A new luxury limousine model, the Audi A9, could soon be on the scene as reports say that the company will develop a new car to compete with rivals such as the Porsche Panamera, Mercedes CL and the upcoming BMW GranCoupé concept. Autocar states that the Audi A9 would still be a coupé-like sedan and would be a mix of sports driving and luxury style.

Audi has apparently confirmed that a case is being made for the vehicle, both at business and engineering levels, the latter which could include some exciting developments including an aluminium space frame and what is known as MLB, or modular longitudinal architecture. The latter two could also provide a platform for the Lamborghini Estoque model, which has been in and out of production rumours a number of times since it first appeared.

The A9 would also use chassis components from the Audi A8 and creating a common platform across all three models could provide some significant savings, and make production for both the A9 and Estoque viable. Lamborghini boss Winkelmann has previously stated that producing the Estoque could only be done in collaboration with the Volkswagen Group due to the significant investments involved.

The Lamborghini and Audi will have different engines, with the A9 likely to receive a 4.0-litre V8 and a 6.3-litre W12, while the Estoque will probably get the Gallardo’s 5.2-litre V10. The Audi will be priced in line with the competitors mentioned above, while the Estoque will have a more upmarket playing field.

Source | Autocar

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A Lamborghini SUV is being developed and while we’re not sure why, more than one eyebrow will be raised with this news. According to CarandDriver it is “strongly hinted” that Lamborghini is developing an SUV in the style of the LM002, which could use the Porsche Cayenne or Volkswagen Touareg platform, but with a Lamborghini style that would make it unrecognisable as either of those two models.

It’s part of reported product expansion at Lamborghini and would follow an entry level sports car with a V8 engine, which would be positioned below the Gallardo. The two vehicles are part of a plan that doesn’t include the lovely Lamborghini Estoque which seems destined to remain a concept car at this stage.

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The Lamborghini Estoque has appeared on the road, reviving hopes that it has not yet been shelved. The Estoque was presented at last year’s Paris show to much hype and then disappeared from the scene apparently because of the economic crisis. It seems Lamborghini might be rethinking, and it would certainly provide some scary competition to models such as Aston Martin Rapide and Porsche Panamera. Hopefully more news will come…

Source | Exotics on road and World Car Fans

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At the Bologna Motor Show Lamborghini has presented its Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder for the first time in Europe. The Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder appeared in all black, contrary to expectations that it would be revealed in white.

The Spyder is perhaps even more spectacular than the coupé, though it shares the 5.2L, V10 engine at 560hp. It also has the same all wheel drive system. The new edition of the Gallardo Spyder has an excellent weight power ratio of 2.77kg/hp, which gives the car its excellent performance figures of a maximum speed of 324 km/hr and acceleration to 100km in just four seconds. All this along with CO2 emissions reduced by 18 percent compared to the previous model.

Check out our gallery of the Lamborghini stand at the Bologna show which includes shots of the Gallardo Super Trofeo and the Estoque, along with our first comprehensive look at the Estoque interior.

Continue reading: Bologna Motor Show Live 2008: new Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder

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The Lamborghini Estoque concept may enter production and could even be seen in Lamborghini show rooms as early as 2011. The news comes from Maurizio Reggiani, head of the company, who has even revealed the price could be around 190,000 euros.

The series car will be limited to a maximum speed of 300 km/hr, with a platform that borrows some components from the Gallardo and even Audi. Reassurance has come, though, that the Estoque won’t have much in common with the next generation A8, saying that it’s an exercise in cost cutting to borrow components, but that the platform will be entirely new.

Neither should the Lamborghini Estoque compete with the Porsche Panamera, which has lower entry level to the market. The new Lamborghini should still prove to be a less costly car than Aston Martin Rapide, although concepts of “economic vehicles” at this point, are entirely abstract.

Continue reading: Lamborghini Estoque: production by 2011

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After 2007, a year in which Lamborghini experienced record sales, it looks like 2008 will also close with a positive balance sheet. Speaking at the inauguration of the new logistics centre for the company, Stephan Winkelmann, CEO, has revealed that the success is due to Lamborghini’s luxurious product line. A richer clientele seems immune to the economic crisis, which has heavily affected more ‘common’ manufacturers.

Lamborghini production will rise slightly this coming year, to about 2,500 units, which generate more profits. “Our strategy for the future is to continue making two models: the LP560-4 and the LP640-4,” said Winkelmann. A third of sales will be aimed at Europe, a third in America and the final third in the Asia-Pacific. We add that perhaps in four to five years, a coupè-sedan like the Estoque concept could emerge and give new success to the Lamborghini brand.

Source | Quattroruote

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It will be a long wait for the Lamborghini Estoque as the four door coupè sedan won’t see production inside five years. Stephan Winkelmann has revealed that if the car gets approval in the next year, it will take another four before production will be fully realised.

Winkelmann has stated that the green light to be given for this vehicle is almost a certainty, though the correct platform will have to be found. Given the presence in the Porsche-VW company of the Porsche Panamera, Bentley Continental and Audi A7, it might not be too difficult to find this platform.

Rumours surround the possible engine options for the Estoque, including the V10 5.2 litre from the LP560-4, in addition to a possible V8 diesel or hybrid option. Given the sports sedan style, more than just pure speed will be taken into consideration - including driving pleasure and comfort. Wolfgang Hatz from Audi has stated how the V12 TDI from Audi would be a perfect fit for the above aims.

If and when the Estoque enters production, only 2000 to 3000 units a year will be made, available with just one engine choice. If the car gets the go-ahead we feel it’s likely more than one engine will be included - and we’d love to see a push for a petrol V12.

Source | Egmcartech

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You can either like or hate the Lamborghini sports sedan, but it’s going to be difficult to ignore it. We give you these shots of the Estoque interior, which looks like a mix between sports style and features you would expect in a luxury sedan.

The interior includes opulent white and grey leather, a multimedia system with television screen, Blu-ray features and an aeronautical lever comand.

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As it turns out, Lamborghini might have been joking with its Estoque concept. Love it or hate it, the Estoque concept could be the fore-runner in a far more exciting project involving some stylistic choices to be played with. According to Audiblog.nl the company could be considering a project along the lines of a four seater coupè with front engine.

This could be Lamborghini’s response to the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti. Throwing the gauntlet at this stage doesn’t cost anything. In the meantime, we’re enjoying this Estoque coupè render which probably emerged from those who didn’t want to know anything about a Lamborghini four door.

Source | Audiblog.nl

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After we showed the video of Lamborghini new sports sedan, our Italian colleagues at Autblog.it had the opportunity to see the Estoque live, up close and personal. Am I jealous? You’d better believe it!

This is a beautiful car, as the Lamborghini Estoque borders on indulgence, and its fascination is taking over the Paris show. It wasn’t what we expected from Lamborghini, but it continues a trend among luxury car manufacturers, including Porsche and Aston Martin.

The Estoque is a style inspired by the Gallardo LP560-4, but in the form of a sedan at 5.15 metres, with a long nose and a nasty look. The height is 1.35 metres, offset by 22 and 23-inch black lacquer wheels which show off the heavy carbon-ceramic braking system. No confirmation has been had about the V10, 560 hp engine from the Gallardo, but we hope it’s under the Estoque hood.

Continue reading: Lamborghini Estoque concept live at Paris motor show

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This video can be noted more for its funky beats than action shots, but still, it’s better than some of the ethereal symphonic pieces that usually go with new release cars. And if you like, the music definitely reflects how much we can’t wait for someone to get behind the wheel of this new Lamborghini Estoque sports sedan, and start revving.

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Autocar has published these drafts which confirm the “surprise” in store from Lamborghini at the Paris Motor Show. It will present a concept car, of which we’ve already seen the teasers. It is likely to be a Lamborghini super sports sedan, with a nasty look just like any respectable Lamborghini.

It will be even more peculiar than the Espada from the 70’s, and with any luck will make the Porsche Panamera seem easygoing in comparison. The important thing will be to see a car ready for production, apart from some small details. These designs come straight from the Lamborghini style centre, and show that the vehicle could be developed from the alluminium chassis of the next Audi A8, which in its turn evolved from the future Bentley generation (apologies to the purists).

Continue reading: Paris 2008: drawings of Lamborghini super sports sedan

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