Lamborghini CEO Hints at New "Everyday" Model Fueling Rumors about the Estoque

Italian sports car manufacturer Lamborghini plans to add an "everyday" model to its lineup, according to a report from Reuters quoting the firm’s CEO Stephan Winkelmann. The Lamborghini executive believes the luxury super sportscar market will return to the record levels seen in 2007 by 2013-2014. In 2007, some 35,000 super sports cars were sold, compared with around 26,000 in 2010.

And with demand from emerging markets such as China and Russia growing, Lamborghini wants to add a new model to its range to increase sales. "We are going to have a third model. It has to be an everyday car. We want to have a car which is able to be used on a daily basis," said Winkelmann, fueling rumors that a production version of the 2008 Lamborghini Estoque could be in the cards.

However, Winkelmann didn't mention anything about the type of vehicle, simply stating that Lamborghini hasn't reached a decision yet. He also said that once the decision is made, the company will need about four years to launch the car and added that the new model will be developed in-house, with help from the VW Group. “We will use synergies where possible within the (Volkswagen) group", noted Winkelmann.

Given that customers in China and other emerging markets such as Russia, India and Brazil, have a taste for four-door sports saloons, the possibility of Lamborghini producing the Estoque seems very likely.

Lamborghini's sales peaked in 2008 at 2,430 units, but in 2010 sales declined to 1,302 units, with the company expecting to sell around 1,500 cars this year, helped by the launch of its new Aventador LP 700-4 supercar.

By Dan Mihalascu

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Oakley Design Working on Extreme Lamborghini Aventador LP760-2

With its 700 horsepower and jaw-dropping styling, the recently launched Lamborghini Aventador hardly needs a tuning job. However, that's not what the crew over at Oakley Design believe, as the UK-based aftermarket specialist recently unveiled plans for an extensively upgraded Aventador.

As the name LP760-2 indicates, Oakley Design wants to add 60 horsepower to the V12 engine's output and to trade the all-wheel-drive system for a more dramatic Diablo-reminiscent rear-wheel-drive setup. Here's how these ambitious targets will be accomplished. The power increase will come from a re-mapped ECU, larger intake pipe diameter and a titanium exhaust system that will also save over 30 kilograms. The result will be 760 horsepower and 745 Nm (550 lb-ft) of torque, a gain of almost 10 percent compared to factory engine.

In addition to boosting output, Oakley Design wants to send all those ponies exclusively to the rear wheels, for weight saving reasons and increased performance. Oakley Design estimates the removal of the front differential, drive shafts and associated front drivetrain parts will reduce kerb weight by around 85 kilograms. The tuners believe the Aventador's advanced suspension design and very stiff full carbon monocoque should be able to handle 760 horsepower with just rear-wheel-drive. Nonetheless, to improve grip, the rear wheels will be wider. The company is also working on developing several suspension upgrade alternatives with Intrax.

Oakley Design will offer extensive modifications to the car's looks as well. Along with an aero kit, the package will include carbon fiber door mirrors and engine bay covers, plus a black carbon roof.

Even though we’ve yet to see the actual vehicle, Oakley Design claims it has already sold three of the five LP760-2 supercars it plans to build.

By Dan Mihalascu

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VIDEOS: New Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Spotted at the Vallelunga Race Track

Yes, it’s another set of videos of the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4, but we're not complaining. This time, the Raging Bull supercar was caught at the Autodromo Vallelunga Piero Taruffi racing circuit just outside of Rome, Italy. Unfortunately, the three clips are quite short – up to 12 seconds each, but at least we get a taste of the 700-horsepower V12 engine’s sounds. Watch them after the jump.

VIDEOS

Geneva Preshow: New Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 [Updated Gallery]

After nearly a decade of running amok in the land of hypercars, Lamborghini's Murcielago is being retired. In its place will be the Aventador, a 700-hp devil providing a whole new generation with automotive wall art and high-speed screams.

The Aventador LP 700-4, Lambo's newest top dog, hopes to build on the glorious excess of its predecessor. Fusing design cues found in the Reventón and Sesto Elemento, the Lamborghini Aventador has much in common with past Lamborghini flagships: it is named after a famous bull, packs a V12 warp drive, allows entry through a pair of scissor doors, and makes no sense as a daily driver.

It has also picked up the Murcielago's electronic air intakes due to their functionality and downright awesomeness. Broad details, however, are where the similarities stop.

Settled within the freshly developed carbon fiber monocoque are an all-new 6.5-liter V12 (700 hp / 515 kW @ 8,200 RPM ; 509 lb-ft / 690 Nm @ 5,500 RPM) and an Independent Shifting Rod (ISR) transmission. Taking Lotus-like weight loss cues from the Sesto Elemento concept, the ISR transmission is lighter, faster (just 50 milliseconds to shift), and "more emotional" than a traditional double-clutch setup while being more compact that a traditional manual gearbox.

Following the 700 ponies and 509 lb-ft through the driveline, we find ourselves at a Haldex full-time electronic AWD system that incorporates a self-locking rear diff and ESP-controlled front diff. How these react to all that power depends on which form of Drive Select Mode is chosen: spine-tingling Strada, bone-jarring Sport, or tooth-shattering Corsa.

Underneath, an F1-derived pushrod suspension and aluminum wishbones makes sure the wheels stay planted while the carbon ceramic disc brakes handle anything that 200+ mph has to offer.

Inside the monocoque, drivers will be protected by not only the rigidity offered by the one-piece design of the car, but also the primary (front), head/thorax, and knee airbags. The car's readouts and info are found on a TFT-LCD screen similar to that found in the Reventón.

As always, colors and exclusive options are there should your wallet and accountant permit. Scroll down for the pricing, specs, and pics of the future that is the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4.

By Phil Alex

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