Meet the Estoque concept from Lamborghini, another highlight from the 2008 Paris auto show. While strictly a design exercise, the concept is clearly an effort to see if the public would accept the notion of a four-door Lambo. If Lamborghini asked me (and they didn’t), I would tell them to put the Estoque in a warehouse, put a cover on it, and forget the car existed.
I see what Lambo, or their German parents are thinking. Porsche set a dangerous precedent a few years ago in bringing to market the Cayenne SUV. Then, as now, it is a huge deal when a sports car, or in this case, an exotic car company wants to break out and sell a vehicle you never would have imagined them building. With the Cayenne, Porsche soothed its critics by telling them “The money we’ll make on the Cayenne will improve our racing program, and give us capital to further develop the 911 and Boxster.” Now that Porsche is going to offer the four-door Panamera, I think Lamborghini felt motivated to stick a toe in the water. Not with the intent to improve anything, just to sell more cars.
Critics of Lamborghini have already complained that Audi has mellowed this brand too much, and that’s talking about the V-10 Gallardo. Is demand so high for the Maserati Quattroporte that Lambo has to answer to that car? Maserati making the Quattroporte is more than fine with me, simply because it has been a part of their history since 1963.
The jump from two extreme mid-engine exotic cars to a four-door doesn’t sit right. It is un-Lambo at this time. What I propose instead is an evolution of the front engine, V-12 Espada. To the uninitiated, have a look-
If you are a little shell-shocked, that’s OK. This is not your typical Lamborghini of the late 1960’s/early 1970’s. All the fury of a V-12 Lambo with a back seat. Before considering a four door, I would advise the company to at least trot out a 2+2 GT car like the Espada to see if the public would accept anything other than a mid-engine two seater.
Dave Maher, Alex Roy’s sidekick is on the trip of a lifetime. Day one, visit the Maserati factory for a guided tour. Day two will include both Ferrari and Lamborghini. The ultra lucky Maher tells the tale at Gumball 144 headquarters.
Dave, I’m sure that thousands will agree with me when I say: I hate you!
Lamborghini certainly has a bloated ego when it comes to comparing the 12-cylinder, 650HP Reventon against other supercars. Feeling their superiority is unmatched by anything on the ground with four wheels, Lamborghini, arranged to challenge a Tornado aircraft to a runway duel. Continue reading →
Talk about supercars! With a price tag of $1.4 million, the 20 Lamborghini Reventon’s that were produced are totally sold out. If you were wondering why the rich and famous have clamored to this car maybe it has something to do with little things like a 6.5 liter V12 that produces 640 horsepower, or the fact that your Reventon can take you from 0 to 60 in just 3.4 seconds. Oh, I forgot to mention, before you sign the check, a top speed of over 210mph. Continue reading →
Those of you who have read your copy of The Driver already know that Herr Roy suffered more than a little embarrassment when he planted a brand spanking new Lamborghini into a wall. I’m sure that the sting has subsided a little in the past 3 years, but this video I just came across must cause Alex’s eyes to burn.
Quattro. The name evokes thoughts of white, yellow and black Group B rally cars cresting wet yumps at the 1000 Lakes Rally, or drifting past stone houses in the hills above Monaco. With the evolution of the Quattro, that beast has become known as the über Quattro. Every AWD Audi since has been a Quattro, but never as outrageous as that early Eighties monster. Until now.
Audi has combined modern German technology with German/Italian motivation to create the ultimate road going Audi. Audi’s Quattro system, aluminum construction and a high revving V8 shared by Lamborghini, this really may be the new über Q. Time will tell if this model will back up the motorsports dominance that the original Quattro displayed. What is certain, is that Audi has built a hyper performing, road holding new über Quattro that could be an equally important part of the Quattro legend.
Visit our gallery of shots from the Canadian International Auto Show, taken by Jaimie from Random
You won’t find this at your local flea market. Well, not the real thing anyway. The real Italian leather Mouspad is in the shape of the Lambo crest, with lettering embossed. It’s available from the Lamborghini Store.
