The global economic crisis already forced Lamborghini to shut its doors for a few weeks, and now its put the Estoque sedan on indefinite hold. According to Maurizio Reggiani, Lambo’s head of research and development, "The timing and market conditions are just not right for an additional model line."
It seems that there had not been a lot of cash committed to Lamborghini’s first sedan project yet, and so Lamborghini was able to put it on a shelf without much financial penalty. There has been no mention yet when or if the project will be restarted.
The Estoque was supposed to borrow heavily from its corporate cousin Audi. So if plans for a car that could share parts over multiple car lines has been put on indefinite hold, how much hope can we keep for the mostly bespoke Murcielago replacement?
We know Audi will have a big hand in the Lamborghini Estoque. Lamborghini is Audi’s responsibility in the Volkswagen Group, and Audi has a lot more experience at performance sedans than Lambo (which has none.) The only real question is how much German will this Italian car speak? According to Car and Driver, that answer may be quite a lot.
It’s rumored that the Estoque will be built on Audi’s modular-longitudinal platform, which is the base of a number of new models, including the current Audi A4 and A5, the next-generation A6 and A8, the forthcoming A7, and the 2013 Volkswagen Phaeton. The sedan will feature all-wheel drive as standard (likely a version close to Audi’s Quattro system.) The largest powerplant for the Estoque should be the 5.2-liter V-10 engine from the Gallardo LP560-4, which was developed by Audi.
The Lambo sedan is currently aimed at direct competition from its now corporate parent’s own sedan, the Porsche Panamera. So just like the plans for the Porsche, the Estoque may as have a diesel or hybrid version ready to go by the time it appears in 2011 or 2012.
AutoCar revealed today the first details on the production version Estoque. Right now the car is in final stages of approval, but current plans have the bull’s sedan entering development at Sant’Agata early next year with sales to begin at the end of 2011 for under £150,000. The Gallardo, which sell for a similar price in the U.K., sells for about $200,000 here.
The production Estoque will run the same all-wheel drive system as the Gallardo as well as utilize its 5.2-liter direct injection V10 engine that will give the sedan 500bhp and 450lb ft of torque. Top speed is rumored to be limited to 186 mph. The engine will be mated to a new seven-speed twin clutch gearbox – a first for Lamborghini, which currently offers manual and auto-manual ‘E-Gear’ transmissions.
Lamborghini is also considering several other engines for the sedan. Possible powertrains include a hybrid unit and V8 twin-turbos in both gas and diesel forms. Although these engine will likely be sourced from Audi, Lamborghini insists the Estoque will be more than just an A8 on steroids.
Since Lamborghini is already selling out with a sedan, why not sell out completely and make a diesel, right? Although it is likely that the engine of choice in the 2012 Estoque will be the 5.2-liter V10 from Gallardo LP 560-4, there will likely be other options including an oil burner. “This car gives us the chance to explore new avenues,” Maurizio Reggiani, director of research and development at Lamborghini, told Auto Express. “A diesel engine would not be right for the Gallardo or Murciélago, but the Estoque is the perfect platform.”
Other optional engines being considered are a host of V8s from Lamborghini’s parent Volkswagen as well as developing a hybrid unit. This more mainstream approach from a company known for being wildly over-the-top may signify how much Lambo wants to compete wit the upcoming Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide.
If Lamborghini does go sludging, it will most likely to be a high-performance version of the 4.2-liter TDI used in the Audi A8. Which isn’t so bad considering that Audi may now something about performance diesels; its won the last three 24 Hours of Le Mans races using oil burners.
Lamborghini revealed first images of the Estoque’s interior. Estoque is the preview version of the first sedan in Lamborghini’s history. Just like its super coupes, the interior of the family Lambo uses a long and low dash board. Also just like the coupe siblings, the dominant material of the interior is highest-quality Nappa leather.
The cockpit presents the driver with a large-area LCD screen displaying a customizable vehicle and route information system. And because you bought the Lambo sedan to take the kids to polo practice (yes, if you buy this car, you have polo money) there is a rear seat entertainment system to keep your future trust funders quiet.
2009 Lamborghini Estoque Concept - interior
