Platform and component sharing has become a way of life at many automakers in an effort to streamline production costs, but downright badge engineering isn’t good for any brand. While no one will accuse exotic carmaker Lamborghini of the latter, the automaker is taking steps to prevent criticisms of parts sharing with parent Audi. Lamborghini’s Gallardo is criticized by many in the industry for sharing too many parts with Audi’s R8 and this has prompted the exotic automaker to institute a new internal policy that will limit Audi parts use in its cars to no more than 20 percent.
In order to maintain the brand’s image and keep its customers from believing they’re being ripped off, Lamborghini president Stephen Winkelmann vowed only internal, high-cost parts will be shared with Audi.
“That could include things like the electrical platforms that need high investment, or hoses and filters, but we have to safeguard against too much of it,” he said in an Autocar report.
That said, the company is keen to point out working together with Audi does result in better quality products that save the company money, which is ultimately reflected in the price. The Gallardo’s LP560/4 V10 block is cast in the same factory as some Audi engines, and assembled on the same line. The companies already share electrical harnesses and many more small parts like fasteners. The R8 has been called a budget Lamborghini, which is a bit of a stretch, but does have some basis for it.
05/02, 9:03 AM
posted by:
HemiRoadRunner
I didn’t even know they used audi parts. I thought lambos where suppose to be hand built for the most part, or do I need to get with the times?
05/02, 9:08 AM
posted by:
xyunya
Life of learning ahead of you, NOT
05/02, 9:16 AM
posted by:
snork
The “cheapest” part of the Lambo’s IMHO was that they pretty much use the exact same HVAC and radio controls as Audi. In a car that expensive it shouldn’t have direct lifted Audi parts visible in the cabin.
05/02, 9:31 AM
posted by:
howsmydriving
Lambo should use the flower holders from VW Beetles.
05/02, 9:34 AM
posted by:
Jon Luc
I agree with Snork. I can see how using some parts would save the company money, along with increasing availability of said parts.
05/02, 9:34 AM
posted by:
1c3d0g
Good move. This way some won’t claim that they’re overpriced Audi’s.
05/02, 11:02 AM
posted by:
jumpoffit
i have heard that Audi did help in the engine build for the Murcielago
05/02, 11:47 AM
posted by:
much
The Gallardo engine block is from Audi. (90mm bore spacing)
The origins of the Murcielago engine date back to the early 60s. The V12 was designed by Giotto Bizzarini for the first Lambo Sportscar, the GT350. Then modified through the years and used in the Miura, the Countach the Diablo and more, but now getting on in years. Think that the Murcielago sucessor will get a completely new engine, maybe with a block related to the new V12 60degree Diesel Audi(Q7)?
05/02, 12:45 PM
posted by:
DeansterTJ
I don’t see anything wrong with sharing liberally with Audi. After all, Audi made them spectacular again. What’s better than Italian flair backed by German engineering? Match made in heaven.
05/02, 1:10 PM
posted by:
lyndon_h
I’m OK with Lambo using alot of the technologies that Audi has produced. Audi obviously has a winner on their hands with the R8, R10 (future road version) and R12TDI. I actually like the idea of getting an exotic with decent reliability. Who’d thunk you could get that from an Italian super(expensive)car
05/02, 1:54 PM
posted by:
F3INT))AP3X
I don’t see what’s the big deal here, Audi makes good parts and they are only rivaled by the likes of Bugatti and Rolls Royce for interior quality. And nobody makes more race and go-fast inspiring interiors than Audi, the stuff they do with red on black makes some people uncontrollable.
05/02, 3:14 PM
posted by:
hateful83
This is the exact opposite of any industry trend, good for them. Hopefully they’ll still be able to enjoy the sort of reliability they’ve gained by using Audi’s parts.
05/03, 6:04 PM
posted by:
LamborghiniZ
Good news. Go Lamborghini.
05/05, 1:38 AM
posted by:
Stinky007
Now they see it? I like the Gallardo very much, but it uses the same central console (satnav, climate control) from the A8, so I wouldn’t buy it if I want exclusivity!
I don’t mind sharing mechanical parts and the likes, but sharing interior panels is lame!
09/08, 7:19 PM
posted by:
uck errari
The interior of the Gallardo is one of the reasons I would ever buy that car over some of its competitors. Even compared to the Murcielago I’d choose the Gallardo interior. Why not complete the newly shaped exteior and meaty V-10 with an interior to match.