Stephan Winkelmann returns to Lamborghini
After nearly five years away, the prodigal CEO won’t be idle back at Lamborghini
1 Juggle Lambo and Bugatti
Stephan Winkelmann isn’t just replacing Stefano Domenicali (o to run F1) at Lamborghini – he remains president of Bugatti. With a deal to transfer Bugatti to Rimac in the works, Winkelmann needs to provide a steady hand, while also catching up on what’s happened at Sant’Agata since he left, initially to run Audi Sport before becoming Bugatti boss.
2 Get Lambo on the stock market
According to VW Group insiders, plans to float Lamborghini (while keeping a majority stake) are well advanced. But as Aston Martin has shown, going public isn’t always the blank cheque you’d hope for. Given the added uncertainty of the pandemic, this may have to wait a year.
3 Push electrification forward
The supercapacitor-enhanced Sian shows Lamborghini isn’t afraid of hybrids, but to keep the emissions regulators at bay a plug-in Urus is needed fast (and the tech exists on Audi and Porsche SUVs). What about a hybrid Huracan replacement? Winkelmann’s contacts throughout the Group should be able to find a solution, perhaps involving Audi’s on-o supersports project.
4 Don’t get sold
VW top brass have committed to a new V8 for Lamborghini, but that doesn’t mean they’re not exploring all options, including a complete sell-o ; the brand has been valued at €6bn by potential buyers. Winkelmann will need to get cosy with Porsche to strengthen Lambo’s strategic importance within the Group.