New Lamborghini Estoque saloon may be a hybrid
Author: Robin Brown
Published: 02 October 2008
Lamborghini has finally revealed the Estoque saloon concept, and revealed another stunner - the new supersaloon may be a hybrid.
A year after decrying forthcoming Europe-wide emissions regulations, Lambo has indicated that it may go down the clean diesel or hybrid routes in introducing powertrains for the Estoque. Either option would have been unthinkable five years ago.
Lamborghini calls the new Estoque everything from an "everyday sports car," to the rather more intriguing and enigmatic it "is not just a new Lamborghini. It's a whole new world."
"It is a concept that provides a clear indication of the future," says the Sant'Agata supercar manufacturer. "This applies to the new, elegant self-confidence of the lines themselves, but even more to the concept of the vehicle."
Referring to the existing Gallardo and Murcielago modes, a spokesman said of the Estoque: "This car is something different. It's for every day use."
The Estoque is likely to retail at around £110,000 - putting it up against the likes of the Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide.
The Estoque currently remains a concept, but it seems likely that a production model will be available by 2010, if only to cause a headache for Porsche, which is attempting to take control of Volkswagen - a move strongly resisted by various factions under the VW umbrella.
Low-slung and sharply angled, the Estoque is clearly a Lamborghini, from any angle. It's essentially an extended Murcielago but its looks do not appear compromised by the length, an incredible 17 feet long.
The engine is mounted just behind the rear axle, allowing for a near 50:50 front:rear weight distribution.
The Estoque will likely be powered by the 520bhp V10 as seen in the Gallardo, but Lamborhini has suggested that "a particularly economical, but nevertheless dynamic, variation would be a V8 with a hybrid module or an extremely high-performance TDI."
Lamborghini has the experience with clean diesels from across the Volkswagen group, and can also draw on Audi's hybrid experience - suggesting either likelihood is possible, and with EU emissions targets approaching quickly the alternative engines make perfect sense.
Audi's astonishingly powerful and well-received diesel-powered R8 also suggests that such a move is viable.
• Click here for a new Lamborghini Estoque video.
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