A more "practical" Lambo with four doors

[Jim Goose]

Italian supercar brand says it is considering a new model designed more for trips to Target than the track.

Supercar maker Lamborghini is set to build its first four-seater model since the LM002 SUV of the 1980s.

The Italian marque currently sells only two models, the V10 Gallardo and V12 Aventador, but Lamborghini's boss Stephan Winkelmann said at a luxury-brand forum this week that the company was considering a more practical "everyday" car for its third model.

''We are going to have a third model; it has to be an everyday car," said Winkelmann at the recent Reuters Global Luxury and Fashion Summit in Paris. "We want to have a car which is able to be used on a daily basis.''
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Winkelmann hinted strongly last year that a "four-door car would be a very feasible approach" to expanding the brand's vehicle range. After he all but ruled out a new SUV last year, a production version of Lamborghini's 2008 sedan concept, called the Estoque, is more likely for the car that is not expected until 2015.

The Estoque is a front-mid-engined design with permanent all-wheel drive and a 3.0-metre wheelbase that's marginally longer than that of Porsche's four-door Panamera.

At the time of its global debut, the House of the Raging Bull announced few other statistics, other than to say that a production version could be powered by either the Gallardo LP560-4's 412kW/540Nm 5.2-litre V10 or "a turbocharged eight-cylinder derived from this V10''.

It also tempted that "a particularly economical, but nevertheless dynamic, variation would be a V8 with a hybrid module or an extremely high-performance TDI".

Lamborghini does not plan to work with a partner on the new model, but ''we will use synergies where possible within the (Volkswagen) group,'' added Winkelmann.

An ''everyday'' model has the potential to significantly boost sales volumes and profitability for Lamborghini. It was affected by the global financial crisis more than some of its rivals, including Ferrari, but says it expects to increase sales this year to about 1500 units.

Strong demand from emerging markets such as China and Russia could be hot targets for the Estoque as sales of high-end models are growing.

The new Lamborghini may be more practical but it's unlikely to be more affordable, with a price tag likely to be several hundreds of thousands of dollars.

A high-end sporty, coupe-like four-door would join a trend started by the Mercedes-Benz CLS in 2004 and followed in recent years by the Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide.

Ferrari isn't expected to produce a four-door model any time soon, though its latest supercar - the FF - is its most practical model yet, featuring a hatchback-style rear end and all-wheel drive.

More pictures :

http://news.drive.com.au/drive/motor...526-1f59v.html

[RAREV8]

First Maserati, then Aston, Porsche and now lambo- welcome to the age of the sensible supercar! For those who something flashier than an XF Jag I suppose.

Not a bad looking car either IMHO

[aussie muscle]

Quote:
Italian supercar brand says it is considering a new model designed more for trips to Target than the track.

yeah, like you'd drive that to Target. does it even have a boot.

[Gobes32]

Stunning vehicle. Much nicer than the 4 door Porsche, the Panamera.

[|Nate]

It actually looks gorgeous!
But I think I'd still go for a Jag or Aston.

[Ben73]

Pretty sure if I could afford a Lambo, I would enough enough spare money to also buy a practical car.

I'd probably go for a Range Rover Vogue Autobiography. Not a 4 door lambo, Ferrari or anything like that.

[Wretched]

It is about time they are building it, the Estoque concept has been around a little while.
It does look good but not sure, this or the Panamera Turbo S hmmmm.

[Polyal]

Bah why buy a compromise...the new XJ Jags are awesome.

[Buntz]

Too angled and racy for me.

I prefer a more sumptuous, luxurious look for expensive 4 doors.

[Bossxr8]

The photo is the Estoque concept. The production version will probably look totally different than this.

It may not even been based on the same design, it could be totally new.

[Buntz]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

The photo is the Estoque concept. The production version will probably look totally different than this.

It may not even been based on the same design, it could be totally new.

That thing looks almost production ready I'd say.

[venthan87]

I think i'm going to stick with my BA. hahaha at least if it gets doored, it isnt going to cost 30,000k to fix it.

[Zero_PSI]

It's hidious.

[Rev28K]

As others have noted, it looks very similar to the 1999 Dodge Charger R/T concept car. Ironic as Chrysler once owned Lamborghini.

[Nikked]

4 Doors of awesome, would have!