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Lamborghini  News:-  April 2005 - October 2004

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 Returns a Profit in 2004
April 26th 2005
Lamborghini, owned by German automotive group Volkswagen, returned to profit in 2004, according to German press reports. The group registered a profit of 4m, while sales reached 243m, six times their 1998 levels.

Lamborghini chief executive Stephan Winkelman said that the group has a production target of 1,800 vehicles, and plans to strengthen its sales network with a view to positioning the group as an alternative to competitor Ferrari. Lamborghini is also considering developing an off-road vehicle to flank its Murciélago and Gallardo sports cars, he said, but has not yet taken a decision.

 

Le Belle Macchine d'Italia Set For June 24-27, 2005
March 23th 2005
Le Belle Macchine d'Italia is the largest 3 day Italian automotive event in North America. This annual gathering of owners of Italian cars has been taking place in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Eastern Pennsylvania for 19 years.

This year's dates are June 24 - 27, 2005. The host hotel & Concorso site is The Skytop Lodge in Skytop, PA. The Driving Event will take place at Pocono International Raceway on June 26th & 27th with Professional Instruction from the Stockcar Racing Experience. Working together with the representative manufacturers, dealers and clubs, the Italian Cars Group has established Le Belle Macchine d'Italia as the premier Italian automotive event in the Northeast US. Rides for Charity with Lamborghini Factory Test Driver Valentino Balboni in a new Lamborghini will be given.
 

 

Audi Close to Producing Gallardo Like Car
March 8th 2005
Recently Audi Chairman Martin Winterkorn announced that a production version of the company’s 2003 Le Mans concept is imminent. The Le Mans, which is based on the Gallardo, sports a 5.0-liter twin-turbo, 610hp motor, was first shown at the 2003 Frankfurt auto show. The car would be the brand’s first production supercar rivaling those of Lamborghini, its sister division under parent Volkswagen Group. Looks like an Audi!

 

 

2004 Was A Record Year For Lamborghini
Sant Agata, Italy.  March 3th 2005
The year 2004 was a record year for Lamborghini in terms of sales and production. Total car sales increased by 22%, with a record 1,592 units being sold around the world (compared to 1,305 in 2003). Of this number, 1,215 were Gallardos and 377 were Murciélagos; 65 of these Murciélagos were Roadsters, destined mainly for the North American market. Total sales of the Gallardo now stand at over 2,000 cars (1,215 in 2004, 890 in 2003), which means it is already the 2nd best-selling Lamborghini ever.

The United States still remains Lamborghini’s most important market, representing 41% of total sales in 2004. Germany, which represents 13% of global sales, is the most important European market, followed by Great Britain with 9%. Italy accounts for only 5%. In Asia, Japan is the most important market with 8% of global sales in 2004. 
 
Lamborghini revenues in 2004 grew to € 243 million from € 200 million in 2003.  The number of personnel employed by Lamborghini has also increased, moving up from 685 in 2003 to 726 in 2004.

 

Lamborghini to Present New Roadster Concept Car at Geneva Car Show
Geneva, Switzerland.  19th February 2005
At the Geneva Motor Show, Lamborghini the "Concept S" is a unique car, an extreme and spectacular expression of the Lamborghini brand.

Created at the Centro Stile Lamborghini in Sant’Agata Bolognese by Luc Donckerwolke, Head of Lamborghini Design, the "Concept S" is his extreme interpretation of an "open car". Using the Gallardo as a basis, Donckerwolke drew inspiration from the classic single-seater racing cars of the past to create this latest design study. The "Concept S" utilized the so-called "sauté-vent“ in order to direct air over the head of the driver. These devices divide the cabin into two distinct compartments, giving the car an aggressive and futuristic look and also creating a space between them that acts as an additional air inlet for the powerful engine, which is positioned behind the seats. The aerodynamics of the “Concept S” have also been optimized thanks to front and rear spoilers and a large rear diffuser.

 
1995 Diablo SE Wrecked in an Accident in UK
London, England.  11th February 2005
A purple 1995 Lamborghini Diablo SE was badly wrecked in the United Kingdom recently. The car was owned by Jay Kay who is the lead singer in the group Jamiroquai.  He let the guy who was supposed to drive it in a music video take it for a joy ride afterwards. This is what happened! It looks like the left front wheel is completely missing and the left back wheel is torn off causing it to rest on its rim. He must have been driving pretty fast to rip the whole left front wheel off. The morel of the story - don't let someone else drive your Lamborghini. It's too different a car for novice drivers to sit into and drive at high speed.
 

 

Britain Will Now Color-Badge Cars According to their Impact on Climate
London, England.  10th February 2005

Cars in Britain will carry color-coded labels warning potential buyers of their impact on climate change under measures to be launched this week. Car makers and retailers spent last year obstructing progress on the scheme - to be unveiled by the Transport Secretary Alistair Darling - amid industry concern that it could precipitate stricter restrictions on exhaust emissions and undermine the profitable SUV sector. Darling believes that the labels, inspired by stickers which reveal emission ratings of fridges and washing machines, will encourage people to buy less harmful vehicles. The stickers are based on emissions of carbon dioxide, the gas which scientists have identified as the main cause of man-made climate change. Guess where Lamborghini falls!

Brand Impact On Climate Example Grams CO2/Km
Brand A < 100 Honda Insight 80
Brand B  101 to 120 Toyota Prius 100
Brand C 121 to 150 Fiat Panda 135
Brand D 151 to 165 Citroen Xsara 159
Brand E 166 to 185 Ford Mondeo 179
Brand F >185 Lamborghini Murciélago 500

 

Penske Personal Car Collection Opens to Public
Auburn, Michigan.  4th February 2005

With 249 major race wins under his belt, Roger Penske after 37 years of racing history has accumulated a large collection of racing cars.  They are housed in a 35,000 square foot facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan.  The museum opened its doors to a news publication for the first time when it allowed ESPN - The Magazine “Total Access” to the facility. The resulting two-page photo spread can be found in the current issue of the magazine available on newsstands in the United States this week.

The previously unseen facility also houses Penske's personal car collection. This collection includes a 2000 Ferrari 360 Modena, a Lamborghini Murciélago, a 1995 Ferrari F50, a 2003 Ferrari Enzo, a 2005 Ford GT40 and a 1955 Gull Wing Mercedes 300SL. The collection also includes the pace cars from his Indianapolis 500 wins.
 

 

Help Sought on Lamborghini Theft in Melbourne Australia
Melbourne, Australia.  29th January 2005
Police reported today that they are looking for a stolen Lamborghini Diablo coupe sports car which dealers value at $210,000. The limited edition machine was taken from Bonds Lane in Somerton in Melbourne's north in the early hours of last Monday. The red Diablo coupe has the number plate PMY 214. The Lamborghini Australia dealer, who declined to be named, said the Italian manufacturer made just 3000 Diablos between 1991 and 2001, 60 of which were sold in Australia. He said Lamborghini cars, which range in price from $400,000-$700,000 were sought for their exclusivity and because they were hand made.  "Obviously that's a dying art in manufacturing," he said.
 
Police are urging anyone with information on the theft to contact Crimestoppers on 1800-333-000.


 
 
Lamborghini Amongst Cars Utilizing Laminated Glass in its Roadster
Detroit 17th January 2005
Fifty production and concept vehicles on display at the 2005 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) tout laminated glass as standard or optional equipment (in applications aside from the windshield) in North America, as reported by the Enhanced Protective Glass Automotive Association (EPGAA).  From being nonexistent at the 2000 NAIAS, to an approximate 150 percent increase over 2004, this growth clearly demonstrates the consumer and industry embrace of this automotive safety glass. The Lamborghini Murciélago Roadster was one of these cars.

"The EPGAA has been working to educate the industry and consumers on using laminated glass in applications other than windshields," said Mike Sanders, director for DuPont Automotive Safety Systems and EPGAA President. "This rapid adoption is proof that automakers and consumers alike are realizing the great benefits of laminated glass." Laminated glass -- automotive safety glass designed for greater comfort and security, utilizes a plastic interlayer or film composite that is factory laminated to multiple glass layers. Laminated glass offers a variety of benefits, including acoustic improvement, weight savings of 12 percent over conventional tempered glass vehicle windows, enhanced security, and safety and solar protection.

 

Lamborghini will Race in the FIA GT Championship Races
Birmingham, UK.  16th January 2005

The FIA GT regular DAMS-run Lamborghini Murciélago R-GT, the dramatic Ferrari Enzo supercar, and the new Formula 3 Dallara F305, lead out the heavily Italian flavored SRO; Motorsports Group stand, at the Autosport International event in Birmingham this weekend.  SRO are nowadays one of the biggest motor racing promoters across the globe. Best known for organizing the hugely-popular FIA GT Championship, they also promote the British F3 and GT series', as well as the French FFSA Super Série, and the mix of racing car's on display aimed to reflect this mix.

Undoubted star of the SRO stand, and one car that is drawing the show's large and enthusiastic crowds, is the very impressive-looking orange and black colored Lamborghini Murciélago R-GT that was campaigned last year by DAMS during the closing four races of the FIA GT Championship. This car is the no 26 example which made its series debut at Imola in September, and was piloted by a highly experienced duo, Jean-Denis Deletraz and Andrea Piccini. Although the new Lamborghini struggled to make an instant impact, it did however show strong flashes of promise, although a severe lack of pre-debut testing meant that the two DAMS cars were often hampered by teething problems. Last year was to prove a difficult first season for the new Lamborghini Murciélago R-GT racer, which was first unveiled at the 2003 Frankfurt IAA. An early season podium finish in the FIA GT Championship for a test car, entered by Reiter Engineering, the concern charged with development of the project, immediately underlined that the R-GT did indeed have racing potential.

 

Lamborghini Outlines Improvements for its 2005 Cars
Sant Agata, Italy.  5th January 2005

According to sources from Lamborghini the 2005 Murciélago will have a number of improvements. The diameter of the front and rear brakes have been increased to 355 X 32 mm with 8 pistons for the front calipers and the same but larger 4 in the rear. The power brake has bee redesigned to require 30% less pedal  pressure. The suspension has been optimized with a "Frequency Selective Damping" system which will give better road handling along with comfort.  The notorious front lifting system (from the Diablo design), has been improved -- and hopefully no longer leaks. Also new alloy Roadster like wheels have been added. 

The 2005 Gallardo will also come with a few upgrades. The e-gear sequential shift is upgraded (again). A satellite navigation system is an option, as is a transparent engine bonnet and titanium painted rims.

 

Lamborghini to Show Gallardo Roadster in Geneva in 2005
1st January 2005

According to the January 2005 issue of Road & Track magazine, Lamborghini will present a roadster version of the Gallardo at the Spring Geneva Auto show. This car will be used to fill out the brand competing directly with the highly successful Ferrari Modena 360 cars. No further details from Lamborghini at the moment. 

 

 

Lamborghini Supplies Electric Cart for St. Peter's Square in Rome
Vatican City, Rome. 24th December 2004

Police on foot patrol in one of the world's largest pedestrian islands, St. Peter's Square, Rome - got some welcome relief on Friday when new golf-cart style electric vehicles arrived just in time for Christmas.
The four new carts were made by Italy's famed Lamborghini carmaker. They will allow Italian police to move more quickly around the vast square in front of Christendom's largest church.  Two of the carts, which can move over some of the world's most famous cobblestones at about 15 MPH, will charge up their batteries while the other two are being used.  These little cars will give a great sense of security to visitors," said Salvatore Festa, chief of Italian police who protect the area around the Vatican. Before the arrival of the electric carts most police patrols were by foot and cars entered the square only in emergencies and on occasions such as visits by heads of state.

 

Forbs Best Car of the Year Picks Lamborghini For its Convertible Category
26th December 2004

Each year Forbs looks at high end automobiles and picks "best of class" for each category.  For each vehicle category each vehicle is assessed on a weighted average of a number of factors, and by their own test drive reviews.  This year here are the winners:-

Vehicle Category

Car Picture Base Price
 Best American Supercar  Saleen S7 $440,000
 Best Convertible  Lamborghini Murciélago $328,000

 Best Convertible (under $60K)

 Chevrolet Corvette $52,245
 Best Coupe (under $60K)  Infinity G35 $32,990
 Best European Supercar  Porsche Carrera GT $443,000
 Best SUV
 Mercedes G55
 Porsche Cayenne
$100,620
$89,300
 Best Luxury Coupe
 Aston Martin Vanquish
 Bentley Continental
$255,000
$156,285
 Best Luxury Sedan
 Mercedes Maybach
 Rolls-Royce Phantom
$367,000
$332,750
 Best Luxury SUV
 Land Rover
$72,950


Lamborghini to Asking DOT to Allow the Importation of Nonconforming 2004 Lamborghini Gallardo Passenger Cars
Washington, D.C. 12th December 2004

On October 13, 2004, NHTSA published a notice (at 69 FR 60933) that it had received a petition to decide that nonconforming 2004 Lamborghini Gallardo passenger cars are eligible for importation into the United States. The notice solicited public comments on the petition and stated that the closing date for comments would be November 12, 2004. The NHTSA allowed it to run until December 13, 2004.  The argument was that the nonconforming cars are essentially the same as those for the US. Certain aspects of the cars will be modified to conform. These include: Controls & Displays, Lamps, Reflective devices, Tire selection, Theft Protection, Power Windows and Crash Protection. A detailed account can be found here.
 

 

Speed Channel to Record Las Vegas "Sports Cars Gone Wild” Event
Charlotte, N.C. 12th December 2004

SPEED Channel cameras will be on hand to record the inaugural running of “Sports Cars Gone Wild,” an event matching some of the world’s most prestigious luxury marques against each other on the Las Vegas Motor Speedway road course.  The event will be held on Feb 15, 2005 in Las Vegas. Amongst the cars will be: Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Corvette, Ford GT and Vipers.

The rules include:- 1. Participating cars must be factory versions with either professional drivers or owner/drivers in the cockpit. No performance modifications will be permitted.  2. Each car will get three turns on the road course, the fastest of the three runs will be used for final scoring. The fastest car at the end of the day takes home the trophy.  3. There will be no limitation on the number of cars participating. Multiple cars of the same make and model will be allowed. 

Interested certified drivers, sponsors or car entries can get more information on the event by e-mail to info@sportscarsgonewild.com..
 

 

Second Miura Reunion to be Held at Carmel, California in 2005
Carmel, CA
, 11th December 2004

The 2nd Miura Reunion will be held at 'The Quail Lodge' in August of 2005 at Carmel, California in celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Miura. The first historic event in 2000 saw a record gathering of Miuras from all over the world and was a really special event. Under the patronage of Miura enthusiast and owner Michael Kadoorie, the upcoming event promises to be even better, with examples of the P400, P400S and P400SV expected. The 2005 event is an invitational and spaces are limited so contact Amy Williams by email at awilliams@valleyresortmgt.com to register as early as possible.
 

 

Second Triple Awards Victory for the Audi Brand Group
Milan Italy, 11th November 2004
For the second time in two months, cars from all three members of the Audi brand group have received significant awards. The awards for "The World’s most Beautiful Automobile 2004“ were determined by an international jury comprising designers, car and art historians, and specialist journalists. Their decisions were announced at the Castello Sforzesco in Milan, Italy. 

The Audi A6 was named the world’s most beautiful large saloon, while the Lamborghini Murciélago Roadster was voted as the world’s most beautiful supercar. The SEAT Altea was, like the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, presented with a Special Award.


This triple victory in Milan follows closely behind a similar performance at the Auto Trophy Awards in October. At these awards, which were based on the votes of readers of the German magazine Auto Zeitung, the Audi A4, A6 and A8, the Lamborghini Murciélago and the SEAT Altea all won their respective categories.
 

 

 

New Chairman for Lamborghini
Munich Germany, 11th November 2004

In a surprising announcement today, Lamborghini's parent company Audi AG (NSU.XE), a division of Volkswagen AG (VOW.XE), announced that chairman Werner Mischke had resigned and that Stephan Winkelmann will become the new president of the Audi unit.  No further details were provided at this time.  This news is surprising considering the fact that Mischke was chairman for such a short time and a time in which Lamborghini had done well.  Winkelmann was (up until last week), chief executive of Fiat SpA's (FIA) the German subsidiary of Fiat Automobil AG.

 

 

New York Columbus Day Parade Features Lamborghini
New York, 11th October 2004

The 2004 NY Columbus Day Parade, took place on Monday Oct 11th this year. Starting at 12PM it ran all the way from 44th to 79th street on Fifth Avenue .  Legendary race car driver Mario Andretti was the the Grand Marshal for the event.  It is estimated that over 500,000 people were there.   There was a great display of Lamborghinis culminating is a 2005 black Murciélago Roadster with Mario in it.  The Parade celebrates of accomplishments and of Italian-American contributions to the United States. What better way to see this  than in such great Italian cars!  Many of the vintage Lamborghini cars were there, including a 1965 350 GT (the company's first production model), a 1972 Miura SV, a 1985 Countach, and a 1995 Diablo VT.  Also present were the current car models the Gallardo and Murciélago.

 

 

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