“The car is fine. The problem is that you are able to drive only tractors and not a Ferrari”- Enzo Ferrari.

The world would have never seen a Lamborghini unless the Italian race car driver, entrepreneur and the founder of Ferrari S.p.A, Enzo Ferrari would have rudely commented on the repeated complaints of Italian industrialist and later the founder of Automobili Lamborghini, Ferruccio Lamborghini about his Ferrari’s clutch issues. This fuelled up Mr Lamborghini to start his own car company to show Ferrari, how supercars are built. The battle raged for 10 years since 1963 when both the companies came up with something which reflected their flexibility, creativity and passion. Ferrari launched its BB and Lamborghini showcased its Countach. Ever since the race for the most superior rear-mid engine supercar started and it still goes on till date.

Both powered by V12 engines with the Countach producing 375 PS and torque 356 N-m at 5000 rpm and the BB producing 349 PS and torque figures go to 409 N-m at 3900 rpm. Keeping aside the powertrain statistics, I would say “God! These two are utterly delicious and beautiful! “. Nothing could beat the maddening and demolishing looks and styling of Marcello Gandini designed Countach. Coz I still think it wasn’t a road car, it was a Batmobile. Ferrari continuing with its “beauty goes with the cues” character gave the BB a bold answer to Lamborghini. The rivalry heated up with people getting more inclined to the outrageous Countach and the BB still searching for some hope to sparkle among the public’s mind. But of no avail. Lamborghini’s extremely sophisticated first ever Scissor doors on the Countach added to the elegant style and technicality offered with it. This made Ferrari more desperate and they came up with the 512 BB, a more advanced than its predecessor 365 GT4 BB. Lamborghini still ecstatic with its creation continued with the Countach with some minor changes for 16 more years from its launch in 1974.

Italians hoisting the Ferrari logo flag with their national flag started to give a rethink. “Can Lamborghini replace Ferrari??” .The answer to this is still on top of the debate list. The passing away of the legends, Enzo Ferrari and Ferruccio Lamborghini in the 90s gave a huge hit to both the companies. Lamborghini lined up its next creations, the Diablo, Murcielago, Gallardo, Reventon, and Aventador. Ferrari too went with the Testarossa, F40, F50, F430, 458 Italia, California and the FF.Five decades passed and still the war is on. Lately for the 2012 Geneva motor show, I was really really keen to see what both of these come up with. Luckily the wait was worth it, Lamborghini came up with the most sophisticated, mouth-watering and immensely gorgeous one off Aventador J. Ferrari came up with the F12 Berlinetta boasting Ferrari’s most powerful V12 engine.

Enough said about the rivalry. For me both these share the equal number of Goosebumps am having now. Companies come and go, but none could ever replace the madness and craziness of Lamborghini, and the sophistication and beauty of Ferraris. I wish this war goes on till the world’s end and it will. They will never stop stealing our dreams and for sure will keep adorning our bedroom walls.

My special tribute to Lamborghini and Ferrari.

ALL HAIL THE LEGENDS!   \m/

 

Soumya.