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Speaking of Electrification… Three Questions for Lamborghini's CEO When car enthusiasts think of Lamborghini, the melodic sound of the 12-cylinder Aventador and Countach come to mind. But when rule makers see the combined EPA fuel economy rating of 11 MPG, tying Bugatti's 16-cylinder Chiron model for gas guzzling, it's obvious that big petrol power will soon be part of Lamborghini's past. CEO of Lamborghini America Andrea Baldi, in La Jolla to celebrate the remodeling of its dealership, shared the brand's electric future, model offerings, and the prestige market. R&C: California will pivot to zero emission vehicles in 2030. What are Lamborghini's plans to comply? AB: We will introduce hybrid powertrains in 2024 and 2025 model years and we are also exploring synthetic fuel options. Our brand values remain creating beautiful, high performance cars that excite enthusiasts and that will not change, regardless of how they're propelled. R&C: How important has the Urus SUV been to the brand? AB: The Urus has quickly become our most popular model and brought 70 percent new owners to the brand, including a double-digit increase in women. And it has accomplished this increase without any impact to existing models where demand exceeds supply. R&C: Who are your principal rivals? AB: Ferrari and Aston Martin are certainly two we consider, but we do not worry a bit about market share and that attitude has served Lamborghini quite well. Fellow enthusiast Jay Leno compared his Lightning experience to motoring in a Rolls-Royce. at only seems absurd until you cruise in this leather-upholstered quiet cabin, looking down at normal vehicles and feeling the substance that its mass provides. e experience does seem like the EV future is as bright as proponents allege. Counterpoint Ford has clearly created a compelling battery electric version of its most important model. e optional 131 kW battery provides a realistic 320-mile range in normal passenger transport and that's reasonable for most owners. ere's also nearly 2,000 pounds of payload and 10,000-pound towing capability, and even 9.6 kW of Pro Power that supplies ten 120V and one 240V outlets for your tailgate bash or a worksite, though towing a decent RV trailer cuts the range in half, and powering a construction project or home has obvious limits. And while recharging the big fella from 15 to 80 percent is just 41 minutes if you locate a 150kW DCFC fast charger, the supplied 80-amp 240V home charger connection is a more leisurely eight hours and a 120V wall outlet option will take nearly three days for a fill-up. It's all a balancing act in our brave new EV world. Dual motor, all-wheel drive 580 131 kWh 78 city 63 highway 70 combined 320 miles $75,974 $89,089 TYPE: HORSEPOWER: BATTERY: MPGe: RANGE: BASE PRICE: AS TESTED: 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat ranchandcoast.com @ranchandcoast RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2022 111 LAMBORGHINI: PHOTO COURTESY OF LAMBORGHINI Andrea Baldi, CEO of Lamborghini America