Lamborghini's plans for the future
Some would call it cheapening the brand, others would call it advertising, others still would note that it's a revenue stream. What are we talking about? We're talking about the coming preponderance of Lamborghini-branded trinkums. Okay, we're not really sure how much exactly there will be, but Lamborghini is slowing down its vehicular business a little for 2007 and picking up its activity in the knick-knack sector. The reasoning for the growth shrinkage is to improve the efficiency of the organization, as well as popularize the brand through the aforementioned things other than cars. Hey, there are Ferarri branded laptops, and F.A. Porsche has designed all sorts of stuff, so why not? We'd love to see what Lamborghini could do to the simple commode, forinstance. In all seriousness, the brand is coming off a sales growth spurt of over 25 percent between '05 and '06. They're playing Ben Bernanke so that they can maximize profits and take a breath as they prepare for future growth.Lamborghini boss Stephan Winkelmann played it close to the vest when talking to Winding Road about upcoming developments from Sant A'gata. There will be new Lambos coming soon, though. Keep an eye out for a V10 powered, Porsche Cayenne based SUV sometime in 2009. Following on the heels of what will be one of the world's most expensive and high performance SUVs will be a 2+2 inspired by the Espada. The Espada was a four-place GT that looked like the result of a tryst between a 400GT and a Plymouth Belvedere. We think a real car that you could use would be a great addition to the stable of Trattori. The Gallardo and Murcielago are all well and good, but you're not going to get dressed up in your finery and try to wriggle in and out of those things in front of your favorite restaurant's plate glass window. An SUV and GT make perfect sense -- they'll broaden the appeal of the Lamborghini brand and offer exclusive-car buyers something a little more mainstream while still offering outstanding performance. Perhaps they won't be quite as capable as the big-dogs, but they'll certainly help pull the financial sled.
[Source: Winding Road]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
che culattone 12:21PM (1/10/2007)
This news is kind of bittersweet. I like the idea of a grand touring car, essentially a more daily-commute friendly supercar, but the SUV thing really bugs me. I guess it was only a matter of time.
Either way, (if I ever have the funds!) i will always choose a lamborghini over a ferrari. Though Ferrari does have the racing pedigree, lamborghini has better street cars, combining cutting edge italian design with top of the line german engineering and quality. The thing I like the most about lamborghini is that the interior is basically an Audi with a raging bull on it!
The only thing left is for VWAG to spend some money and try to get lambo into F1 racing...now that would be something: Lambo v Ferrari on the track!
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Adrian 7:32PM (1/10/2007)
Well shoot, if they remake the LM002, it could be the next super macho style statement as the original Hummer was. But I bet it will be too much like a Cayenne; posh and comfortable without the badassness of a true off-roader.
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isrltrkfn 1:44PM (1/10/2007)
last year, i saw a pic of what the espada is supposed to look like, and i drew it n every lesson im school for like months, its SOO kool.
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Lamborghini videos 2:50PM (1/10/2007)
There is a big thread going on at a Lamborghini forum about this. They are protesting against the Lambo SUV.
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XGC75 3:58PM (1/10/2007)
Sounds like great news to me. It means one thing: Lamborghini is thinking. And scheming. The idea of more Lamborghini presence in the home is a way of ripening brand image to the more "average" (i.e. not exclusively rich) consumer, meaning that's where they're leaning in the future. The idea of more "lower-end" (again remember this is a relative term) Lambos doesn't quite bother me so long as they retain their raw, edgy nature.
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Js 4:38PM (1/10/2007)
Well lets not forget that an SUV is nothing new to Lambo... Think back to the LM SUVs with 400 hp. Actually Porsche and the rest are all Lambo copy cats on that field. However, I have my doubts about "high performance" SUVs today. Especially when I look at how the Cayenne is put to use on a daily bases; daughters to ballat class, sons to soccer practice, and trips to McDonalds. I think if Lambo makes it raw and rude like the LM was it could be a success; a real hate it or love it car. But if it is more "civilized" like the Cayenne I fear it will share its fate; a great success but just plain boring.
As for the 2+2.. bring it on... I've seen some Espada concept ideas floating around too and I have to say they certainly do have that what it takes. I think this could be a great way for Lambo to go since it's also a big part of Lambo history.
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blueoval 6:31PM (1/10/2007)
Race the buggers. GT1 needs more entries, this would be perfect, get some competition cred. GT1 is also high profile (Le Mans, Sebring, Road Atlanta...), it will still look like a Lambo (unlike P1 or F1), and how can you make something pointy and fast and not race it??
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