Tag Archives: Synthetic fuels

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Lamborghini Bets on Synthetic Fuels to Preserve the Combustion Engine Legacy

As the automotive industry accelerates toward an electric future, Lamborghini is taking a detour—one powered by synthetic fuels rather than lithium-ion batteries. The iconic Italian supercar maker has made it clear that the internal combustion engine (ICE) remains central to its identity, even as global regulations threaten to phase it out.

In a recent interview with CarExpert, Lamborghini’s Chief Technical Officer Rouven Mohr reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to ICEs, arguing that synthetic fuel could be the key to their survival. “Synthetic fuel could be the savior of the combustion engine,” Mohr stated, adding that Lamborghini’s new twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, set to power the upcoming Temerario, is capable of running efficiently on both gasoline and synthetic fuel.

Despite announcing its first electric vehicle (EV), Lamborghini has delayed its debut, signaling a lack of confidence in current EV solutions to deliver the same visceral thrill as a roaring V8. “If you ask me the emotion side at the moment… I don’t see the [electric] solution that is convincing now,” Mohr said. He believes that while EVs will eventually win broader acceptance, a new generation of enthusiasts may rediscover the allure of old-school combustion.

Synthetic fuels, often called e-fuels, are produced from renewable sources using water, carbon dioxide, and green electricity. They offer the promise of carbon-neutral emissions, a potential loophole in the European Union’s 2035 ban on new CO₂-emitting vehicles. While combustion engines won’t be outright banned, they must run on such carbon-neutral fuels to remain compliant.

However, widespread adoption remains a long shot. Synthetic fuels are still in their infancy, with production limited and costs high. That hasn’t deterred Lamborghini—or its parent company, the Volkswagen Group. Porsche, another marque under VW’s umbrella, has been producing synthetic fuel in Chile since late 2022 through a partnership with Highly Innovative Fuels (HIF). Their pilot project uses wind energy to generate hydrogen and combine it with CO₂ to create a renewable fuel—one Porsche has already used to power a 911.

Other luxury automakers are also testing the waters. Ferrari, Bentley, and Bugatti have expressed interest in synthetic fuels, while mainstream manufacturers like Toyota, Mazda, and Subaru are exploring alternative ICE technologies, including hydrogen combustion.

Still, industry analysts remain cautious. The global shift toward electrification has absorbed much of the industry’s capital, and developing an infrastructure for synthetic fuel may prove too expensive for mass-market viability. Most automakers are betting on battery EVs, not combustion’s revival.

For Lamborghini, the road ahead is split. While EVs may dominate the future, the brand is placing a high-stakes bet that there will still be space—and demand—for the visceral, emotional experience of a roaring engine fueled by innovation, not gasoline.

Source: Motor1, CarExpert; Photo: Lamborghini

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The VDA proposes a ban on the sale of fossil fuels in Germany from 2045

The European Union plans to ban the sale of new cars with internal combustion engines from 2035, meaning buyers will be able to choose electric or hydrogen cars, but some members are against it. Now, the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) is proposing a ban on the sale of fossil fuels in the EU from 2045.

Germany was one of the proponents to extend the sale of cars with ICE after 2035, but on the condition that only synthetic fuels are used. However, not everyone is convinced that this is a good thing. The chairman of the management board of BMW Oliver Zipse recently said that lawmakers shouldn’t rush with shutting down internal combustion engines. Instead, the EU should encourage the adoption of low-CO2 fuels as soon as possible. Not only for new cars but also for the existing fleet, because there are over 250 million cars in 27 EU countries.

“At the moment there are many indications that the European Commission is looking for a false solution whereby the ban on internal combustion engines is relaxed through an obviously misleading solution in the form of synthetic fuels,” Zipse said.

However, the VDA wants to ban the sale of petrol and diesel for new and old cars so that drivers switch to synthetic fuels, in order to reduce CO2.

Germany plans to have 15 million electric vehicles on its roads by 2030, but the reality is somewhat different, considering that this country is recording the biggest drop in sales of electric vehicles.

Source: Reuters

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Porsche and Audi in Formula 1

Some were skeptical when rumors surfaced earlier this year that Porsche and Audi could, in four years, enter the world’s most famous car competition, Formula 1. However, this news became official, and was confirmed by the director of the Volkswagen Group, Herbert Diess.

Porsche and Audi in Formula 1 - Volkswagen Group CEO Herbert Diess

The FIA ​​has decided to change the competition rules from 2026, which opened up the perfect opportunity for Porsche and Audi. Brands will not compete under the Volkswagen Group name. Instead, they will use their own names, which should increase the value of both companies.

Both companies are committed to achieving this goal, as internal combustion engines will use synthetic fuels, which are already used by some Porsche models such as the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. Of course, Porsche has gone further with engine development and will collaborate with Red Bull, but Audi is not far behind either.

Asked why Formula 1 and not some other competition, Herbert Diess said: “The decision is based on the fact that Formula 1 is developing extremely positively around the world, especially in the US and Asia, where the popularity of Formula 1 is growing.” Whether this will bring more popularity to Audi and Porsche remains to be seen.

Source: Volkswagen Group via YouTube