Lamborghini CEO: Horsepower Alone Won't Cut It — Chinese Supercars Miss This Key Element

Thousands of horsepower aren't enough to win the hearts of supercar enthusiasts. That's the core message from Stephan Winkelmann, CEO of Lamborghini, speaking at the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed, where he downplayed the threat from Chinese rivals despite their record-breaking figures. Chinese companies excel in raw numbers, yet they overlook a fundamental element in his view.

Sound and Emotion Trump Power Figures

The Denza Z delivers 1,583 horsepower, while brands like Yangwang push electric acceleration limits to unprecedented levels. Winkelmann, however, insists these numbers can't match the feeling of a naturally aspirated V12. The three essential elements for any true supercar are performance, sound. The emotions transmitted to the driver behind the wheel.

The Italian equation is fundamentally different. Instant electric torque is impressive, but it lacks the ongoing dialogue between car and driver. The difference isn't in top speed — it's in the journey to get there and the bond forged along the way.

Why Lamborghini Sticks with Combustion Engines

Lamborghini has shelved its rush toward full electrification after noticing customers still prefer combustion engines within hybrid setups. The Revuelto retains its V12 with electric assistance, the Temerario pairs a twin-turbo V8 with three electric motors, and the Urus SE relies on a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

This strategy reflects a sharp reading of the supercar market. Even younger buyers — presumably the most open to electric power — still crave engine sound and the driving experience tied to it. The answer to the Chinese challenge isn't doubling down on power, it's preserving identity.

Executing this vision requires a delicate balance between honoring heritage and adapting to the future. Current hybrid models prove the Italians have found a winning formula; the cars remain loud and thrilling yet more efficient than ever. Dropping the combustion engine will be the last step in Lamborghini's agenda, not the first.

China has proven it can shatter records and build ultra-fast electric machines. Winkelmann is betting that real drivers search for something beyond silent acceleration. All this impressive technological progress confronts an existential question: can a supercar truly live without sound? The market alone will settle this debate.