Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 arrives in Japan, marks link to country's culture

MANILA: The Warehouse Terrada in Tokyo was the setting for the unveiling of the Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 in Japan, which coincided with the supercar's first deliveries to customers.

To mark the link with this model’s past history, a 1989 Countach 25th Anniversary was on display alongside the LPI 800-4. The event was exclusive to 90 members of the local press, who had the opportunity to interview Francesco Scardaoni, Region Director for Asia Pacific, Davide Sfrecola, Head of Lamborghini Japan, and Mitjia Borkert, Head of Design at Automobili Lamborghini.

The Countach LPI 800-4 was then driven in streets of Tokyo and photographed with the capital city’s most famous districts and buildings.

A futuristic limited-edition car produced in 112 units, the Countach LPI 800-4 pays tribute to the original Countach known for its revolutionary design and technology that celebrated its 50th anniversary last year.

The LPI 800-4 represents the idea of what could have been the evolution of the iconic Countach of the '70s and '80s into an exclusive super sports car model.  

Regional Director for Automobili Lamborghini in Asia Pacific Francesco Scardaoni said: “We are excited to present the Countach LPI 800-4 along with the 1989 Countach 25th Anniversary to our media friends in Japan. The Countach has been one of the most popular Lamborghini models ever since it was first introduced to the world five decades ago. As we begin the first deliveries of the Countach LPI 800-4 to our discerning owners in Japan, we can expect that the Countach will continue to turn many heads when it is on the Japanese roads as it has been for the past 50 years.” 

The Countach LPI 800-4 retains the sound of the V12 rear mid-engine, or LP longitudinale posteriore, as Lamborghini calls it, while incorporating the hybrid technology developed for the Sián.

The LPI 800-4’s all-wheel-drive V12 delivers 780hp, combined with the 34hp of the electric motor, for a total of 814hp. Outstanding performance is promised, with the supercar accelerating from zero to 100kph in just 2.8 seconds, zero to 200kph in 8.6 seconds, and a top speed of 355kph.

In Japan, the Countach has a following being a protagonist of some famous Manga series.

Manga comics were first produced as early as the 18th century, but it was from the beginning of the 20th century that they began to be widely disseminated. With animations in black and white and having a rather simple finish, Japanese Manga comics are still read today by people of all age groups.

The presence of the Countach in Manga comics dates back to the '70s, when it captivated the Japanese public with its futuristic shapes, angular forms, scissor doors, power and performance. The people's affection led to the publication and success of the Manga named Countach published in 28 volumes starting in 2004, by the Shueisha publishing house and drawn by Haruto Umezawa.

The story’s main character, Sorayama Shun, dreamt since childhood of becoming a racing driver and owning a Countach LP 400 in the future. Twenty-five years later, he manages to get his own Countach, which ends up being the protagonist of various adventures and racing challenges in the stories.

Photos from Lamborghini

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