditional combustion engine.
This criticism points to a broader concern within the performance car community about the growing trend of downsizing engines in favor of hybrid and electric technology.
While Mercedes is working on enhancing its performance offerings with the new CLE model, which is expected to feature a V8 engine, Lamborghini asserts it is on the right path toward achieving the ideal balance between performance and efficiency with its latest models, the Revuelto and the Temerario.
Interestingly, the latter only boasts an electric range of about 10 kilometers, but Lamborghini believes it captures the essence of what sports cars should deliver.
