Car manufacturers face the challenge of finding the right balance between touch and tactility in their vehicles. According to Lamborghini’s Chief Technical Officer, Maurizio Reggiani, there is no definitive answer to this question. He believes that some precise haptic devices can create a luxurious feeling in a car. He suggests that haptics similar to those found in smartphones or MacBook Pros could also work in automotive applications. However, Lamborghini still has a few years to perfect this aspect of their vehicles.
One example of Lamborghini’s pursuit of this balance is the Hybrid Countach Cabin. This concept car features a pair of digital displays embedded into the dashboard. When the car is turned on, these displays flip upward, paying homage to the pop-up headlights of the Lamborghini Countach. The glass roof of the concept is also inspired by the Countach, with horizontal rails that echo the groove where the Countach’s periscope-style rear mirror is housed.
As a concept car, the Lanzador replaces door mirrors with cameras that provide live video feeds to displays installed beneath the A-pillars. While the position of these displays may not be intuitive, it is likely that the production version of the car will address this issue to meet crash safety requirements. Additionally, the driver display feels well-designed in terms of size, shape, and position, while the passenger display seems too small and far away to be practical. It can be assumed that Lamborghini will make adjustments to improve ergonomics before this EV goes into production.
Despite being a concept car, Lamborghini has made sure to create an interior that feels believable. Rather than designing a steering wheel that disappears into the dashboard for a potential fully-autonomous future, the company has taken a more considered approach to concept design. This provides an honest representation of what Lamborghini’s first EV will look like. It shows that the company is dedicated to preserving the essence of its brand while embracing the advancements of electric vehicles.
One aspect that Lamborghini has not yet addressed is how its electric supercars will sound. The company is known for the distinct sound produced by its V10 and V12 engines. However, Lamborghini understands the importance of creating an emotionally engaging driving experience in their EVs. They are currently working on this challenge using driving simulators. The goal is to create a sound that is connected to the driving experience without being completely artificial. While they may incorporate some frequencies produced by the car’s electric motors, Lamborghini does not intend to imitate the sound of traditional combustion engines.
In conclusion, car manufacturers like Lamborghini are faced with the task of finding the right balance between touch and tactility in their vehicles. Lamborghini’s Hybrid Countach Cabin concept demonstrates their commitment to creating an interior that feels believable and represents their first EV accurately. They are also working on addressing the challenge of creating a distinct sound for their electric supercars. As technology continues to advance, carmakers will continue to explore innovative solutions to enhance the driving experience.