Who said the Italians haven’t been busy? Lamborghini shocked the motoring world when it unveiled the Countach LPI 800-4, a modern tribute to one of the most iconic supercars ever built.
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A legend returns
The original Lamborghini Countach is often regarded as one of the most famous poster cars of all time.
First revealed in the early 1970s, the Countach redefined what a supercar could look like. Its dramatic wedge-shaped body, scissor doors and futuristic styling made it an instant icon, even for people who had never driven one.
More than 50 years later, Lamborghini decided to revive the nameplate with a limited-production model that blends classic Countach design cues with modern hybrid technology.
The 2022 Countach LPI 800-4
Lamborghini’s remake is not a direct recreation of the original car. Instead, it is a modern interpretation built using technology from the company’s latest flagship models.
Production was extremely limited, with just 112 examples planned, a number chosen to reference the internal project code of the original Countach.
The starting price was reported to be around $2.64 million (approximately £1.9 million) before any personalisation options were added.
A V12 with electric assistance
The new Countach uses a 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 paired with a small electric motor and a supercapacitor energy-storage system.
Combined output is:
- 802 hp
- All-wheel drive
- Seven-speed transmission
Lamborghini claimed performance figures of:
- 0–62 mph in 2.8 seconds
- Top speed of 221 mph
For a car weighing around 1,595 kg (3,516 lb), those numbers put it firmly in modern hypercar territory.
What does LPI 800-4 mean?
Lamborghini’s naming system is a little confusing, so here’s the breakdown:
- LPI = Longitudinale Posteriore Ibrido (longitudinal rear hybrid)
- 800 = approximately 800 metric horsepower
- 4 = all-wheel drive
Classic design, modern technology
Although the car is thoroughly modern underneath, Lamborghini worked hard to preserve the spirit of the original Countach.
Key styling features include:
- Sharp wedge profile
- Scissor doors
- Distinctive rear light design
- Clean rear end without a large fixed wing
The car rides on 20-inch front wheels and 21-inch rear wheels, giving it the aggressive stance expected of a modern Lamborghini.
The biggest change: electrification
Perhaps the most significant difference between the original Countach and the new model is the use of hybrid technology.
The electric motor is not there to provide long-range electric driving. Instead, it assists the V12 by improving response and performance while allowing Lamborghini to move towards a more electrified future.
This makes the Countach LPI 800-4 an interesting bridge between Lamborghini’s traditional naturally aspirated supercars and the hybrid models that now form an increasingly important part of the brand’s lineup.
A collector’s car from day one
All 112 cars were reportedly spoken for almost immediately after the announcement.
That tells you everything you need to know about the Countach’s status. This was never intended to be a mainstream Lamborghini—it was designed as a celebration of the original car and a highly exclusive collector’s model.
How does it compare to the original?
The first-generation Countach was famous for its dramatic styling, but it was not always known for being easy to drive.
The new car offers:
- Far more power
- Better braking
- Modern aerodynamics
- Advanced electronics
- All-wheel-drive traction
In many ways, it delivers the visual theatre of the original while removing many of the compromises that came with 1970s supercar engineering.
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A fitting 50th-anniversary tribute
The Countach LPI 800-4 is more than just a retro styling exercise.
It represents Lamborghini’s attempt to honour one of its greatest creations while showcasing the technology that will shape the company’s future. Whether you prefer the raw simplicity of the original or the astonishing performance of the remake, there is no denying that the Countach remains one of the most influential supercars ever built.
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