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Fastest-ever Lamborghini may debut in Geneva

Zach Bowman — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 16:33:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Lamborghini, Design/Style, Luxury

Lamborghini is headed to next month's 2013 Geneva Motor Show with the brand's fastest car yet. The news comes courtesy of Filippo Perini, Lamborghini's design director, who reportedly dished that the brand will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a new low-volume hypercar. Perini made the comments while at the US launch of the automaker's recent Aventador Roadster in Miami, and he made it clear there will only be 10 production examples of the new model. If you want one, you had better get your wallet to the closest dealer (the designer admits most of the exotics are already spoken for).

Meanwhile, Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann has said his company will continue to explore special edition models. As you may recall, the Italian automaker built just 20 examples of its Sesto Elemento, originally penned for the 2010 Paris Motor Show. It promptly sold each one for $2.5 million. Then there was last year's Aventador J, which flew out the door at $2.6 million, including taxes. Stay tuned for more information from the show floor.

Fastest-ever Lamborghini may debut in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lamborghini to celebrate 50th Anniversary with new model

Zach Bowman — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Lamborghini, Design/Style, Luxury

Lamborghini is planning to roll out a new car for the brand's 50th anniversary. Automotive News Europe reports the Italian automaker will unveil a special one-off machine to commemorate the date next year. CEO Stepahn Winkelmann has been tight-lipped about the vehicle, saying coyly, "It will not be a revival or a retro." Fortunately, with 2013 right around the corner, we shouldn't have to wait long to see what Lamborghini has up its sleeves for the special car.

The company has other big plans for the celebration and has reportedly invited owners to ship their cars to Milan, where they will then parade through Tuscany, Rome and Bologna before arriving at the Lamborghini factory in Sant'Agata Bolognese.

It's a good time for a party. Lamborghini has seen strong sales through 2012 despite the faltering European economy, and the Aventador coupe and roadster each have an 18-month waiting list.

Lamborghini to celebrate 50th Anniversary with new model originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Dec 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lamborghini developing Urus while still awaiting green light

Matt DeLorenzo — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 16:41:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Paris Motor Show, Lamborghini

While much of the focus for Lamborghini at the Paris Motor Show was on its new strategy for the Gallardo line using styling cues to differentiate the rear-wheel-drive, all-wheel-drive and Superleggera models, the Italian automaker is continuing development of its Urus SUV, even though it has not yet gotten final approval yet.

Stephan Winkelmann, the firm's CEO and president, is confident that the project will be approved by the VW Group, but has not yet received the final blessing and says much depends on the whether or not there will be a new architecture to underpin the vehicle. "It [Urus] has been well received both at Beijing and at clinics in America and Europe," Winkelmann said. "The point is that it is not a replacement vehicle, but a new vehicle and as a result we will be relying on the group to go forward." However, the fact that Porsche showed the Panamera Sport Turismo concept demonstrates that there is enough flexibility in that platform to perhaps support the Lamborghini concept.

"Even if we get the go-ahead now, [and] we have to go immediately, it won't be ready until 2017," Winklemann explained. In the meantime, the company is aggressively pursuing the new Gallardo strategy and promises to have its successor that goes beyond the current facelift ready by 2014. Next year, Lamborghini will busy itself with building the 20 Sesto Elemento carbon-fiber intensive models as well as celebrating the company's 50th anniversary as well as adding a U.S. slate to its European and Asian spec racing series. The events, according to Winkelmann are important because "we sell the dream, but we also must maintain the dream. We have to be more and more involved in the lives of the vehicles."

Lamborghini developing Urus while still awaiting green light originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Sep 2012 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lamborghini Aventador J Geneva star conceived, built in six weeks

Zach Bowman — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Lamborghini, Design/Style, Luxury

This year's Geneva Motor Show served up a scintillating buffet of vehicles, but the Lamborghini Aventador J may very well have been our favorite. With no roof, no windshield and all of the insane running gear of the standard Aventador, the roadster is the embodiment of exotic. But according to Top Gear, the car went from design sketch to reality in record time. Designer Filippo Perini told TG he first sketched up the Aventador J in mid-January after CEO Stephan Winkelmann asked his crew to to come up with something special for Geneva.

Despite the apparent similarities between the Aventador and the new Aventador J, the two models share only a handful of body components, including the front hood, fenders, headlights and rear fenders. Everything else is bespoke just for the concept.

If you like what you see as much as we do and want to take one home, too bad. The world's only Aventador J is already sold to an unnamed collector for the lofty sum of $2.74 million at current conversion rates.

Lamborghini Aventador J Geneva star conceived, built in six weeks originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Turbocharged Lamborghini? Not this decade, says Winkelmann

Zach Bowman — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST

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

Fear not, Lamborghini fans. According to Stephan Winkelmann, president and CEO of the brand, the company's vehicles will remain naturally aspirated "for now." Winkelmann recently spoke with Autocar, and said that the Raging Bull will remain turbo-free for at least the remainder of the decade. That means we won't see a forced-induction Lamborghini until 2020 at the earliest. That means that it's crystal-clear that the next-generation Gallardo, set to debut in two years or so, will not show up with a turbocharged engine as its heart.

That's interesting news for a number of reasons. Whispers kicking around the web have suggested that the next Audi R8 will receive a smaller-displacement, forced-induction powerplant in the near future and that Lamborghini would share that lump. According to Winkelman, that's not the case. However, with fuel and emissions standards tightening by the moment, Lamborghini may be forced to abandon massive naturally aspirated engines whether it wants to or not.

Turbocharged Lamborghini? Not this decade, says Winkelmann originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lamborghini CEO Winkelmann confirms new "everyday" model line

Noah Joseph — Tue, 24 May 2011 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Lamborghini

Stephan Winkelmann with Lamborghini Estoque concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

The incorporation of Lamborghini into the Volkswagen Group has certainly done a lot for their drivability, but we wouldn't exactly call a Gallardo or Aventador an "everyday supercar." But according to reports quoting the company's affable chief executive, Stephen Winkelmann, Sant'Agata Bolognese is set to add a new range of models to deliver exactly that.

The Lamborghini CEO was speaking at a Reuters conference, where he declared that a third model line was under development - one that "has to be an everyday car." Although he would not confirm in which segment the new car would compete, he did indicate that it would benefit from synergies within the VW Group.

The declaration is being widely reported as confirmation of a production version of the Estoque concept, a sensational four-door show car that Lamborghini unveiled way back at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. The Estoque's production is tipped to share underpinnings with the next-generation Porsche Panamera, Audi A9 and a new Bentley four-door coupe.

Lamborghini CEO Winkelmann confirms new "everyday" model line originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 May 2011 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Peeved Lamborghini owner destroys car with sledgehammer, others help

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, China, Etc., Lamborghini

Stop! Hammertime? Well, if you're the owner of this particular Lamborghini Gallardo, you're not saying stop, but "go, go, go!" According to reports, the happless Gallardo was purchased about six months ago by a resident of Qingdao, China. In his short period of ownership, the man has apparently had a few issues with the car.

In one instance, the Lamborghini wouldn't start, so the owner had it towed to the local dealer. Upon arrival at the service bay, the owner found that the car had been damaged in transit. No one would claim responsibility and the original non-starting issue still wasn't fixed.

The Gallardo owner attempted to escalate the issue within the Lamborghini family, ultimately trying to reach out to Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann. No response or solution has been offered so the owner has become decidedly frustrated. So frustrated, in fact, that he decided destroying his Lamborghini in public would be the best way to garner attention.

According to the report, the owner is trying to make a point that China is home to a growing number of individuals capable of purchasing luxury items. Companies realizes this and are making increased efforts to offer their products to the Chinese people. However, the Lamborghini owner believes that the Chinese people do not get the same level of service found in other markets. By smashing his Gallardo, he's certainly captured our attention.

By the way, a new Lamborghini Gallardo, which typically sells for $230,000 on up, retails for between $529,000 and $757,000 USD in China. Ouch. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

[Sources: China Car Times, MSNBC]

Peeved Lamborghini owner destroys car with sledgehammer, others help originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Mar 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Winkelmann: Lamborghini to go racing, no Superleggera planned

Noah Joseph — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Supercars, Lamborghini

Click above to watch the video

To the outside observer, Lamborghini and Ferrari may appear to be peas in a pod, and while the two exotic automakers may arrive at similar points, they come from completely different directions. While Ferrari remains essentially a racing team that produces road cars to support their motorsport campaigns, sporadic privateer entries notwithstanding, Lamborghini has never had the same degree of racing pedigree. That may be about to change, however.

This year's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance highlighted Lamborghini as a featured marque, and the guys over at Garage419 had a chance to talk with Stefan Winkelmann. The Lamborghini CEO revealed that the company is preparing a full-on factory racing program, and though details are still a few weeks away, Winkelmann said the factory racing effort would start in Europe. Winkelmann also dispelled rumors of a potential RWD-only variant of the new Gallardo LP560-4, as well as a Superleggera version, saying that Lamborghini had no such plans for the time being. Follow the jump to watch the video.

[Source: Garage419 via eGMCarTech]

Continue reading Winkelmann: Lamborghini to go racing, no Superleggera planned

Winkelmann: Lamborghini to go racing, no Superleggera planned originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lamborghini CEO: Emissions be damned, we'll make big engines

Noah Joseph — Tue, 27 May 2008 07:57:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Government/Legal, Green, Supercars, Lamborghini

How can a company like Lamborghini be expected to adapt to tightening emissions regulations? It's a reasonable question, and according to the company's chief executive Stephan Winkelmann, it simply can't. In an interview with Automotive News, the supercar exec justifies that its production is so limited and its vehicles are so rarely driven that its overall environmental impact is negligible. As such, Lamborghini will not be switching to downsized engines, like Ferrari has been discussing.

Winkelmann also reiterated that Lamborghini is not interested in significantly boosting production, or in developing SUVs or four-seaters. Business as usual, then, for the Raging Bull, and you know what that means: powerful, loud, exotic supercars that you can't get your hands on... and hopefully, neither will the bureaucrats.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Lamborghini CEO: Emissions be damned, we'll make big engines originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 May 2008 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lamborghini kind of confirms new super expensive supercar

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 19:32:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Supercars, Lamborghini

"Regular" LP640 used for demonstration purposes

Jalopnik has busted the lid off the super-secret Lambo supercar that has been little more than a whisper campaign until now. Looks like Lambo leader Stephan Winkelmann has finally admitted what we've know for a little while. Up in Monterey we heard people talking in hushed voices about a new $1.5 million supercar based off the LP640, but with styling "inspired by jets." Winkelmann confirmed those rumors while announcing that we'd be seeing something special from Sant'Agata Bolognese at the Frankfurt Auto Show next week. We've heard that although the exterior is rather exceptional, it's what's on the inside that really matters the most. Something about a truly innovative dash that has folks abuzz. It better be good to command 5 times a normal LP's price tag.

[Source: Jalopnik]

Lamborghini kind of confirms new super expensive supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Sep 2007 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lamborghini taking the financial bull by the horns

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 17:25:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Lamborghini, Earnings/Financials

Here's a profile of Stephan Winkelmann, head of Italian supercar builder, Lamborghini. It comes from The Times and shows us how Winkelmann has put together a pretty solid business plan to help keep Lamborghini out of the sort of financial trouble that has seemingly always been a part of the company's reality. When Audi took control of Lamborghini at the end of 2004, Winkelmann took some time to think it over before agreeing to take the reins. Although the budget seemed modest, Lamborghini had to remain extreme, in his mind. So while the cars themselves have had to use some shared parts with their corporate brethren, they still have that certain Lambo flair. The company also added signature items to their catalog - clothing, merchandise, and accessories - that have helped spread the name.

Just before Winkelmann stepped in, the company had finally surpassed 1,000 units sold in 2003, but it wasn't until 2004/2005 that they saw any kind of profit. Last year, they passed 2,000 vehicles sold worldwide and reported earnings of €18.1 million. That's a far cry from the 1970s and 1980s, when selling 250 cars a year seemed fine. Looks like the Superleggera and LP640 Roadster have made '07 a pretty good year so far, too. And there is more to come. "We're getting serious," Winkelmann says. "We are not just a toy producer for men. We are a quality car company and the results will speak for themselves."

Read the whole story to see more details about Winkelmann's plan for the company. Hint: It doesn't include a third (or fourth) model.

[Source: Times Online]

Lamborghini taking the financial bull by the horns originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jul 2007 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The bull and the bat: Lambo LP640 in next Batman flick?

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Lamborghini

Lamborghini has been on something of a roll lately. It had a record year last year with 2,087 units sold. It introduced special editions of the Murcielago and Gallardo, as well as upgraded the "regular" Murci to LP640 status. A roadster version of the LP640 was a no-brainer and showed up soon after. They also let slip that a super lightweight version of the bread-and-butter Gallardo would be debuting in Geneva. So there are lots of reasons to smile if you're with Lamborghini or an enthusiast who follows the way of the bull. One particular highlight must have been seeing a Murci Roadster pop up in Batman Begins. As playboy Bruce Wayne, the Dark Knight escorts a pair of lovelies to dinner and makes a most dramatic exit after an impromptu dip in the fountain. Uma Thurman will also be piloting a Lambo on the small screen in Pirelli's mini feature "Mission Zero", though this time a Gallardo Spyder. Well, it looks like we might be seeing even more of Lamborghini on the big screen in the near future.

Despite the good press for Lamborghini, there have been rumblings that VW might want to shed its supercar brand. And even with more than 2,000 sales last year, that was less than half of archrival Ferrari's U.S. total. Even though Volkswagen has said it is committed to keeping Lambo, and Bugatti for that matter, a sales boost sure would help. Lamborghini's highest profile vehicle, the Murcielago Roadster LP640 was a star of the recent North American International Auto Show last month in Detroit, but getting it into the next Batman movie should get it even more international attention, and that appears to be the plan. Brandweek recently sat down with Automobili Lamborghini CEO, Stephan Winkelmann, to discuss the company's U.S. strategies. Follow the read link for the whole interview.

[Source: Brandweek]

The bull and the bat: Lambo LP640 in next Batman flick? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Feb 2007 18:57:00 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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