Non-fungible tokens are things that have been digitized, put inside a blockchain, and the metaverse is literally a "world" out of this world, in which everything is virtual.
In both cases, the things are not physically present, don't take up any space, and can only be viewed (or experienced) through the screen or AR/VR headsets.
Yet, the popularity of things that are in the two, can reach heights previously inimaginable.
In this case, Lamborghini managed to auction off its very last Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae Coupé car, and one as an NFT, for $1.6 million.
The Italian supercar company said that the NFT for the Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae Coupé has been made and designed exclusive for the metaverse.
As an NFT, the car was made in a partnership between Lamborghini and media digital artist Krista Kim and DJ, music producer Steve Aoki, as well as the [INVNT GROUP].
Krista Kim created the visual artwork for the NFT digital companion, and putting her signature gradients appear on the livery and interior trim. As for Steve Aoki, he created the bespoke track for the NFT, the exclusive soundtrack for the physical car, and consulted on the design of the NFT and one-of-a-kind physical car.
The two worked with Lamborghini's Ad Personam customization program on the exterior finish and interior trim of the actual car, taking a minimalist approach to make it as unique as the NFT.
What they did, for example, was painting the exterior of the car with a mix of Blue Nethuns and Nero Noctis that fades from a lighter shade on the front to pure black at the rear.
On the inside, the car showcases black surfaces and orange trim, with the orange having a similar gradient effect to the exterior.
The one-of-one NFT that features a digital version of the real-life Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae Coupé car, placed into a digital world resembling Mars.
The NFT in question is auctioned off, beginning on April 19 and running through April 21, at RM Sotheby’s, the largest collector car auction house in the world.
As for the real Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae Coupé, Lamborghini plans to build it later in 2022 to be shipped to the auction winner.
The winner of the auction also receives the NFT in a 1:1 video produced by Kim and Aoki along with the digital twin of the physical car delivered as a GLB file, a type of 3D file format used in virtual reality, augmented reality, and games.
Lamborghini is auctioning off its last Aventador Coupé to mark the beginning of the end of Lamborghini as a fossil-fuel guzzling supercar maker.
Following the sale, the company plans to end the Aventador production line permanently, and moves to electrify its complete line-up.
"Lamborghini and the NFT community fit together very well, as we share many values." said Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini.
"We are both young-spirited innovators, looking out for unexpected projects and technological solutions. This project is very special for us … to collaborate with such outstanding creative minds makes it all the more special."
Lamborghini previously partnered with artist Fabian Oefner to create a digital artwork accessed via a QR code imprinted on five small squares of carbon fiber that each spent a significant amount of time aboard the international space station.