Not all that long ago, it would have seemed laughable that any supercar maker would even consider producing a sedan or an SUV. But the volume bug has bitten even the world’s most elite automakers, with a slew a new offerings offering high-speed performance and seating for four. Lamborghini is the latest supercar maker to throw its hat in the performance sedan arena – with the Estoque concept – and it looks like the four-door concept has a pretty good chance of making production.
According to Autocar, the Estoque is in the final discussion phases with Volkswagen’s board members, with a final approval sounding more likely than not. If VW’s board does ultimately give the Estoque the green light, the sleek four-door will begin final development in 2009, with an on sale date of late 2011.
Powertrain offerings have yet to be locked down, but Lamborghini will likely offer the Estoque with a turbocharged eight-cylinder and the same 5.2L V10 found in the Gallardo – albeit detuned to 500 horsepower and 450 lb-ft or torque. However, diesel and even hybrid powertrains remain on the table.
“But the opportunity is there to develop a turbocharged, maybe even a diesel engine for Estoque, and since the car could be well-priced and could sell in quite large numbers for us, it’s a big chance for us,” Lamborghini’s R&D boss Maurizio Reggiani told Autocar.
Whatever engine winds up being used in the Estoque, Lamborghini plans to equip it with a new seven-speed dual clutch gearbox.
If the Estoque does receive final approval, look for about 3,000 examples to be produced a year with a price tag under £150,000 ($238,000).
11/06, 12:31 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
beef steak. Beef Steak! BEEF STEAK!!!
Reminds me of Eric Cartman.
11/06, 12:54 PM
posted by:
cocksterS
I’m sure some might disagree with me, but I’ve always wanted to see Lambo do a modern take on the LM002. That thing was and still is a beast. People say an SUV is un-lambo. I say, the LM002 is as “lambo” as it gets. When one buys a lambo, it’s a way of giving a big middle finger to the rest of the world. What better way than with a COMPLETELY over-the-top, 700hp, 3.5 ton, $400,000 monster. Preferably in bright yellow. Comedy gold.
11/06, 12:56 PM
posted by:
cocksterS
…besides, how can you crush the proletariat with only 2″ of ground clearance?
11/06, 12:57 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
C0ckster, I agree with you. A modern LM002 would be really cool.
11/06, 12:57 PM
posted by:
swamp donkey
ummm tasty beef steak
11/06, 1:18 PM
posted by:
ckron247
As long as they continue to hand build these cars, I say do it. Its gonna be a quality sports car regardless of how many doors it has. The power under the hood will still be incredible. I look forward to how they fit into the market. Lambo still needs to stay competitive but without losing its exclusivity the company has achieved with its current line of exotic cars.
11/06, 1:52 PM
posted by:
yarddog82abn
SWEET……..
11/06, 1:53 PM
posted by:
A4
everyone that knows the LM002 wants another one… its a shame theyd never go for it
if they did it would just be a sharp edged cayenne, not a hummer H1 like it should be.
11/06, 2:03 PM
posted by:
eliteski2
Something like this maybe:
http://images.infomotori.com/foto/N/art_18872_2_lambopsp1.jpg
We don’t want Lambo to become the next sellout like Porsche. They’d need to stick to what their good at, quality, power, and exclusivity.
11/06, 4:09 PM
posted by:
pursang
a new LM002 would be pretty sweet but only if it doesn;t look like that picture eliteski posted. It seems to me that Lamborghini is the only exotic car company that could really get away with making an SUV, and in that case a four door. Imagine what the posts would be like if Ferrari were to build a modern four door, the California was bad enough.
11/06, 4:09 PM
posted by:
pursang
Oh and LLN a little bit more proof-reading would help quite a bit
11/06, 4:30 PM
posted by:
Rafa LL
These magnificent pieces will be bought by chic CEOs that don’t even know how to tie their Ferragamos.
It’s like buying a katana to peel pears.
11/07, 3:56 AM
posted by:
vortec4200
“We don’t want Lambo to become the next sellout like Porsche. They’d need to stick to what their good at, quality, power, and exclusivity.”
Power and exclusivity, absolutely, check. Quality and Lambo do not belong in the same sentence. Just ask those folks who have premature failing Audi-VW supplied transmissions in their Gallardo’s lol.
11/09, 6:08 PM
posted by:
Dindel
That posted picture is just a load of bull -sh*t. The rear wheels are larger than the arches, that roofline doesn’t even allow two, let alone four, and any suggestion of air flow management from that valance and rocker panels is absurd for a vehicle riding that high. ground effect? yeah right. Please don’t put up such stuff. Cars are designed by designers.
By the way, the LM 002 was a craggy beast, sure, but rather crude and underdeveloped.
12/30, 2:42 PM
posted by:
lambo lover
its a great idea that will surely sell