A PHENOMENON: Limited Edition Lambo Fenomeno Is Here
Every few years, Lamborghini brings out an ultra-exclusive special edition. While yes, they do a fantastic job at marketing their products to appear completely new and exciting, this isn’t always the case. This business-module of limited-run vehicles started with the famed Reventon: the fighter-jet inspired beast based off the Murcielago, foregrounding the later flagship Aventador. Then there was the slightly ridiculous Sesto Elemento: an extreme, track-only (until recent) version of the Gallardo. After the Sesto came the Veneno, a genuinely bonkers, distinguishable version of the Aventador which celebrated the 50th anniversary of the marque. More recently, we’ve seen the Centenario, Sian, and Countach alongside numerous one-off creations. While visually, all of these cars feature complete design overhauls, beneath the skin they see limited changes.
But this time around, we have seen changes. Changes that make this the fastest and most powerful road-going Lamborghini ever produced. This is the Fenomeno.
That name? Whilst it does directly translate to phenomenon in Italian, it originates from a notoriously brave and relentless Mexican fighting bull who fought his way to freedom. Fitting.
The new Fenomeno is certainly impressive to say the least. It dethrones the car it was based off, the Revuelto, to claim top spot in the Lambo ranks as the fastest and most powerful model, due to its blistering 1,065hp and 0-100 speed of 2.4 seconds on sticky tyres. While the 6.5 litre V12 engine has only seen a boost of 10 horsepower to its total figure, the three electric motors combine to produce 242hp: 50hp more than the hybrid system in the Revuelto.
On the outside, the Fenomeno is a completely different beast in comparison to its predecessor. Visually, it is an entirely new car. It is wider and lengthier than the Revuelto, and features unique, extreme aerodynamical elements. In the front end, a S-duct produces downforce by funnelling air through the massive voids in the bonnet, whilst at the back, an active rear wing fitted with three positions helps to generate 30% more downforce than the Revuelto. Whilst there is certainly a lot going on, everything is functional, with increased air flow and cooling found through a roof scoop and exposed engine bay. It’s also the first-ever street-legal Lambo to be fitted with CCM-R brakes, which are next-gen carbon ceramics which last longer and generate more friction than before. Pretty cool stuff!
The headlights are reminiscent of the Centenario; an unusual step backwards for the brand. However, they still thoroughly represent the design DNA of the Lambo lineup, making it instantly recognisable. The back end is certainly going to take some getting used to: the vertical ‘snake-tongue’ lights appear disjointed and disproportionate. Nonetheless, the exposed rear tyres and wide exhaust do get us a little bit too excited.
In the cockpit, not too much has changed aside from new carbon door cards and a futuristic dash. The contrasting yellow and black flows in from the exterior, and the driver-centric seating position invites properly spirited driving.
But will we ever see a Fenomeno be ‘properly driven’? Time will tell. Only 30 will ever be made, and 29 of those available for customers. Have you read this article and decided that you want to buy one now? Sorry, they’re all already sold, with a price tag in the millions each.
