Lamborghini could introduce a spiritual successor to the iconic Espada by 2025. That's the word from company CEO Stefano Domenicali, who said in an interview that Lamborghini is pondering a new 2+2 GT car.

A Successor to the Lamborghini Espada Could Happen in a Few Years

Speaking to Automotive News, Domenicali confirmed that the Italian brand will add a fourth vehicle to its lineup, which currently consists of the Aventador, Huracan, and Urus. When asked whether it will be a successor to the Espada grand tourer, the CEO mentioned the importance of combining high performance with interior space and driving comfort.

Sure, this doesn't confirm a spiritual successor for the Espada, but it's a sign that Lambo is working on something more practical than the two-seat Aventador and Huracan models. Whatever it may be though, don't expect it anytime soon, as Domenicali said it won't hit the market sooner than 2025.

"We are working hard to combine high performance with interior space and driving comfort in a package that, design-wise, should be striking as well as highly efficient in terms of aerodynamics. Our target is to reach the market between 2025 and 2027, so we are not in a hurry," he told the outlet.

Will the Espada be Hybrid or All-Electric?

Domenicali also mentioned that Lambo still has to decide which would be the right powertrain for a car "in a segment we have not competed in for over 40 years." When asked whether it will be all-electric, the CEO said chances are it will be hybrid.

"It is, but together with a high-performance plug-in hybrid. Our final decision should combine what Volkswagen Group could offer in terms of available technology with what Lamborghini customers are asking for," he added. "As of today, we do not hear that Lamborghini customers are asking for a battery-powered model, but maybe in seven to nine years they will be — and we should be ready."

The Aventador will Go Hybrid in 2021

While the successor to the Espada is at least six years away, Lambo's first production hybrid will arrive in 2021. Domenicali confirmed that the Aventador's replacement will mate an electric motor to a V-12 gasoline engine. The same will happen to the company's V-10 when the Huracan will be replaced. Lamborghini is already working on a V-8 hybrid setup for the Urus SUV, but Domenicali said: "we are not there yet." A hybrid V-6 is out of the question though as it will "not offer the performance level a Lamborghini should deliver."

The Lamborghini Espada Was An Iconic Four-Seater

Launched in 1968, the Espada was Lamborghini's first true four-seater, offering comfortable legroom for rear-seat passengers. Designed by Marcello Gandini at Bertone and based on the Marzal concept, the Espada had a unique look compared to other Lambos, mainly due to its longer wheelbase, longer rear overhang, and shooting-brake-like roof.

Produced until 1978 in a little over 1,200 units, the Espada was updated twice, in 1970 and 1972. All three generations were powered by a 3.9-liter V-12, but output increased from 325 to 350 horsepower. The most powerful version needed 6.5 seconds to hit 62 mph, on its way to a top speed of 152 mph.

A four-door version with a longer wheelbase was built in 1978 by coachbuilder Pietro Frua. Called the Faena, it remained a one-off in a private collection.

Rumors that Lambo might revive the Espada surfaced in 1999 and 2006. In 2008, Lamborghini showcased the four-seat and four-door Estoque at the Geneva Motor Show. It was Lambo's first front-engined vehicle since the LM002 utility, but it wasn't followed by a production model.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 1968 - 1978 Lamborghini Espada.