Autoblog

Lamborghini Urus SUV storms out early

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:46:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Crossover, Lamborghini, Beijing Motor Show, Design/Style

Here it is, folks: the Lamborghini SUV. The only thing missing from these photos are the flying pigs.

Dubbed Urus, the Lambo sport-ute will officially be unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show shortly, but thanks to the magic of the Internets, the first few photos of the mighty 'ute have been leaked. It looks pretty similar to all of the renderings we've seen in the past, albeit with sleeker headlamps and a more low-slung appearance.

The Urus is expected to share its platform with the next-generation Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q7 and upcoming Bentley SUV, but is tipped to be about 220 pounds lighter than all of those. Power is expected to be provided by a 5.2-liter V10 that produces around 584 horsepower.

We'll have all of the official details shortly, so keep your eyes peeled for more. In the meantime, have a click through our attached gallery to see the full brace of leaked shots.

Lamborghini Urus SUV storms out early originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lamborghini kinda sorta confirms SUV concept coming in April

Noah Joseph — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Crossover, Lamborghini, Beijing Motor Show

Rumors typically have a limited shelf life. Either they come to fruition, or they just die off. But not this one. The automotive press has been anticipating a follow-up to the Lamborghini LM002 (pictured above) for decades now, but with anticipation building, they appear to finally be coming to a head this year.

Although not quite an official confirmation, a spokesperson for Lamborghini's parent company Audi has indicated that all the speculation regarding the imminent arrival of a new Lamborghini crossover are, essentially, true. The concept version is expected to debut at the Beijing Motor Show in April with a retuned version of the V10 engine in the Gallardo and an eye on the likes of the Maserati Kubang and BMW X6 - only likely higher-end in its market position.

The decision-making process in Sant'Agata Bolognese was reportedly to build either a crossover or a sedan (previewed by the Estoque concept at the 2008 Paris Motor Show) as a third model line, but the current speculation suggests that Lamborghini could build both, with the four-door sedan to follow a couple of years down the line.

Lamborghini kinda sorta confirms SUV concept coming in April originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lamborghini evaluating either sedan or crossover... but not both [w/poll]

Noah Joseph — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 19:25:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, SUV, Crossover, Lamborghini

Lamborghini Estoque (above) and LM002 (below right) - Click either image for high-res gallery

Lamborghini does one thing, and one thing only: two-door supercars. That's it. Until recently, it didn't even do much racing. And aside from the LM002 "Rambo Lambo" (pictured below right), it never made anything with more than two doors or a roof taller than even the most napoleonic of its clients. But that's all about to change.

Over the past couple of years, rumors have been circulating of Lamborghini moving on production of a sedan and a crossover utility vehicle. The former was fueled particularly by the appearance of the Estoque concept (pictured above) at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, but both made possible by increased integration across the Volkswagen empire.

Most logically, however, the latest reports suggest that Lamborghini will build one of the two, but not both. As to which one that will be, well, that remains up in the air. The company is reportedly building prototypes for both that will be evaluated for production by the top brass, and decided upon in time for the company's 50th anniversary a couple of years from now.

The crossover, based on the next-generation Porsche Cayenne, is reportedly more favored a proposition, potentially sporting a sloped roofline like the BMW X6 but with only two doors (three if you count the lift-back) and a considerably higher price point. To our ears the sedan might make more sense, possibly leading (as the Porsche Panamera has been rumored) to a front-engined GT coupe derivative and even a convertible, while the crossover would - no matter how many doors - remain a crossover.

So which do you think Lamborghini should build? Cast your vote in the poll below. You never know who might be watching.

View Poll

Lamborghini evaluating either sedan or crossover... but not both [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Jun 2011 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lamborghini to build SUV atop Porsche Cayenne platform?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, SUV, Lamborghini, Porsche

Lamborghini LM002 - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been a while since we last heard rumors of a Lamborghini LM002 revival, so we figured it was high time to dip our toe back into the Rambo Lambo waters. Auto Express is reporting that Lamborghini and Porsche, both under the control of the far-reaching Volkswagen Group, are considering a collaboration that would see a new Italian SUV be built atop the platform that will underpin the next Porsche Cayenne.

Instead of the V6 and V8 engines (also available in hybrid and turbocharged guises...) used by Porsche, the Lamborghini 'ute would reportedly use one of the Italian firm's trusty V12 powerplants. Auto Express quotes unnamed sources as saying the Lambo SUV is seen as a competitive advantage over rival Ferrari. While Lamborghini has a history building military-spec machinery like the LM002 (coupled with its history in farm equipment), Ferrari purists would surely shun anything but a true sports car from Maranello.

In addition to the SUV, a production version of the four-door Lamborghini Estoque, which would use a platform shared with the Porsche Panamera and also likely an Audi A9 and future entry-level Bentley models, would also be on the menu. Might these two future Lamborghini machines constitute the "everyday" model line the automaker is looking for? Time will tell.

Lamborghini to build SUV atop Porsche Cayenne platform? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Jun 2011 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Lamborghini would choose four-door over SUV

Noah Joseph — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 15:31:00 EST

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

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

Lamborghini remains intent on adding a third model to its range. This, straight from the proverbial lion's mouth - that of the company's affable CEO Stephan Winkelmann, who would like a new model to attract new buyers to the brand. The question is, what form will that new model take?

According to a new report from Autocar, the most likely scenario is a production version of the Estoque concept sedan unveiled in Paris a couple years back. Previous reports suggested a successor to the LM002 sport-utility vehicle could be in the works. But while either model could borrow underpinnings from within the Volkswagen Group (the Porsche Panamera or Audi A7 for the Estoque or the Porsche Cajun/Audi Q5 for the LM00X), enabling a faster and more cost-effective development process, Winkelmann seems to like the idea of the Estoque better.

Building the Estoque could also potentially lead to more variants as well, including a front-engined coupe and convertible, while the LM002 would, in all likelihood, be a single-model proposition.

Us? We just hope that the new model (whatever it is) gets built soon. In the case of the Estoque, there's nothing worse than a painfully slow gestation of an already aging concept car to kill buzz.

Gallery: 2008 Lamborghini Estoque Concept

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Lamborghini would choose four-door over SUV originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Lamborghini developing Q5-based LM00X crossover

Noah Joseph — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Crossover, Lamborghini, Rumormill, Off-Road

Lamborghini LM002 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Few rumors have been as pervasive over the years as the rebirth of the Lamborghini LM002. Originally designed for military applications, the Countach-powered LM002 blended Sant'Agata's background in tractors with the exotic supercars for which they're now known. Ever since, reports of a follow-up have ebbed and flowed, resurfacing once again on an Audi/Porsche platform.

Like the upcoming Porsche Cajun, the project codenamed LM00X is reportedly based on the Audi Q5 platform. The LM00X could retain the Cajun's three-door body-style, infused with Lamborghini styling and the lightweight construction themes spearheaded by the Sesto Elemento concept. Word has it that the new twin-turbo V8 being developed for the Audi S7 and Bentley Continental would find its way into the Lambo crossover's engine bay, though we wouldn't be surprised to see the Raging Bull's own V10 on offer, tipped to arrive as soon as 2012.

Gallery: Lamborghini LM002

[Source: Auto Express]

Rumormill: Lamborghini developing Q5-based LM00X crossover originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Nov 2010 14:28:00 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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Barrett-Jackson OC '10: Color-shifting Lamborghini LM002

Frank Filipponio — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 12:33:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Truck, Auctions, Lamborghini, Military, Off-Road

1990 Lamborghini LM002 American - Click above for high-res image gallery

Not only is this one of just 48 Lamborghini LM002 Americans produced, but it's the only "Rambo Lambo" we've ever seen finished in color-shifting DuPont ChromaLusion paint. That may be a good thing, depending on your personal sense of style and how it meshes with your image of Lamborghini. These Italian Hummers were built for military use but never really caught on. Maybe those expensive and fragile Countach V12s in the engine bay had something to do with it. Even after Lamborghini switched to the more robust Diablo mills, the trucks were still relegated to private service, mainly in the fleets of wealthy sheiks and celebs.

The 5.2-liter, 420-horsepower Diablo V12 in this particular LM has just 3,068 original miles on it, and in addition to the chromatic color-shift paint, it features bespoke magnesium wheels, revised hood and trim, along with polished aluminum skid plates. It once belonged to renowned wildlife artist Christian Lassen, who had it painted this quad-toned hue. At Barrett-Jackson's inaugural Orange County auction, this LM002 hammered home $75,000. Check out more photos in the gallery below.

Gallery: Barrett-Jackson OC '10: Color-shift Lamborghini LM002

Barrett-Jackson OC '10: Color-shifting Lamborghini LM002 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Jun 2010 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Private Dancer: Tina Turner's Mercedes-powered Lambo LM002

Noah Joseph — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SUV, Lamborghini, Mercedes-Benz, Celebrities

Tina Turner is one of the most successful performing and recording artists of all time. She's won eight Grammies, hit the Billboard Top 10 seven times and sold more concert tickets than any other solo performer in history. Unfortunately she never learned how to drive stick, but having sold over 180 million records, she could well afford (and as The Queen of the Rock & Roll could hardly afford not) to buy a Lamborghini. So Turner bought an LM002, the Lamborghini of sport-utility vehicles, and had the original Countach V12 ripped out and swapped for a V8 out of a Mercedes E500 with an automatic transmission.

Naturally, the retrofit also included a thumpin' entertainment system, including a 1500-Watt Blaupunkt stereo and a whole load of lights and mirrors. The conversion originally cost twice the value of the truck itself, at 150,000 deutschemarks. The truck has been workin' for the man every night and day ever since, but now it could be your very own private dancer, a dancer for money: the vehicle is on the market for ?179,000. Seems like a fair price for a unique and storied vehicle: we've seen Lamborghini-powered Audis, but never a Mercedes-powered Lambo.

[Source: Autobild via German Car Blog]

Private Dancer: Tina Turner's Mercedes-powered Lambo LM002 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Jan 2008 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lamborghini wants to sell 20% more cars without creating a third model

Dan Roth — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 09:33:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Supercars, Lamborghini

Lamborghini's pushing to ring up 3,000 sales per year, about 500 more than they currently move. Were they to drop a new Miura, revived LM002, or some other new model, they'd likely reach that target without any problem. Lambo Capo Rupert Stadler isn't in favor of spending the considerable development dollars it would take to bring a new model to market. Before coming out with a new car, it's more prudent for Lamborghini to sell its capacity of Murcielagos and Gallardos first.

So, if you're not coming out with a new car, but you want to move more units, what's an automaker to do? We somehow doubt that LP640s and Reventons will be showing up in rental fleets, and there's no such thing as incentives when it comes to supercars, so that strategy's out, too. Extra-special editions of the already special Italian cars, like the Murcielago SV and Superleggera versions of both vehicles should entice more buyers to pony up. If that doesn't work, they could always have a "push, pull or tow" event.

Follow the read link for a Google-translated version of the original story.

[Source: Caradisiac]

Lamborghini wants to sell 20% more cars without creating a third model originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Dec 2007 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lamborghini CEO shoots down LM002 revival rumors

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 18:13:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, SUV, Videos, Supercars, Lamborghini

Fast Lane Daily got some camera time with Stefan Winkelmann, head of Lamborghini. After a discussing the 20-samples-only Reventon for a few minutes, Fast Lane's interviewer asks Winkelmann what he thinks of the Audi R8 and the effect it might have on the Gallardo. If you know anything about Mr. Winkelmann or Lamborghini, you already know his answer. And then Winkelmann is asked about the rumors of a Lamborghini SUV. With a smile, but with no hesitation, his answer was a brief two words: "No SUV." So there. Purists, you can rejoice now. Check out the entire video after the jump.

[Source: Veoh]

Continue reading Lamborghini CEO shoots down LM002 revival rumors

Lamborghini CEO shoots down LM002 revival rumors originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Nov 2007 18:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hello, what's this? Lambo SUV or Porsche GT Coupe?

Dan Roth — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Lamborghini, Porsche

Just like the NSX mule that's been spotted ripping around, this Porsche Cayenne is masquerading as something it's not. What the end result actually is remains a mystery, but something's using fat-ass über-SUV duds to fly incognito. Motor Authority reports that there's a Lamborghini LM002 successor lurking under there. The Lambo-ute successor reportedly uses a version of the Cayenne platform, likely powered by the Gallardo V10.

GermanCarBlog, on the other hand, attributes the outward subterfuge to development work on a Porsche GT Coupe. The bodies are rumored to be mere shells, with a lot of hardware stripped. How else would you explain their scorching times around the 'Ring? Whatever it turns out to be, we'll try to corner someone from Porsche or Lamborghini in Frankfurt and get some hints.

[Source: Carspynew via GermanCarBlog]

Hello, what's this? Lambo SUV or Porsche GT Coupe? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Aug 2007 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: "Rambo Lambo" LM002

Noah Joseph — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 14:43:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Truck, Auctions, Supercars, Lamborghini

The terms "exotic" and "SUV" seldom go together. With few exceptions, the closest you might get is the Porsche Cayenne, or in reference to the rig you use to tow your supercar from track to concours. One notable exception is the Lamborghini LM002. Nicknamed the "Rambo Lambo", it bridged the gap between the company's tractor and supercar divisions in a military truck that makes the HUMMER look like a Tonka. It was powered by the V12 out of the Countach, and only 300 were said to have been built. With those limited numbers, they don't change hands all that often, but one shining example has just come rumbling onto eBay Motors.

Serial Number ZA9LU45A2JLA12069, in red over tan, is advertised as just having undergone a major servicing where many components were repaired, replaced and upgraded, including newly refinished cylinder heads, gaskets, brakes, suspension, new tires all around (road rubber to replace the off-road Pirelli Scorpions), new interior carpets, reconditioned leather interior, front and rear brush guards, side rails, transfer case, relocated fuel tank, new sound system with overhead speakers and new exhaust system.

With a Buy-It-Now price just shy of $100k, at the time of writing the bids were up to $61,300. That may seem like a huge chunk of change for one of the ugliest, worst-handling, worst-riding, gas-guzzling trucks ever to chew up the road, but you go and try to find something with more road presence.

[Source: eBay via GermanCarScene]

eBay Find of the Day: "Rambo Lambo" LM002 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jul 2007 14:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Student-penned Lamborghini LM400 Concept

John Neff — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 14:33:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SUV, Lamborghini

click above image to view more pics of the Lamborghini LM400 Concept

The original Lamborghini LM002 combined the qualities of a HUMMER (before there really was HUMMER) with a level of power and performance one would expect from a Italian exotic. It eschewed actual design for a slab-sided, utilitarian look, with a pair of round headlights that toned down its aggression so it looked safe to pet without getting bitten.

Of course, the LM002 missed out on the big SUV boom that saw luxury, high-performance SUVs like the Porsche Cayenne padding its parent company's pockets with big profits. But now that SUVs are truly mainstream and Lamborghini finds itself under the care of VW/Audi, design student Rene Harrigan thought it might be time to reconsider bringing this beast back to life. His idea, called the LM400 Concept, updates the old bruiser with a new Lamborghini-esque design that sits on an Audi Q7 platform. We like Harrigan's vision from the A-pillar back, but the front end lacks a strong visual connection with current Lambos and looks too anonymous to wear a Raging Bull badge. He says the LM400 would be powered by various V8, V10 and V12 engines plucked from the corporate parts bin, and be offered in four trim levels: the LM V8, sporty LM-S, luxurious LM400 V10 and the obscene LMR that sports a 600-hp V12.

The idea of a new LM for Lamborghini is fun, but in reality would say something about how far the brand has come from its many trips to the edge. Porsche got away with offering an SUV and not alienating its fanbase too much, so perhaps Lamborghini could do the same.

[Source: CarBodyDesign via CarScoop]

Gallery: Lamborghini LM400 Concept

Student-penned Lamborghini LM400 Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Jun 2007 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bombastic: US troops destroyed Insane Hussein's LM002

Noah Joseph — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Etc., Government/Legal, Supercars, Lamborghini

American forces in Iraq have finally killed Saddam Hussein's son's...car. While his megalomaniacal father garnered the lion's share of notoriety, Saddam's cruel depravity was exceeded by his eldest son's, the erstwhile heir apparent to the Iraqi presidency who was known for murdering people he didn't like at parties and torturing Olympic athletes. It only makes sense that a monster of a person should have driven a monster of an automobile: the Lamborghini LM002.

For those unacquainted with the LM002, picture the offspring of a one-night-stand between an exotic Italian supercar and a tank, and you've got an approximate idea. The truck is known to guzzle gas like a fratboy funnels beer, but that posed little concern for a family with all the oil in the world but no one to sell it to.

According to reports, Uday's "Rambo Lambo", already on its last leg and limping to the grave, was recovered by American soldiers who, apparently failing to identify the significance of the vehicle, used it to test explosives. And so, like the fate of its owner, Uday's Lamborghini was no more. The world may be a better place without the Husseins, but we'll mourn the truck.

[Source: Lamborghini Registry via Jalopnik]

Bombastic: US troops destroyed Insane Hussein's LM002 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Mar 2007 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No retro for Lambo

Frank Filipponio — Sat, 07 Oct 2006 09:09:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Classics, Trends, Performance, Europe, Supercars, Lamborghini

As shapely as it may be, the Miura Concept is not the way of the future for Lamborghini. At least not according to Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann who is quoted saying, "Retro design is not what we are here for. So we won't do the Miura, even as a limited edition." Despite rumors of a limited run of Miuras, a nuovo LM002, and a possible Espada redux, future Lambos will focus on being leaders in their segments rather than homages to the past.

That doesn't mean that entire segments will be avoided because of past entries, however. "The concept of a Lamborghini 2+2 or an SUV is possible, but we wouldn't use the name Espada or LM002," Winkelmann added. "I want Lamborghini on the edge. Our brand values are uncompromising, extreme and Italian. And I want our product to match the brand. Lamborghinis must be lower, wider and more sharply styled than our rivals." The most likely all-new Lamborghini looks to be an SUV that would share a platform with Audi's upcoming Q5 crossover. Of course it will be lower, wider and more sharply styled compared to the Audi. But in the meantime, look for LP640 roadsters and possibly rwd Gallardo and Murci variants showing up in spy shots in the coming months.

Bullish tip, Jay!

[Source: Car Magazine via Jalopnik]

No retro for Lambo originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 07 Oct 2006 09:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mission Impossible 3 premiere turns into Lamborghini Cruise-in

Chris Paukert — Sat, 29 Apr 2006 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Etc., Europe, Supercars, Lamborghini

Alright, so we've probably pegged our Tom Cruise quota for the month. That said, who can pass up on a star-laden train of 10 Lamborghinis?

The Italian supercar is set to make a prominent appearance in Mission Impossible 3, what is likely to be one of this summer's highest-profile (and highest grossing) films. And to kick off the film's world premiere at the Adriano Cinema in Rome, Cruise and company rolled up a brace of the angular beauties.

Not exactly a wallflower, Cruise was seen leaping onto one of the Lamborghini's roofs in order to greet the assembled masses.

[Source: CarPages UK]

Mission Impossible 3 premiere turns into Lamborghini Cruise-in originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 29 Apr 2006 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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