Autoblog

Crazy Rumor of the Day: Lamborghini Estoque to be built in China

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 19:26:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Performance, China, Lamborghini, Rumormill, Luxury

Lamborghini Estoque - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hold on to your lugnuts, kids, because here's a rumor that's so far out it practically qualifies as science fiction. Taken straight from Gasgoo.com, which has provided plenty of worthy news in the past, is this nugget: Lamborghini "will import its super luxury four-door sedan, Lamborghini Estoque to China for local production in 2012 with a price tag of around 4 million yuan ($589,000)."

To be fair, it appears as though Gasgoo is just reporting on what's being reported in other Chinese media. However, in case you haven't been keeping up with the Estoque's flirtations with production reality, first Lamborghini planned to make it after it was introduced two years ago, then the economic implosion supposedly killed it in early 2009, but Lamborghini quickly said that wasn't true, then this month company CEO Stephan Winkelmann hinted about how a third model would help the brand.

To us, none of that means the 2008 Paris Motor Show traffic-stopper is going to be built at all. Somehow, though, the Chinese media have heard that not only is it going to be built, but it will be built in China as soon as 2012. On top of that, even though it hasn't been developed, it's already been priced, and at that price you could buy almost three Aston Martin Rapide sedans. Or, more accurately, three Rapides and an infinite number of leprechauns, gorgons, drop bears and the latest creature of fable, a Chinese-built Estoque.

Gallery: Paris 2008: Lamborghini Estoque LIVE

Gallery: Paris 2008: Lamborghini Estoque Concept

Live photos copyright (C)2010 Jonathon Ramsey / AOL

[Source: Gasgoo]

Crazy Rumor of the Day: Lamborghini Estoque to be built in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bloomberg: Lamborghini Estoque production hopes not dead, still under consideration

Zach Bowman — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Performance, Europe, Lamborghini, Rumormill, Luxury

Lamborghini Estoque Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Just when you thought that hallowed Lamborghini was safe from the threat of a new mega saloon, news like this crops up. While speaking with interviewers, company CEO Stephan Winkelmann said that adding a third model to the Lamborghini lineup would be a good way to shore up diminished sales. The company hasn't quite been able to maintain its pre-recession numbers with sales down 18 percent compared to last year.

What exactly does Winkelmann have in mind? A four door designed to compete with the likes of the Aston Martin Rapide, Porsche Panamera and Maserati Quattroporte. If that means something along the lines of the mighty Estoque Concept, our hearts wouldn't exactly be broken, even if that means diluting the Lamborghini gene pool somewhat.

For now though, the new model is simply Winkelmann's best guess at how to get buyers back behind the wheel of a Raging Bull. Before the company goes dumping cash into development, it will need to see sales of both the Gallardo and Murcielago improve in a big way.

Gallery: Paris 2008: Lamborghini Estoque LIVE

[Source: Bloomberg]

Bloomberg: Lamborghini Estoque production hopes not dead, still under consideration originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Lamborghini developing Touareg-based SUV, V8 Gallardo [w/poll]

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Performance, SUV, Lamborghini, Rumormill, Luxury

Lamborghini LM002 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hold on to your butts, Lamborghini fans. Word from Car and Driver's German correspondent is that the bullish Italian automaker is strongly considering re-entering the hardcore SUV segment. Considering that the brand's last effort into such uncharted territory brought us the Hummer-esque LM002, you can officially color us intrigued.

If the machine does make it past the planning stages, it will reportedly be based on the platform shared by the Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne, but we imagine it would get a powertrain more suitable for Lamborghini use - we can only hope that means a V12, as was the case with the LM002.

Another market Lamborghini is said to be considering is the entry-level V8 supercar segment. If a production model does indeed come about, it would slot below the V10-powered Gallardo. As with the aforementioned SUV, this would not be the first time Lambo has dipped a toe in these waters, as its Urraco, Silhouette and Jalpa played in the exact same market in the 1970s and 1980s before the Italian manufacturer pulled out in favor of traditional range-topping supercars like the Diablo and Murcielago.

Sadly, rumor has it that Lamborghini will not pursue the Estoque concept, leaving the Maserati Quattroporte as the only Italian to do battle with the likes of the Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide. Still, the company must at least be considering the Estoque since it went ahead and produced a concept to gauge reaction. So, which of these new Lamborghini rumors would you most like to see fulfilled? Take part in our totally unscientific poll after the break.

Gallery: Lamborghini LM002

[Source: Car and Driver]

Continue reading Rumormill: Lamborghini developing Touareg-based SUV, V8 Gallardo [w/poll]

Rumormill: Lamborghini developing Touareg-based SUV, V8 Gallardo [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Lamborghini admits R&D focus shifting from more power to less weight

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:23:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Lamborghini, Luxury

Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SuperVeloce - Click above for high-res image gallery

How much horsepower is enough? While we're fairly certain some might be answering that rhetorical question with raised eyebrows, Lamborghini is seemingly content with a number just shy of 700 raging horses. That doesn't mean that the Italian supercar manufacturer won't continue its unabated push towards ever-quicker acceleration - though top speeds higher than 211 miles per hour sound unlikely - but there's clearly more than one way to skin a ~~cat~~ Prancing Horse.

Why not just build a bigger engine? Simple, as company CEO Stephan Winkelmann correctly observes, "It has come to the point where acceleration equals consumption. More consumption means increased CO2 emissions." Apparently, the answer to the power conundrum will be less weight. "We will use composite materials in the right place, when it also has the right cost, stiffness and mechanical characteristics," explains R&D chief Maurizio Reggiani.

Expect aluminum to be used in place of heavier steel, along with improved aerodynamics and stop/start technology to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions. We've also heard repeated rumblings of full hybrid powertrains, though those seem more likely to come at the tail end of the decade. Whatever the case, it should be interesting to see how all the world's supercar manufacturers - Lamborghini included - grapple with the push to be green while also upholding their performance traditions.

Gallery: Lamborghini Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce

[Source: AutoWeek]

Report: Lamborghini admits R&D focus shifting from more power to less weight originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Lamborghini Estoque takin' it to the streets

Noah Joseph — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Spy Photos, Sedan, Europe, Lamborghini

Lamborghini has been hemming and hawing over the production prospects of the Estoque concept ever since it was unveiled last year at the Paris show. With a front-engine, four-door layout, the family-sized Lambo wouldn't be able to share much with either of the company's current models. But with Porsche and its new Panamera now under the same corporate umbrella - to say nothing of the upcoming Audi A7 and Bugatti Galibier concept - the prospects have never looked better.

As if to lend credence to the increasing amounts of speculation, an intrepid observer snapped the Estoque recently on the streets of Cologne, Germany. Unfortunately, the vehicle in question appears to be a the original concept car, and not a developmental test mule. However, its appearance - with no license plates, mind you - has got people asking a lot of questions. And whatever the answer, it certainly isn't that Lamborghini has killed the project.

Gallery: 2008 Lamborghini Estoque Concept

[Source: ExoticsOnRoad.com]

Spy Shots: Lamborghini Estoque takin' it to the streets originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lamborghini denies Estoque death rumors

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Supercars, Lamborghini

Lamborghini Estoque Concept - Click above for a high-res gallery

After a series of stories surfaced over the weekend reporting the demise of the Lamborghini Estoque, the supercar manufacturer has issued a statement addressing the rumors. According to Lamborghini, the Estoque has not been killed off, but it hasn't been approved for production either.

The release continues to tow the company line that if a new model is added to the Lamborghini line-up, "a four door luxury performance saloon could be a logical product strategy."

When the Estoque was revealed in Paris, the 500-horsepower, V10-powered all-wheel drive sedan was hailed as the automaker's first volume model - a daily driver that could conceivably sell between 2,000 and 3,000 units annually. Speculation of the Estoque's eminent arrival in 2011 was stoked when the company's R&D chief Maurizio Reggiani, said that a case was being made to VW's board and that a mule was currently undergoing testing. Hit the jump to read Lamborghini's brief release.

Gallery: Paris 2008: Lamborghini Estoque LIVE

Continue reading Lamborghini denies Estoque death rumors

Lamborghini denies Estoque death rumors originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Mar 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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D.O.A. - Lamborghini reportedly won't build four-door Estoque

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 15:33:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Lamborghini

Lamborghini Estoque Concept - Click above for high-res gallery

The worldwide collapse of car sales has hit everyone in the past six months, and super-expensive high-end cars are no exception. With no immediate signs of either a general economic recovery or an auto sales boost on the horizon, now hardly seems like the time to develop an all-new exotic sedan. With that in mind, Lamborghini reportedly has shelved plans to build the Estoque, which debuted as a concept at last fall's Paris Motor Show. Given the positive response it received, Lamborghini had started feasibility studies aimed at producing the new four-door. Instead, the company will focus on new versions of both the Gallardo and Murcielago, with a particular focus on weight reduction.

R&D boss Maurizio Reggiani is also apparently rejecting calls for a dual clutch gearbox to replace the current e-gear automated manual. Reggiani calls the DCT "too smooth" and lacking in the drama Lambo owners want. Based on our experience with that gearbox in an Audi R8, we would describe it as being more embarrassing than dramatic. Since we don't have the budget for a Lambo, Reggiani likely doesn't give much credence to our opinion, though.

Gallery: Paris 2008: Lamborghini Estoque Concept

[Source: Autocar]

D.O.A. - Lamborghini reportedly won't build four-door Estoque originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 21 Mar 2009 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sunday Poll: Choose your coupe-ish four-door

Alex Nunez — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 19:32:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Etc.

Click above for a hi-res gallery of tonight's poll entrants

This weekend's Porsche Panamera photos have everyone talking, and it had us thinking it's time for a Sunday Poll. Sportier, coupe-like four-doors are no longer a novelty; everyone's doing (or plans to do) it. So, given the choice, which one would you pick. Our candidates are a mix of cars already here, cars on the way, and one concept that seems like a lock to come to fruition. Are you beguiled or bewildered by Stuttgart's new four-door? Maybe you like Fisker's green-but-beautiful approach. How about the Mercedes CLS, which basically started this trend? VW's now in the game with the CC, and Aston's busy cooking up the production Rapide. Let's not forget Jaguar's wide-eyed kitty, the XF. And we'd be remiss if we left out the Lamborghini Estoque, a concept that has cash cow written all over it for Sant'Agata. So, throw all those pesky restrictions like budget and availability out the window. In your opinion, who's got the best take on the coupe-sedan look so far?

Gallery: Sunday Poll: Choose Your Coupe-ish Four-Door

View Poll

Sunday Poll: Choose your coupe-ish four-door originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Nov 2008 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lamborghini planning to put Estoque into production

Noah Joseph — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Lamborghini

Click above for high-res gallery of the Lamborghini Estoque concept

Emerging reports indicate that Lamborghini is currently in negotiations with the suits at its corporate superior Volkswagen to put the Estoque into production. The four-door Lamborghini concept was unveiled last month at the Paris show after a drawn-out parade of teasers, but with no actual engine unde-hood and little in the way of specifications revealed, most surmised that the Estoque was just a flash-in-the-pan publicity gimmick. Not so, according to the company's R&D chief Maurizio Reggiani, who confirmed to British weekly Autocar that the company is in the process of making a business case to the VW executive board. If approved, the Estoque could hit showrooms by late 2011 with a UK sticker quoted at around £150k, which lies in between the Gallardo's £135k British list price and the Murcielago's £220k.

To make financial sense, the Estoque would have to borrow heavily from the corporate parts bin, but Reggiani was quick to dismiss speculation that the Estoque would share its platform with any current or next-generation Audi. So what would provide the power, you ask? A re-tuned version of the Gallardo LP560-4's direct-injection V10, optimized for usability at the slight expense of peak output and driving through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox -- another first for Lamborghini. Also under consideration for the Estoque are hybrid and diesel V8 options, noting that the concept car's platform was designed to accommodate a variety of engines.

Wait a second, a diesel hybrid automatic four-door Lamborghini? What's going on in Sant'Agata since Porsche took over in Wolfsburg? Nothing all that unusual for the company that started out making tractors and even produced a HUMMER rival for a while. But with the Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide on the way, the market for the four-door exotic super-coupe could be the new premium battlefield.

Gallery: Paris 2008: Lamborghini Estoque LIVE

[Source: Autocar]

Lamborghini planning to put Estoque into production originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Nov 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lamborghini reveals Estoque interior for first time

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 11:27:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Paris Motor Show, Supercars, Lamborghini

Click above for more live shots of the Lamborghini Estoque concept's interior

At this point, we've seen nearly every possible angle of Lamborghini's latest raging bull, the Estoque, with one rather large exception: the interior. As a four-door sedan, the compromises one naturally expects from the Italian motor company's supercars are wholly unacceptable in this application, so there is naturally a sense of luxury inside the Estoque that's missing from the Gallardo and Murcielago. We can also see large paddle shifters for the e-gear transmission that are yanked straight from the Gallardo and plenty of two-tone grey and creamy white leather covering most every surface. Plus, there's a whole lot more space now for such pleasure-inducers as a Blu-ray player, in-cabin television and, um, legroom. Still, it's clear that this is a concept cockpit that was likely rushed to deadline for the Paris Motor Show. The buttons in the cockpit are all hard black plastic, which is not exactly fitting for a sister brand of Audi, an automaker that arguably sets the gold standard for interiors by which others are judged. Take a look at the Estoque's interior for yourself in our gallery below.

Gallery: Paris 2008: Lamborghini Estoque LIVE

[Source: Lamborghini]

Continue reading Lamborghini reveals Estoque interior for first time

Lamborghini reveals Estoque interior for first time originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Oct 2008 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2008: Lamborghini Estoque LIVE

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 07:42:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Supercars, Lamborghini

Click above for high-res gallery of live Lamborghini Estoque shots from Paris

You've seen the whole Estoque shebang in Lamborghini's words, pictures, and videos. Let us add our own word to it: hmmm. It's a Lamborghini, so it's hard not to like it. And we hate to tread out the refrain, but it's much nicer in person. It feels, though, like they wanted to get this thing done in time for the show, and it needs a couple more drafts. The front aspect is spot on -- not a tough feat since it's Lamborghini's language. From the side, the it looks a little too stretched forward of the A-pillar, and there's more than one personality fighting for attention if you follow the car from snout to rear. And the back, while beautiful, is... yes... Challenger-esque... But don't take our words for it -- have a look at the high-res gallery below and give us yours.

Gallery: Paris 2008: Lamborghini Estoque LIVE

Paris 2008: Lamborghini Estoque LIVE originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 07:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Lamborghini Estoque Concept in 3D

Drew Phillips — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:57:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Videos, Paris Motor Show, Lamborghini

Click above to watch video after the jump

We've brought you the official details and high-resolution photos, and now Lamborghini has released a short video showing off even more angles of the four-door Estoque concept. Yes, we'd like to see the car in motion too, but given that Lamborghini didn't name any engine specs and gave a wide variety of engine possibilities for a production version, we're guessing that the concept is without a motor underneath that long hood. The car looks distinctively Lamborghini from the front and especially aggressive from the rear with its wide haunches. Don't take our word for it, watch the Estoque revolve in video yourself after the jump.

Gallery: 2008 Lamborghini Estoque Concept

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Lamborghini Estoque Concept in 3D

VIDEO: Lamborghini Estoque Concept in 3D originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2008: Lamborghini Estoque official details and high-res images

Drew Phillips — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Paris Motor Show, Lamborghini

Click above for new high-res gallery of the Lamborghini Estoque Concept

After several weeks of teaser shots from Lamborghini we finally got a full view of the Lamborghini Estoque concept this morning ahead of its official debut tomorrow morning. However, the photos were relatively small and details were scarce, but we are now able to bring you high resolution photos and full details via a press release from Lamborghini. The Estoque, named for the sword use by the Matador in a bull fight, is actually listed as mid-engined with the motor placed behind the front axle. The car sits extremely low at just 4.43 feet high, but still provides plenty of interior space for all four passengers due to the long wheelbase of over three meters. As we expected, Lamborghini states that no official decision has been made regarding production, but did hint that the Estoque could lead to a third model in the lineup with numerous engine possibilities including the V10 from the Gallardo LP560-4, a turbocharged V8, a V8 with a hybrid mode, or even a high-performance TDI. We'll be sure to bring you any additional information we can get tomorrow at the Paris Motor Show as well as many more photos. Until then, read up on the details of the Estoque in the press release after the jump and check out the new gallery of high resolution photos below.

Gallery: 2008 Lamborghini Estoque Concept

[Source: NetCarShow.com]

Continue reading Paris 2008: Lamborghini Estoque official details and high-res images

Paris 2008: Lamborghini Estoque official details and high-res images originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Preview: four-door Lamborghini Estoque unofficially revealed!

John Neff — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:26:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Paris Motor Show, Lamborghini

Click above for gallery of the Lamborghini Estoque Concept

Lamborghini has spent the last few weeks tantalizing us with teasers of its front-engine, four-door concept, but that comes to an early end today as a French website has unceremoniously revealed the concept we've been calling the Estoque. Though the images in our gallery are low-res, we can still make everything out. The Estoque features a long hood and short rear deck, with horizontal headlights up front and a pair of big Reventon-style air intakes in the front bumper. The fender vents behind the front wheels are tucked into the car's character line that flows back until it hits those wide rear haunches. Thanks to those teasers we had already figured out what the rear end would look like, and all those guesses were fairly spot on. The rumormills are telling us to expect the 560-hp V10 from the Gallardo LP 560-4 underhood, as well as all-wheel-drive. Though it's showing up as a concept at the Paris Motor Show tomorrow, the Estoque is said to be destined for production as early as 2010 to compete with the new crop of four-door coupes from Porsche (Panamera) and Aston Martin (Rapide). We'll have live shots from the official unveiling early tomorrow morning, so stay tuned.

Gallery: Paris 2008: Lamborghini Estoque Concept

[Source: AutoJournal.fr via WorldCarFans]

Paris Preview: four-door Lamborghini Estoque unofficially revealed! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Possible sketch of Lamborghini's Paris concept leaked

John Neff — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 12:19:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Paris Motor Show, Supercars, Lamborghini

Lamborghini has now released three official teasers of the Urus, Estoque or whatever the Italian automaker is rumored to be calling its four-door concept for the Paris Motor Show these days. Now it seems that a sketch of the complete concept may have been posted in a thread on FerrariChat. While someone could have easily faked these sketches, they do show elements of the concept that we've already seen in Lamborghini's official teaser shots, particularly the taillights. The Paris Motor Show is this week, so we'll find out soon enough what it looks like, as well as what it's called.

Gallery: Paris 2008: Lamborghini Estoque Concept

[Source: GlobalMotors.net]

Possible sketch of Lamborghini's Paris concept leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Sep 2008 12:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lamborghini concept may be named Estoque, not Urus

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Paris Motor Show, Supercars, Lamborghini

Click above for a high-res gallery of the mystery Lamborghini concept

While we've pretty much had it up to our Hans device with the speculation surrounding Lamborghini's Paris surprise, another salient detail has emerged about the rumored front-engined, four-door sedan due to be unveiled on Thursday at the Paris Motor Show.

Previous reports about the Lamborghini concept wearing a Urus badge are thankfully bunk (who wants to drive a supercar named after a large bovine?) and World Car Fans has dropped the name Estoque (without citing any sources), which according to Encyclopedia Brittanica is a small blade that delivers the death blow to a bull at the end of a stadium fight. We're still more than a few days away from the official reveal, but in the meantime, enjoy the gallery of teasers below, along with the image above created by LamboPower member a007api.

Gallery: Paris 2008: Lamborghini Estoque Concept

[Source: WCF]

Lamborghini concept may be named Estoque, not Urus originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Sep 2008 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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