Lamborghini will replace the Gallardo and add a third model range.
Stephan Winkelmann is master of Lamborghini, but the fate of his company and the type of products he must sell are decided elsewhere. What we are witnessing right now is a struggle for power and a fight for responsibilities among Volkswagen, Audi, and, to a certain extent, Porsche. Lamborghini is part of the Audi Group, which in turn is part of the Volkswagen empire. The bone of contention among these parties is the third model that Lamborghini wants to put into production in 2015 or 2016. The two rival proposals are an evolution of the 2009 Estoque concept and a super-SUV based on the same platform as the next Porsche Cayenne/VW Touareg/Audi Q7 and an upcoming Bentley crossover. Audi wants its Italian satellite to go ahead with the SUV. To the dismay of Audi leaders, this strategy doesn't seem to meet the approval of VW Group chief Martin Winterkorn, who recently voiced a clear preference for the four-door coupe and a possible two-door sister model. The Nuova Estoque would share elements with the next Porsche Panamera and the new Bentley Continental GT. The catch is that the architecture for these vehicles is being developed by Porsche, which means that Lamborghini may fit more comfortably under the Porsche umbrella than with Audi. More reticent than usual, Winkelmann stated in a recent interview that "the final decision is still pending. We are working toward a solution that is best for the brand and for our bottom line."
Photo Gallery: Sneak Preview: Lamborghini - Automobile Magazine
Photo Gallery: Sneak Preview: Lamborghini - Automobile Magazine
Mauro Baldi Bobby Ball Marcel Balsa Lorenzo Bandini Henry Banks Fabrizio Barbazza John Barber Skip Barber
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