Egoista concept comes home to Lamborghini Museum

Wed, 21 May 2014

Unless you happen to live in one of the great supercar capitals of the world, seeing a Lamborghini up close is a rare treat. But even in such rarified company, some Lambos stand out more than others. We're talking here about elusive examples like the Reventón (of which only 20 were made), the $3.4-million Veneno (only four made) or this, the one-of-a-kind Egoista.

The Egoista concept was revealed a year and a week ago during Lamborghini's 50th anniversary celebrations. Unless you are a Lamborghini owner who traveled to Italy for the event, chances are you didn't get a chance to see it. But if you're heading to the Bologna region any time in the near future, you'll be able to check it out at the Lamborghini Museum in Sant'Agata.

There the one-of-a-kind single-seater concept with the aircraft-style canopy greenhouse will surely occupy a place of honor, alongside the many classic, racing and otherwise significant models – including the Sesto Elemento, Estoque and Miura concepts. Unfortunately, since Google's crew was there before the Egoista (or before us, for that matter), you won't be able to see it on Street View, so you're going to have to trek to northern Italy to see it for yourself.

The Lamborghini Egoista: Now on Permanent Display at Lamborghini Museum

Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy, 16 May 2014 - The prestigious collection in the Lamborghini Museum is now the home of another automotive gem - the Lamborghini Egoista, the supercar developed by Walter De Silva, Head of Volkswagen Group Design, as a tribute to the House of The Raging Bull's 50th anniversary, which was celebrated last year.

This futuristic single-seater is the only one of its kind in the world. Powered by a 5.2-liter V10 engine that churns out 600 horsepower, it takes the attributes that are in the DNA of every Lamborghini to the next, extreme level. The look is sharply distinguished by a muscular structure with alternating open and solid areas, and the profile suggests the stylized silhouette of a bull about to charge - the iconic hallmark of the Lamborghini logo. The car's aeronautical flair can clearly be seen in the headlight system, The aeronautical inspiration is also evident in the body made of lightweight materials (carbon fiber and aluminum) with stealth capabilities, in the anti-glare windows with an orange hue, in the cockpit conceived as a removable appendage which allows the driver to be insulated and protected from external elements, and in the head-up display. Because of this latter feature, in order to leave the vehicle, the driver must remove the steering wheel and leave it on the dashboard, open the dome by actuating an electronic control and climb out of the cockpit with a specific series of movements, as required in fighter jet aircrafts.

Described by Walter De Silva as the embodiment of pure emotion and extreme hedonism, the Egoista was unveiled on May 11, 2013 before an audience of more than one thousand invited guests at the Gala Dinner that brought the 50th Anniversary Grand Tour to a close.

Exactly one year after it was introduced, the Lamborghini Egoista has returned to its home in Sant'Agata Bolognese. It will now be permanently displayed at Lamborghini headquarters - at first in the showroom, and then in the Museum.

By Noah Joseph