First Look: Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4

England are half-decent at football, mullets are in fashion and Lamborghini have just announced the Countach. You’d be forgiven for thinking you were back in the ’70s.

Whether you view mullets as a good thing is a conversation for another day – the conversation that needs to be had, however, is that Lamborghini has finally got around to facelifting the 70’s classic that adorned teenagers bedrooms across the globe.

It’s a wonder why Lamborghini hadn’t got round to it sooner, and now 2022 looks set to bring a car that will divide the motoring world.

Lamborghini revealed the new Countach last month, based on the original Countach 1974 ‘Periscopio’ version and far sleeker and more subtle than the better known “Wolf of Wall Street” specification.

The Facts

• 803bhp*
• 0-62mph in 2.8 seconds
• Top speed of 221mph
• Dry weight of 1595kg
• Hybrid V12 engine
• 112 to be produced

*The ICE produces 769bhp, with an additional 34bhp produced by the vehicle’s 48-volt electric motor.

Upon announcement of the launch of the all-new Countach LPI 800-4, people were divided and remain so. Whilst there are a huge number of Lamborghini enthusiasts purring at the thought of a Countach reincarnation – myself included – there are also those who sit firmly on the other side of the fence.

Lamborghini has billed the Countach LPI 800-4 as a ‘forward-looking descendant’ of the 1974 model, as opposed to a modern imitation. Whilst no one would expect the vehicle to look identical to the 1974 Countach, it does seem to have drawn as many comparisons to the Diablo as it has a Countach. And that’s understandable.

With its futuristic wedge-shaped style, the Countach broke onto the scene looking lightyears ahead of its competitors, which is one of the many reasons why it became such an iconic vehicle. The new Countach LPI 800-4, however, seems to diffuse the striking beauty of the original Countach by taking a few steps back. Whilst a beautifully designed vehicle, apeing the body shape of the original with its sharp lines and glaring headlights, Lamborghini is treading the line of “the same but different” and has ended up making a brilliant looking vehicle that could frankly be billed as a Diablo rather than a Countach. It’s this that has some petrolheads up in arms – if you’re going to reinvent a design as revered as Gandini’s Countach, you’d better make sure you nail it.

Moving past the grievances of some motoring fans, there are certainly clear nods to the original Countach, with an updated modern twist. Scissor doors, the wheel arches with their hexagonal theme remain as do the NACA air intakes and slatted gills. The rear is also recognisably Countach with the ‘hexagonita’ design shaping the three-unit rear light clusters, but many of the design details are also present on the Lamborghini Sian…

Away from the looks that seem to have divided so many, we think what’s happening beneath the exterior may win over some of the non-believers. Powering the Countach is the same mild-hybrid 6.5-litre V12 that is housed in the Lamborghini Sian. The engine, likely to be the last of the 12 cylinders before Lamborghini’s move into ‘electrifying’ its range of models by the end of 2024, produces a mesmerising 769bhp, further boosted by the vehicles 48-volt electric motor with an additional 34bhp. This propels the vehicle to 62mph in 2.8 seconds, and a top speed of 221mph. Now all you need is a racetrack and nerves of steel.

Inside, Lamborghini has once again gone for the “same but different” approach. Comparing the two, it’s clear that Lamborghini has taken into account the layout of the original, but as is to be expected after 50 years, it’s modernised. The centre console, which once housed a gearstick and other basic controls, now features an infotainment system that would give Spock a headache and crammed full of switchgear which make it a far cry from the original. Give Lamborghini credit where it’s due – they couldn’t exactly go back to a gearstick and tape deck given the £2 million asking price.

When the Countach landed from outer space in 1974, it cost a hefty $52,000. With inflation, that price would equate to around $287,000. But the all-new Countach is predicted to cost $2.64 million from new, so nearly 10 times the price of the original. It’s a lot rarer though, with only 112 being produced – meaning you’re much more likely to see this on a teenager’s wall than you are to see one in person. That is, unless, you’re one of the lucky 112 adding a Countach LPI 800-4 to their collection.

Wondering what cars did make a strong comeback when reincarnated? Make sure to check out our Order of Magnitude Top 5 Reincarnations.

If you’re considering a Lamborghini – or maybe something else – make sure you check out our finance calculator. Alternatively, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team who have a range of finance products available for you.