Lamborghini Logo
   HomePicture GalleryNewsRepairsCar PartsHistoryCars For SaleWeb SitesSite Index
   

Lamborghini  News 

Welcome to LamboWeb's news page.  This page will contain information about relevant Lamborghini news events around the world. If you know of something that you think might be relevant please feel free to submit it to this web site.

 

Lamborghini reportedly confirms Urus for production in 2017 
May 2013
Lambo SUVThe editorial director of EVO, Harry Metcalfe, was at a recent  Lamborghini anniversary gala that saw the launch of the Egoista concept car, and tweeted news on the Urus: "Lamborghini confirms Urus SUV for 2017 production at tonight's #Lambo50 gala dinner." The Urus, you'll remember, was the concept SUV revealed at the Beijing Motor Show last year.

It's now predicted that the showroom version will appear in 2016 as a 2017 model, accounting for the time it will take to develop and Stadler's 'production cycle' comment, referring to a slot in the refresh timetable for the Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne and Volkswagen Touareg with which the Urus will share its MQB platform. A report in Car and Driver says Lamborghini will also be looking for the Urus to bolster its sales in China and  Italy, and cost between $150,000 and $200,000.
 
LamboStuff New Web Site
Xenia, Ohio. March 6th 2009
The web site Lambostuff.com was formed by Lamborghini owners, Jason and Jaime Jones a few years ago. A well know site to many of us here!  Lambostuff has now grown to be the largest online world supplier of OEM & aftermarket Lamborghini parts.  With sales in over 15 countries. 

In 2008 Lambostuff broke ground on an exclusive 5000 sq. ft. service facility addition with state of the art diagnostics equipment and complete paint and body restoration bays.  With a sole focus on Lamborghini models, we have become experts in complete engine, body and collision repair for the most exclusive super car on the planet.  Jason says "We maintain one of the largest parts inventories of both new OEM and aftermarket in the world, and maintain the only used parts network of its kind. Whether you just need an oil filter shipped to you or your Lamborghini completely restored from the chassis up we can help! ".

 
Lamborghini Opens A New Parts Storage Center In Sant'Agata Bolognese
Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy, Oct 14th 2008

Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini opened today a new parts warehouse near the main factory. This bran new building will be used to store all incoming car parts used to build Lamborghini cars and also contain a backlog of replacement parts for current cars. It is a large facility of over 11,000 sq. meters and is completely modernized with over 10,000 pallets and a state of the art computer system.  Hopefully this facility will speed up the time it takes us to get car parts when we need them.
 
Lamborghini Shows a New Front Engine Concept Car at the Paris Auto Show
Paris, France. October 1st 2008

Here is the first picture of the new Lamborghini "Estoque" concept car mentioned below.  Clearly a front engine car. The car has the V10 engine also found in the Gallardo LP560-4, so expect the horsepower to be about 560 Bhp. It's a four seater, with a total length of 515 cm. Currently Lamborghini is talking about a production version of this concept car as early as 2010.  My first reaction -- another concept car from Lamborghini. Also the front air intake vents seem disproportionally too large for the rest of the car and really should be curved to go with the rest of the curved body style. Anyway lets see if they actually make this one.





 
Lamborghini To Show A New Car Model at Paris Auto Show
Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy, Sept 21st 2008

Lamborghini said it will unveil a new car at the Paris auto show on October 1st. There is much speculation as to what the car will be. Some say it will be a front engine car perhaps a 2+2 seater. There seems to be a general consensus that it will incorporate the now popular V10 engine. To fuel the speculation Lamborghini has leaked three partial photographs of the car. They are shown here. The first photograph shows a two large exhausts centrally positioned (suggesting a rear engine car). However the second shows a front wheel with the front door nowhere in sight suggesting a front engine car.  It has been suggested that car will be called a "Urus". Personally I hope it is a new version of the now dated Murciélago technology. Hopefully something with modern stability control and current state of the art electronics.  Stay tuned we will soon know.








 
Lamborghini in Non-compliance with DOT Over Rear Window in Some Gallardo's.
Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy, April 28th 2008.

Lamborghini LogoLamborghini has determined that certain vehicles that it manufactured during the period June 8, 2007 to December 18, 2007, did not fully comply with paragraph S5.5 of 49 CFR 571.205 Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) No. 205 "Glazing Materials". Lamborghini has filed an appropriate report pursuant to explained what happened.

Affected are approximately 152 model year 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera coupe passenger cars produced during the period June 8, 2007 to December 18, 2007.  Apparently window glazing may only be used in side windows rearward of the "C" pillar in coupe cars. Lamborghini explained that due to a configuration mistake on the production line, an incorrect component made of polycarbonate was used in the rear windows of certain U.S. version coupes. Lamborghini further explained that while glazing is permitted in the European and US specification for convertible rear windows, the U.S. DOT does not allow coupe (hardtop) rear window glazing.

Lamborghini stated its belief that the reason why FMVSS No. 205 excludes item 4A from the rear windows of coupe (hardtop) vehicles is twofold:

  • The breaking of rigid plastic windows in a crash could leave sharp, pointed shards in the window frame which could easily be contacted by an occupant's head. There is also concern about occupant injury resulting from large shards of rigid plastic glazing being propelled inward by vehicle impacts with trees, poles, or other vehicles.
  • Second, The reduction in visibility through rear windows using plastic glazing due to abrasion and weathering creates significant safety concerns because a driver may have insufficient visibility to avoid a crash in the first place.

Lamborghini also stated that it believes the noncompliance is inconsequential to motor vehicle safety in the case of the Superleggera because neither of the safety concerns discussed above is present because:

  • The use of polycarbonate glazing creates no greater danger because FMVSS No. 201 conformance testing has shown that a passenger head cannot physically contact the rear window given its small size and location. Also, the rear window is so small and located in a protected position between the "buttresses" of the vehicle's roof such that impacts with trees, poles, or other vehicles, would not create the danger of posed by large shards.
  • Reduction in visibility due to abrasion and weathering is not an issue with the Superleggera. In this vehicle, the driver's rear visibility is based on the twin rear side mirrors. Even with no abrasion or weathering, the design of the vehicle (and in particular the "buttresses" of the roof) precludes a large degree of rearward visibility. Lamborghini additionally states that it believes that this situation is common for performance sports cars.

Lamborghini further explains that in its opinion NHTSA has previously given other reasons that a noncompliance similar to the instant one are inconsequential to motor vehicle safety including:

  • Such a noncompliance is "expected to be imperceptible, or nearly so, to vehicle occupants or approaching drivers."
  • Under FMVSS No. 205, item 4A glazing is permitted in the rear window of a "convertible", including hardtop convertibles.
  • NHTSA previously held that as regards an exotic vehicle, a noncompliance is inconsequential because the vehicle at issue was not an ordinary passenger automobile designed for daily use, not designed to be used as a family's primary passenger vehicle, and more of a collector's piece, produced in very low numbers and driven a low number of miles.

Lamborghini additionally states that no customer complaints related to this noncompliance have been received.

Lamborghini requested that NHTSA consider its petition and grant an exemption from the notification and recall requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act on the basis that the noncompliance described above is inconsequential as it relates to motor vehicle safety.

Lamborghini also states that it has corrected the problem that caused these errors so that they will not be repeated in future production.

NHTSA notes that the statutory provisions (49 U.S.C. 30118(d) and 30120(h)) that permit manufacturers to file petitions for a determination of inconsequentiality allow NHTSA to exempt manufacturers only from the duties found in sections 30118 and 30120, respectively, to notify owners, purchasers, and dealers of a defect or noncompliance and to remedy the defect or noncompliance.

 
Interview with CEO Stephan Winkelmann About the Future of Lamborghini
Europe, April 26th 2008
In a very frank interview Stephen Winkelmann gave a very informative talk of what he see as the future for Lamborghini cars.  He see the two current models as having a long life with evolution rather than dramatic changes over the years.  He pointed out the "one of" special cars like the Reventon will probably not be repeated in the future.
  In discussions about the V12 and V10 engines he pointed out that they have a lot of room for evolution and improvement in the years to come. He did not foresee a dramatic new engine appearing. He also mentioned that for the foreseeable future all Lamborghini cars will be assembled in Milan.

He did not see the need to increase the numbers of cars made per year because he did not want to get into a boom/bust cycle. All in all a great informative talk.

Click on the arrow to watch this 5 minute video. (Note if you have a slow internet connection do not click on the start arrow for a minute or two to allow the large video file to download -- as it is currently doing now).


Lamborghini Shows New Version of Gallardo at Geneva
Geneva, Switzerland, March 4th 2008

New LP560Lamborghini unveil a face-lifted version of its Gallardo at the 2008 Geneva car show. It is called the LP560. The overall look of this new V10 evolution is a lot more aggressive. There is a deep front spoiler and four massive exhaust pipes at the rear.
Both the front and taillights now use LED technology. There are optional ceramic brakes and new spoke wheels. The V10 engine now pumps out 560 Bhp. The car  weighs 44 pounds less than the previous Gallardo, and the revamped engine is modified to shaved three-tenths of a second off the time it takes to go from zero to  100Km (~62MPH) to 3.7 seconds.  The new Gallardo also cuts carbon emissions by 18%. While Lamborghini is not known for being particularly green, Lamborghini has set a long-term plan to cut the carbon emissions of its cars by 40 percent.  CEO Stephan Winkelmann said Lamborghini would seek to improve its emissions standards without sacrificing its core value - speed. "Being a supersports car is all about accelerating and top speed. If you want to go fast you consume, and if you consume, you have emissions," Winkelmann said. "You will never come to the average emissions of an average car. "Even with the cut, the car still emits 325 grams per kilometer, compared with an average car of 150 to 200 grams per kilometer. But Winkelmann said that is offset by the fact the average Lamborghini is driven just 5,000 kilometers a year. He said improvements were achieved by working to improving the friction of the mechanized gears, improving the power to weight ratio and engine design.
 
Lamborghini To Announce New Version of Gallardo at 2008 Geneva Car Show
Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy, February 13th 2008.

Lambo Logo
Lamborghini said it will unveil a face-lifted version of its Gallardo at the upcoming 2008 Geneva car show. It will be called the "LP550". It will be powered by a 5.2-liter V10 with direct fuel-injection technology. Applying some of the high-speed Powertrain approaches Audi has introduced in its RS4 model.  The updated Gallardo's power plant will produce 550 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, making it 30 hp and 15 lb-ft stronger than its 5.0-liter predecessor.

The engine isn't the only piece of hardware to receive extensive modifications. Both the manual gearbox and the optional e-gear sequential transmission have been improved.  They have been upgraded to send more power and torque to a lighter, more efficient permanent all-wheel-drive system. Upgraded brakes and a stiffer chassis are also included to harness the power and improve ride quality.

There will also be outside cosmetic changes. The LP550's will have a more aggressive character with a deeply revised body kit, featuring completely restyled front and rear ends. It seems the cockpit will remain largely untouched.

Lamborghini hasn't yet announced pricing, but with the current Gallardo fetching $182,000 in U.S. trim, expect the LP550 edition to easily top at least $200,000.


Lamborghini Sells Its 3000th Murciélago
Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy, December 25th 2007.
3000 Murci
Lamborghini is celebrating another production milestone with their flagship model, the V12 Lamborghini Murciélago LP640. Model #3000 of the current series will be a Coupe and will roll out of the Sant'Agata Bolognese factory just after Christmas. This super sports car will then be shipped to a customer in the United States. "Our products continue to build in popularity and presence in markets across the world," said Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Lamborghini , commenting on the exceptional production figures. "We consider this latest production pinnacle a confirmation of both our corporate and model strategy." Lamborghini celebrated another record for its 12-cylinder series just a few weeks ago, when the production figures for the Murciélago model beat those of its popular forerunner, the Diablo, of which 2903 cars were produced by the factory during an 11-year period.

Lamborghini's development in recent years has been marked by persistent highs and record achievements such as the 2006 financial year being the fifth record-breaking year in a row with 2087 sports cars sold. Another record is expected for 2007, with sales of approximately 2400 cars. Lamborghini's entire 2008 production is also already sold out. An exceptional car This milestone Murciélago LP640, serial number 3000, is a particularly outstanding car. Under the exterior of the Telesto Grey-colored carbon fiber body, the passenger compartment has been personalized with numerous special finishes available under Lamborghini's exclusive "Ad Personam" program. The base interior color will be black with custom orange stitching with the same color scheme featured on the seats, instrument panel, centre console and the floor carpets. The Ad Personam program allows Lamborghini drivers to "think the impossible." The personalization program offers many options that allow the buyer to imprint his own personal style on the car. The Lamborghini designers in Sant'Agata Bolognese have developed several high-value personalized packages as part of the Ad Personam program such as exquisite interior packages of leather or high tech carbon. For the exterior, there is a wide choice of wheel rims, brake calipers and dimmed rear lights that offers still more personalization potential. Within the limits established by current homologation regulations, Lamborghini can satisfy practically all of its customers' personalization requests. There is only one limitation for the Ad Personam program: the uncompromising standard of quality must be maintained at all times, by every Lamborghini department. Growth in a new dimension The company has expanded into a new production dimension with the Murciélago and Gallardo models.

Lamborghini built approximately 250 vehicles between 1963 and 2002: by 2006, these production volumes increased more than eight-fold. During the first six months of 2007, 1239 super sports cars were delivered to customers, meaning further growth of approximately 30%. Today, around three Murciélago and 10 Gallardo models are built each day at the Sant'Agata Bolognese factory. This success is also reflected in the company's year-end profitability. In 2006, Automobili Lamborghini reached a 346-million-euro turnover, demonstrating 43% growth over the previous year. Last year, Lamborghini achieved a pre-tax profit of 18.1 million euro, more than 300% higher than the previous year and this figure will be exceeded in 2007. In the mid-term, Lamborghini not only plans to continue building the world's finest super sports cars that are in high demand the world over, but also to become the most profitable sports car manufacturer.


BERU F1 Systems to Supply Tire Sensor Systems For Lamborghini Cars
Ludwigsburg, Germany. October 30th 2007.

Automotive engineering specialists BERU F1 Systems has announced that it has been selected to supply its award-winning digital tire pressure monitoring system "DigiTyre" to Lamborghini for the Gallardo and Murciélago platforms. The safety feature, developed using BERU F1 Systems’ extensive motorsport experience, is a standard fit on US Gallardo and Murciélago models to comply with the new US "TREAD act". The TREAD act makes it mandatory for passenger vehicles and light trucks sold in the USA to be fitted with a pressure monitoring system.

Specialist and niche vehicle manufacturers rightly demand robust and integrated solutions,” says BERU F1 Systems’ managing director John Bailey. “The higher speeds, higher cornering forces and demands experienced by performance cars rule out many solutions currently available. Our system is robust, light yet still retains all the integration features such as end of line testing and dealer diagnostics that OEMs require.”

DigiTyre’s components comprise wheel electronics, an ECU, two antennae and four LF satellite triggers. The wheel electronics contain a battery, absolute pressure sensor, temperature sensor, accelerometer, micro controller and radio transmitter/receiver housed in a robust wheel housing.  By mounting this onto the rear of a modified valve there are no rim modifications and the installation becomes very straightforward. The four LF satellite triggers allow the wheels on the car to be swapped or changed;. The system instantly learns the wheels when the ignition is switched on, providing immediate warnings to the driver. The system will appear in all MY 2008 cars.

 

Looks Like Another Record Year of Sales for Lamborghini.
Tokyo, November 1st 2007.
Lamborghini is heading for another record year for 2007. Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini, has announced at Tokyo Motor Show that all the key indicators show a strong increase in sales.  The manufacturer of luxury sports cars plans a sum total of deliveries to customers of 2400 units, representing a 15 percent increase over the 2006 financial year. As of today, 2007 deliveries already exceed the total full year deliveries of 2087 units in 2006.

“After having achieved our turnaround into profit in 2004, and with our subsequent move into the group of the most profitable car manufacturers, 2007 marks another strengthening of the corporation and the Lamborghini brand. Thus, we have made another substantial step towards our target of becoming the most profitable super sports car manufacturer in the world”, Winkelmann stated.

The region showing the strongest growth has been the Asia Pacific with increased deliveries of more than 25%. The most significant market in the region is Japan, which has seven exclusive dealership partners. Japan is now the fifth most important market for Lamborghini world-wide. Due to the region´s growth dynamics, Lamborghini is in line with its strategy to establish an equal division of delivery volumes between Asia Pacific, Europe and the Americas.

The main factors contributing to Lamborghini’s growth and profitability are its youngest and most attractive product range that includes another recently launched model, the Gallardo Superleggera; the focused expansion of the dealership network; and further increase of brand appeal with customers and the public.

Lamborghini Introduces the Reventon at IAA Motor Show in Frankfurt
Germany, September 11th 2007.
RevertonLamborghini introduced a special form of the Murciélago LP640 at the IAA Motor Show. This rather unique car is a hyper-modification of the now somewhat ageing Murciélago line. Its main claim to fame is the price. At over 1M it is in a very rare class indeed. Probably none will be seen on the road. This is because Lamborghini has committed to build only 20 of them.  Nevertheless all have apparently been sold in advance of their manufacture. 
The car has makes massive use of carbon  fiber both inside and out. Horsepower has been only slightly increased, (650HP), but the design probably indicates the direction Lamborghini is heading with its future cars. It is much more angular in style. Even the wheel wells are arched.  The wheels themselves have five spokes with carbon fiber blades on them for extra cooling. The triangular design of the front spoiler and hood is taken all the way back to the engine cover and rear section. The engine cover is as in the LP640, finished with glass so everybody can glance at the massive engine. The internal dash has 3 LCD displays with no mechanical parts, very futuristic. The seats too have been upgraded for comfort and looks. This will be a true Lamborghini collectors item!

 

2007 Annual Concorso Italino Event in Monterey California
Monterey, California.  August 17th - 19th  2007
The Annual Concorso  Italiano Car Show was held again in Monterey California.  This show is still one of the largest displays of Italian cars in the world.  This year there seemed to be more vendors and somewhat fewer spectators. Nevertheless lots of interesting cars.  Lamborghini was well represented with almost half the cars being Gallardo's. They came in many colors. The most spectacular and unusual one being a silver and black tattooed one. (See below).
 
 
 

Again there were fewer Countach's this year. The very first production Countach (green color above) was also there.  At last plenty of food outlets for all! Many more vendors also.



Lamborghini Getting Its Own Italian Stamp

The Italian postal service said it will issue a commemorative stamp dedicated to the legendary Lamborghini sports car company this summer. The first stamps will be sold in the car’s home town of Sant’Agata Bolognese, near Bologna. The 0.85  stamp will feature the Lamborghini logo with its golden bull on a black shield in a shape which recalls the badge on the nose of carmaker’s classic Lamborghini Miura model, which was produced from 1966 to 1973.  The issuing of the stamp is part of the initiative by the Italian postal service to celebrate Italy’s best known products and achievements.
 


Valentino Balboni Celebrates 40th Anniversary at Lamborghini

LamboWeb would like to wish a warm congratulations to Valentino Balboni, legendary test driver for Automobili Lamborghini SpA for the past 40 years. That's right, almost as long as the company exists, in fact on April 21st 1967 the late Ferruccio Lamborghini himself engaged Valentino to work at Sant'Agata. Valentino has been test driving most of the individual cars that left the gates at Sant'Agata over those past 40 years.
 
When still going to school the story has it,  the young Valentino rode his bicycle along the factory road to admire new Lamborghini cars that were parked outside the factory. During summer vacation he was able to start working in the assembly department, and after graduating from school he was able to get a mechanic job at Lamborghini. This allowed him to drive the cars in various state of finish from one area of the factory to another. Apparently he had a habit of pressed the accelerator a bit too much resulting in a loud roar from the V12 and spinning rear tires. His fellow workers and the engineers didn't really enjoy this, but fortunately Ferruccio did.  One day he asked Valentino if he would like to become an official test driver for Lamborghini. You can guess how quickly Valintino said yes.  He learned how to become an experienced test car driver from the legendary Bob Wallace who took him on as his apprentice. He learned fast and over the years established a name for himself as THE test car driver for Lamborghini.
 
Today Valentino also attends most important Lamborghini related events all around the world.  He is an ambassador for the company, because he is one of the very few people that remain throughout the long and varied history of the company.  Everybody that has met Valintino comes away with a warm feeling. He is one of the nicest people you could meet. Not only does the know almost everything about Lamborghini. The cars , the people the history etc. but he is extremely patient standing for what must be hours on end for hundreds of photographs at every meeting and event.

Lamborghini Starts Year With Production Record Of 5000th Gallardo
Santa'Agata Bolognese, Italy, January 25th 2007.

Lamborghini is off to a great start for 2007. It has already achieved a new production record in the first month of 2007 with the production of its 5000th Gallardo rolling off the production line. This remarkable achievement builds on the previous production record realized at the end of December 2006, with the delivery of 2087 vehicles during one year.  "This is another important milestone for Lamborghini, " said President and CEO Stephan Winkelmann. To have produced 5000 Gallardo is testament to the quality of, and customer demand for, our V10 product. "The Lamborghini brand is increasingly sought after in markets worldwide through our substantially grown dealer network, through which supply versus demand is carefully managed, " concluded Winkelmann. The five thousandth black Gallardo coupé, due for delivery to a customer in the UK, was celebrated by assembly line workers along with the president and CEO Stephan Winkelmann; Klaus-Peter Koerner, Production Director; and Ingo Budde, Quality Director.  The Gallardo continues to affirm its success for Lamborghini. Introduced to the market in 2003, it marked its first record in November 2005 with production of 3000 units, already representing the most sold model in Lamborghini's history.
 

Lamborghini Gallardo Will Get Help From Audi R8 For Mid-life Upgrade.
Santa'Agata Bolognese, Italy, January 25th 2007.

By 2008 it looks like the Gallardo will get a mid-life face lift. Much of this effort will come directly form the parent company Audi. According to the head of development at Audi, Ulrich Hackenberg, the Audi R8 will donate its rear suspension and a number of other unspecified components to the 2008 Gallardo. Despite their outward differences, the Gallardo and Audi R8 are based around a common set of mechanical components, making the proposed changes relatively inexpensive. The new rear suspension, a development of the Gallardo's existing double-wishbone setup, adopts a trailing link within its design that's claimed to provide added toe-in effect for what Hackenberg describes as "more controlled cornering." The new arrangement will be tuned to suit the Gallardo's more sporting nature, with unique bushings and anti-roll bar rates helping to set it apart from the Audi R8. Also rumored to be incorporated in the new upgrade will be a new direct injection system for its 5.0-liter V10 engine. Along with other fine tuning changes this is expected to help boost the cars HP from today's 520 horsepower up to around 550. Such a system is already used on the Audi R8's 4.2-liter V8, which produces 420 hp.
 

Lamborghini Shows LP640 Roadster in Los Angeles
Los Angeles, November 29th 2006.

Lamborghini unveil its Murciélago LP640 Roadster at the LA Auto show today.  Essentially a chop-top version of the Lamborghini LP640 Coupe, the Roadster still looks very impressive.  The 640, refers to the horsepower produced by the Roadster's 6.5-litre V12, while LP stands for 'longitudinale posteriore', which means the engine is mounted lengthways behind the cockpit. This allows the Roadster to spin up to 8,000rpm and develop 486lb ft of torque - enough to propel it to 62mph in a mere 3.4 seconds and on to a top speed of almost 200mph. Removing the roof has required Lamborghini to make some serious structural adjustments. A newly designed frame structure made of steel and carbon fiber keeps the Roadster rigid, with particular reinforcement given to the engine area.  Other changes include a different rear-view mirror, new windscreen wipers and a new Hermera alloy wheel option. In addition, the Roadster's instrument panel has been redesigned with a new graphic display. It also comes with a Kenwood audio system with 6.5-inch windscreen monitor and reader for DVD, MP3 and WMA players. A navigation system is available as an option.

Unfortunately the company has still offers the ridiculous canvas roof, and warns that it is only for temporary use at speeds of under 100mph. This is a real disappointment. You would think they could do better. The Diablo roadster was a masterpiece. A real pity something like this could not be done here.  The Murciélago is now beginning to get old. It does not have the electronic EPS system of the Gallardo for example. It has a serious weight problem. Lets hope a totally new design is in the works for the near future.

Lamborghini Will Not Do A Retro Mura
Sant Agata, Italy, October 8th 2006.

Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann announced today that a Miura Concept is not the way of the future for Lamborghini. "Retro design is not what we are here for" he said.  So we won't do the Miura, even as a limited edition. "Despite rumors of a limited run of Miuras, a new LM002, and a possible Espada, future Lambos will focus on being leaders in their segments rather than homages to the past.

That doesn't mean that entire segments will be avoided because of past entries, however. "The concept of a Lamborghini 2+2 or an SUV is still possible, but we wouldn't use the name Espada or LM002," Winkelmann added. "I want Lamborghini on the edge. Our brand values are uncompromising, extreme and Italian. I want our product to match the brand. Lamborghinis must be lower, wider and more sharply styled than our rivals." The most likely all-new Lamborghini may be an SUV that would share a platform with Audi's upcoming Q5 crossover. Of course it will be lower, wider and more sharply styled compared to the Audi. But in the meantime, look for an LP640 roadsters and possibly a rear wheel drive Gallardo and/or Murci variants showing up in spy shots in the coming months.
 

 
Next Gallardo To Be Turbo Charged to 600HP
Sant Agata, Italy, September 9th 2006.

Looks like Lamborghini is not going to stand aside as its parent (Audi) brings out the R8 "supercar" with its Gallardo like V10 engine at the Paris auto show this month. The first photos of what is purportedly the next Lamborghini Gallardo are now appearing on the web. They show it to be powered by a twin-turbo version of its already-potent V10 engine, producing in excess of 600 horsepower -- Murcielago-style numbers. We can probably assume it will  outperform the R8, ensuring that the new Audi supercar does not step on the raging bull's hooves.  A new carbon fiber fascia with enlarged intakes, a wider rear with new shoulder scoops and a very substantial rear diffuser visually differentiate this Gallardo from the current car.

 

 

2006 Annual Concorso Italino Event in Monterey California
Monterey, California.  August 17th - 19th  2006
The Annual Concorso  Italiano Car Show was held again in Monterey California.  This show is still one of the largest displays of Italian cars in the world.  Again the show was dominated by Ferrari, but this year the Lamborghini section was almost as large.  We have come a long way in a few years!  The variety of color in the Lamborghini cars is so refreshing to the simple uniform red of the Ferrari gathering.   What is it with these people don't they know there are other colors out there? 
 
 

There were numerous Diablo's, Murciélago and Gallardo's of all colors and modifications. I thought there were fewer Countach's this year. The highlight of the event was the two Murciélago LP640's on show.  Suffice to say here, that the car looks far better in real life than it does in pictures I have seen.

The event itself: There seemed to be far fewer people at the show this year -- at least on Friday the day I attended. As visitors to this annual event know, getting in and out by car to this event is a nightmare. This year was much better than last.   The good news was the food available was better this year and dare I mention it, the bathroom facilities (toilets to our European friends) are now the best I have seen for such a field event.

  

A 1974 Lamborghini Countach As Wall Art
Newport Beach, CA, April 11th 2006.
Some millionaires decorate their mansions with rare paintings. Richard Moriarty bolted a 1974 Lamborghini to the wall of his Newport Beach estate in California.  Moriarty hired a 70-ton crane to lower the Italian sports car through a skylight in his living room. Earlier, the car's engine was removed and transformed into a "200-mph coffee table" for guests who prefer their drinks "shaken not stirred," said Moriarty, an heir to the family that developed South Coast Plaza.

Getting the Lamborghini into the house took about an hour, but the project was conceived months ago, when architect Fleetwood Joiner began designing Moriarty's new home, US$2-million worth of steel-and-concrete that will overlook Newport's Back Bay when construction finishes later this year. "This was one of the original ideas for the house," Joiner said. "The skylight was designed to fit the car." Joiner has installed offbeat elements in previous mansion projects — including indoor rifle ranges, bowling alleys and a 28-foot-high interior waterfall — but the Lamborghini is "one of a kind," he said. The car will hang over a solid glass staircase leading to Moriarty's wine cellar. The car will also plug into the home's electrical system so its inside lights can be switched on.

 
Lamborghini Murciélago Reaches The 2,000 Unit Mark.
Sant Agata, Italy, April 12th 2006.
Lamborghini announced last week that production of the Murciélago reached the 2,000 unit mark. The Murciélago, which was launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2001 as the first model in the new era of Lamborghini, has emphatically demonstrated the strength of its position in the super sports car segment. In April, the 2,000th car left the production line in Sant’Agata.  The V12-powered icon from Lamborghini has therefore also reached a new sales landmark. In November of last year, the Gallardo became the most-sold model in the history of the company with the production of the 3,000th unit. The success of the Murciélago was celebrated by production staff in front of the Lamborghini Museum together with the President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini, Stephan Winkelmann, and the Head of Production, Klaus-Peter Körner.

The recent Geneva Motor Show saw the presentation of the new Murciélago Coupé which, compared to its predecessor, features a number of significant modifications to its bodywork and mechanics making it even more aggressive and powerful. Even the name of the new model, the Murciélago LP640, is new: the code LP640 refers to the position of the engine - longitudinale posteriore - and its maximum output of 640 hp. This gives it breathtaking performance including a top speed of 340 km/h and a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of 3.4 seconds. The Murciélago Coupé LP640 will be available from the summer, alongside three other models in the Lamborghini line-up: the Murciélago Roadster and the 10-cylinder, 5-litre, 520 bhp Gallardo and Gallardo Spyder. The market introduction of the Gallardo Spyder begins in the next few days.
 

Click Here For Older News

 

This page was last modified on 03/12/2014

This page was last modified on 09/06/2014