The Aventador is coming to the end of its production run as Lamborghini electrifies its entire line-up. But intent to go out with a bang, the Italian supercar builder is selling the last ever Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae Coupé as a 1/1 NFT to be auctioned at Sotheby’s.
Aventador NFT is Lamborghini’s last hurrah for petrol power
The Lamborghini drop will be the world’s first NFT-physical supercar auction. Responsible for creating the NFT artwork and music are contemporary artists Krista Kim and Steve Aoki.
In describing her artistic inspiration for the project, Kim spoke of “higher states of consciousness” meeting with “leading-edge technology & design.” While Aoki, who was tasked with the soundtrack, said the music reflects the “soulful energy — the vibe, the spirit, and the power” of the car.
Not only will the winning bidder own the last ever V12 petrol-powered Aventador, but they will also become immortalized as part of the brand’s legacy and have access to a range of VIP benefits. This includes exclusive virtual previews of future limited edition Lamborghini models, a private tour of the Museo Lamborghini, and a virtual “Meet and Greet” with Aoki and Kim.
The CEO of Lamborghini, Stephan Winkelmann, alluded to the NFT auction concept being an ideal way to usher in a new beginning for the firm.
“we are projecting this car into the digital world. It’s an end of an era, but it’s also the start of a new beginning.”
The death of the internal combustion engine
The European Commission (EC) is set on introducing a zero-emissions target for vehicles sold after 2035. Commenting on this, Hildegard Müller, Head of Germany’s VDA car lobby group said:
“That would not only mean the end of the internal combustion engine, but also the end of plug-in hybrids.”
Although insiders had warned the EC was planning such a move before the announcement was made in June 2021, it still came as something of a surprise.
Electric cars, and their associated infrastructure, have a long way to go in terms of rivaling the convenience of filling up with petrol. Also, how would people who live in flats, or have no parking directly outside their property, charge their electric vehicles?
The EC seems to be ignoring the devastating environmental and social effects of mining for battery minerals. For example, Congolese miners describe slave-like working conditions and practices as they dig for cobalt, earning as little as 30p ($0.40) an hour. Also, locals report contaminated water supply due to the use of large amounts of groundwater to extract lithium.
Nonetheless, Lamborghini, and other manufacturers, are falling in line with the EC and pushing for all-electric line-ups.
Bidding for the Aventador NFT drop opens on April 19, with the auction set to close on April 21.
