Automakers

Lamborghini Posts Record Profit For 2008, Shows No Signs Of Slowing Down

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 09:59:38 -0600

With the current economic state of the world, it's not news that many automakers are showing profit losses this year. The Detroit Three made headlines for their near-fatal financial issues, and best-selling automakers like Toyota are showing profit numbers in the red this year.

Lamborghini, however, posted record sales and profits for the fourth straight year, even though their largest-volume dealership closed down just recently. Looking ahead, the automaker has no plans to cut any funding for research and development and plans to expand their presence in the global marketplace.

Click through the post to read Lamborghini's official press release for all of the details.

Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. will deliver another record year's results in 2008. Official sales figures will be communicated on the occasion of Lamborghini´s appearance at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2009.

Even as a low volume luxury car manufacturer, Automobili Lamborghini is not unaffected by the present downturn in economic activities in the wake of the global financial crisis. However, the company is in a favourable strategic position due to its identity as a luxury brand of longstanding tradition. One of its core brand values is exclusivity, which is maintained through tight management of volumes and a strict policy of maintaining a strong forward order bank. This exclusivity is of essential relevance to both dealers and customers and is pivotal for the appeal of the brand.

Lamborghini has the most attractive product line-up in the company´s 45 year history. With at least one new product launched every year, and the continued development of the dealer network to maximise market penetration, Automobili Lamborghini has produced a year on year record performance in terms of turnover, profit and volumes for the last four years, together with a rare double digit profit margin. The company´s development marks one of the most respected company turn-around programmes in the automotive and luxury industries.

Long before 2009, the company took decisive steps to address potential market volatility. Production flexibility is made possible by cooperative concepts developed with the union representatives. Besides flexible working hours, it provides the opportunity to create training and qualification programmes during work hours. There will be no layoffs, but an extension of the Christmas holiday for eight days has been confirmed.

Lamborghini will not divert from its long-term strategy. Investment into R&D will not be reduced, and there will be ongoing expansion of its brand presence on a world-wide scale, with more new products and further expansion of its dealer network. The company will continue its strategy of announcing at least one new product each year. The latest examples of this are the new Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Coupe for which deliveries commenced summer 2008, and the Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder unveiled in November 2008 with market launch in spring 2009. Lamborghini continues its stated objectives of becoming the most profitable supersportscar manufacturer, the most attractive employer and the most attractive brand in its market.

Lamborghini Delivers Last Reventón Supercar

Seyth Miersma — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 14:49:52 -0600

Representing the pinnacle of the Lamborghini lineup since its debut at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, the ultra exclusive Reventón supercar has reached the end of its very short production run, with car number 20 of 20 being delivered to its well-heeled owner from its birthplace in Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy. The hand-built Reventón is perhaps the most over-the-top road-going vehicle that Lamborghini has ever offered—a sinister looking, one million euro, 650 horsepower V-12 beast of a machine.Lamborghini CEO and President Stephan Winklemann personally handed off the keys to Reventón number 20, calling the car, “The most extreme of all – a superlative on wheels.”

Despite is limited status and the clandestine nature of its owner group (Lamborghini claims that all Reventón buyers have asked to remain anonymous), we have already seen at least one example turn up on the exotic clearinghouse known as eBay Motors. Perhaps not all of the hand-selected owners respect the storied brand as much as they should?

Scroll down below to read the full Lamborghini press release or revisit the Reventón in the gallery above.

A super sports car, yet one that defies comparison – the Lamborghini Reventón is both an ultimate driving machine and limited work of art – with a total of only 20 built and a price of one million Euro (excl. tax), every Reventón is highly exclusive and virtually unique. The Reventón bearing the number 20/20 has now been delivered to its proud owner – thus completing the series.

Highly skilled craftsmanship

Each Reventón was produced with extremely skilled and high-precision craftsmanship in Sant’Agata Bolognese, the home of the brand and the birthplace of all super sports cars bearing the sign of the bull. “The Reventón, however, is the most extreme of all – a superlative on wheels. Based on the technical underpinnings of the Murciélago, we have concentrated and further enhanced the brand’s DNA – its genetic code,” says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., who personally handed over Reventón Number 20 to its new owner at the factory.

Enjoy the incomparable driving pleasure

20 friends and collectors of Lamborghini cars – who all wish to remain anonymous – now own this unique piece. Most of them view the Reventón not only as the highlight of their collection, but also want to enjoy the intensity of the incomparable driving pleasure. Ultimately, the Reventón, aside from its extreme form, boasts the full technical and dynamic competence of Lamborghini’s 12-cylinder sports cars. This means the breathtaking performance of 650 hp and a top speed of 340 km/h. It also means absolute reliability and the feasibility of everyday use.

A future legend

This offers all other Lamborghini fans the chance of at least occasionally coming across a Reventón, be it on a beautiful mountain road, at the side of a race track or at an exclusive social event. And one thing is also certain – in future, a few of the 20 Reventón will be available for admiration in a museum. Because Lamborghini has not only created a design masterpiece, it has also added another classic to the rich history of the brand. The lucky owners can be justly pleased.

Lamborghini Estoque Concept Revealed! Engine Still A Mystery

Seyth Miersma — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:23:23 -0500

Ferrari may be swearing off four door cars – at least for twenty years or so – but the steady hands running things at Automobili Lamborghini had no such compunctions today, using the occasion of the Paris Motor Show to debut the stunning Estoque “super sports sedan” concept. The newest Lamborghini may find itself tacked with that “stunning” tag more often than it finds a word like “beautiful” written down, as we found throughout the course of the day that more than a few journalists weren’t buying what Estoque was selling (your writer, for the record, found the car rather gorgeous).

Estoque may be labeled as a concept for now, but with Lamborghini taking pains to point out the production feasibility of the sedan, we’d be willing to bet that it – or something very like it – will eventually find its way into a showroom.

The Italian supercar maker wouldn’t let itself be pinned down on the choice of a powerplant for Estoque, mentioning only that a range of “fascinating” alternatives exist for the car. Lambo does press the point that the car is indeed mid- and not front-engined, pointing out that any future mill will be located well behind the front axle.

Check out our live gallery of Lamborghini Estoque images above, or scroll down below to read the full (and huge) press release.

Lamborghini Estoque Concept

It is a Lamborghini like no other before it: a four-door sports car that sticks resolutely to its creed. The Lamborghini Estoque concept has everything that defines a Lamborghini: extreme, uncompromising and unmistakably Italian, it brings a whole new versatility to the brand's DNA - with its four seats and ample luggage space, this "everyday sports car" is a perfect fit for an equally versatile lifestyle.

Lamborghini Estoque is a study, a concept created specifically for the 2008 Salon d'Automobiles in Paris. From the very first glance there can be no doubt that this is a Lamborghini - a car with compelling presence, both unique and unmistakable. The long wheelbase, the low profile, the broad track, the mighty, accentuated wheels, the clean surfaces and razor-sharp definition - every single line breathes the spirit of the Lamborghini brand.

A new and unique elegance

The Lamborghini Estoque is an entirely new interpretation of the Sant' Agata design ethic: it is a concept that provides a clear indication of the future. This applies to the new, elegant self-confidence of the lines themselves, but even more to the concept of the vehicle. The Lamborghini Estoque is the first sedan in the history of Automobili Lamborghini, although "sedan" is more a reference to the number of doors than any other characteristics. Even sports sedan is an inadequate classification: the Lamborghini Estoque establishes a new category of super sports sedans. With a powerful front mid-engine, permanent all-wheel drive and a sophisticated, precision-tuned chassis, the Lamborghini Estoque boasts a unique technology package.

A sign of success

In Paris, the Lamborghini Estoque demonstrates the innovation, the creativity and the design flair of the Lamborghini brand, currently represented by the enormous success enjoyed by Lamborghini Gallardo and Murciélago super sports cars.

As a concept, the Lamborghini Estoque represents one of several possibilities for a third model series within the Lamborghini product line-up. At this point in time, no decisions have been taken in respect of either a third model series of any kind or of the Lamborghini Estoque concept in particular.

Of course, as a true Lamborghini, it goes without saying that the Lamborghini Estoque also bears a suitably powerful name with a rich heritage from the Spanish Corrida - bull fighting. The Lamborghini Estoque is a rapier (sword), approximately 90 centimetres (35.43 inches) long, used in a bull fight by the Matador.

The Concept

Lamborghini Estoque embodies the concept of a Lamborghini that is both a dedicated sports car and a relaxed Gran Turismo. As a sedan with four doors and four individual sports seats, it is a multi-faceted vehicle for multi-faceted lifestyles.

Relaxed Gran Turismo

The Lamborghini Estoque is the perfect travelling companion, be it en route to business meetings, the theatre, the golf course or even a weekend away with the kids. At the end of the day, it is the only car that allows you to share the singular driving pleasure of a Lamborghini with more than one person - possibly even with the whole family. And there is still enough room left over for weekend luggage or several golf bags.

Despite its extremely low profile - at a mere 1.35 meters (4.43 feet) high - the Lamborghini Estoque is surprisingly spacious. The secret lies in its very long wheelbase which, in spite of the rearwards positioning of the front mid-engine, enables a relaxed, sporty seating position. Entering and exiting is also pleasingly straightforward through the large, wide-opening doors.

Challenging: a thoroughbred sports car

At the same, the Lamborghini Estoque is a thoroughbred sports car with exceptionally refined power delivery, razor-sharp precision handling and a meaty engine tone. Challenging driving pleasure on a winding mountain road, followed by a relaxed, enjoyable journey along miles and miles of motorway- the Lamborghini Estoque is commanding across the entire driving spectrum, at the highest level. The Lamborghini Estoque's versatility makes it the perfect addition to the range of Lamborghini super sports cars.

Design

Such a Lamborghini must be immediately recognizable in its design as a unique and unmistakable work of art. For the Lamborghini Estoque, this is clearly a case of "mission accomplished."

The proportions of the Lamborghini Estoque are simply fascinating: no other automobile combines so convincingly the elegance of length with the sporting attributes of a low profile and impressive breadth. Or to put it into figures - the concept painted in an all-new color, is 5.15 meters (16.89 feet) long and 1.99 meters (6.53 feet) wide, with a height of only 1.35 metres (4.43 feet). The wheelbase is a stately 3.01 meters (9.88 feet) - an equally important element of elegant vehicle architecture.

And it is unequivocally Italian - the flat bonnet, the long wheelbase, the narrow window openings, the flat rear that ends decisively with a negative return - it is all pure "Italianità" on wheels; everything bears the design language of the large classic Italian four-door cars, albeit with a unique, modern interpretation. Pure Lamborghini.

Clearly a sports car

The front end of the Lamborghini Estoque is a clear and unambiguous statement of its sports car credentials. Its place amongst the family of Lamborghini super sports cars is also distinct and unmistakable - with its swooping V-shape, its two large air intakes pulled forward and the small front spoiler in between. This front end design gives the Lamborghini Estoque a firm, low stance, while providing excellent aerodynamic efficiency. The large air intakes facilitate the cooling air that is important for such a high-performance vehicle and the spoiler was specifically designed to improve aerodynamic balance at high speeds.

Such distinctive sports car architecture is only possible by positioning the front mid-engine well towards the rear. Despite the very low bonnet, it goes without saying that the Lamborghini Estoque fulfils all safety regulations and pedestrian protection standards.

Taut muscles

The bonnet of the Lamborghini Estoque makes the origins of the sheer power of this vehicle immediately apparent. The location of the engine is clearly evident through the distinct division created by two large air outlets and the additional emphasis of a central power area. Further air outlets are positioned both left and right in the wings, behind each of the front wheel arches.

Together, with the division of the bonnet, these elements add emphasis to the area above the wheels, framing the front end of the Lamborghini Estoque like a taut muscle. The permanent all-wheel drive that is typical for all Lamborghinis means that the 22 inch wheels, with their new five double-spoke design, also do their part in delivering power to the road. Here too, the Centro Stile has stuck firmly to the Lamborghini principle that form always follows function; after all, the ample cooling air flowing into the high-performance driveline also has to move quickly out of the vehicle.

Tremendous tension along the flanks

Its proportions guarantee the Lamborghini Estoque an impressive appearance. The skilled sectioning along the flanks of the vehicle gives the body shell an incredibly muscular form. Beneath the flat surfaces of the bonnet, the incredibly powerful shoulder line, a further side line rising slightly towards the rear and, finally, the equally distinct sill line all add emphasis to the flow of power from the engine to the magnificent 23 inch rear wheels. The masculine profile is completed by the negative return of the rear end. This adds further tension to the form of the Lamborghini Estoque - the whole car looks coiled and ready to pounce at the drop of a hat. These sharp lines frame a fascinating interplay of surfaces across convex and concave curvatures. The Lamborghini Estoque clearly displays the design language of the Centro Stile Lamborghini with a distinctive elegance.

Powerful elegance at the rear

The flow of form is brought to its conclusion by the broad, even expanse of the rear end. The horizontal split created by the flat LED light clusters and the large, mesh-covered lower air outlets bring additional emphasis to this breadth. A narrow, slightly slanted "frame" panel surrounds the whole rear aspect and further highlights its powerful elegance.

Precise details, such as the hexagonal fuel caps on both sides of the vehicle, characterize the depth of the design language. The front headlamps, featuring bi-Xenon and LED technology, carry forward a theme evident in both the Lamborghini Reventón and the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 - the Y-shape of the daytime running lights. The tiny green/white/red flag adorning the front wings discreetly highlights that an automotive statement as uncompromising as this one can come from only one country on Earth - from Italy.

The interior

Despite its extremely low profile, the Lamborghini Estoque offers a surprisingly generous feeling of spaciousness. The length of the interior facilitates a relaxed seating position for all four individual seats and plays a significant role in the supreme comfort of this super sports sedan over long distances. The interior reflects elements of the exterior design language, also evident in the cabin of the Lamborghini Estoque - in the distinctive lines of the door panels or in the swooping V-shape applied to the cockpit, reflecting the form used on the front end and on the bonnet.

Luxurious interior

The dominant material of the interior is highest-quality Nappa leather. The four individual seats boast sporting contours, supreme long-distance comfort and extensive electrical positioning options.

Cockpit with large-screen display

The cockpit presents the driver with a large-area LCD screen displaying vehicle and route information. A range of presentation formats are available for selection depending on personal preference - a distinctive classical layout with circular instrument dials, or an innovative digital display. A top-class audio installation and a sophisticated rear seat entertainment system round off the equipment.

Like the interior, the luggage compartment of the Lamborghini Estoque is also surprisingly spacious. Despite the low-profile rear end, it has plenty room for several golf bags or pieces of luggage.

Production feasibility

As a pure concept car, the Lamborghini Estoque is a design exercise and a further indication of the innovative power of the Lamborghini brand. Yet, it is based on a feasible technical concept that offers a whole range of fascinating alternatives for the body shell and driveline.

Just like the brand's super sports cars, the Lamborghini Estoque uses a mid-engine layout. However, the high-performance driveline used here is not located in front of the rear axle, as in the Gallardo and Murciélago or in the Reventón, but behind the front axle. This front mid-engine concept, with the driveline set way back, facilitates balanced weight distribution and a centre of gravity close to the vehicle's vertical axis. Both ensure the unparalleled agility and handling precision of a mid-engine vehicle.

Reserves in every situation

Like all contemporary Lamborghini models, the Lamborghini Estoque is also equipped with permanent all-wheel drive. It distributes the engine power to all four wheels, thus making for superior traction in all driving situations, as well as providing extra reserves for extremely sporty driving and for challenging weather conditions.

A range of drivelines is conceivable for the Lamborghini Estoque. This is headed up by the highly-acclaimed Lamborghini ten-cylinder from the Gallardo LP 560-4 - with more torque and higher revving than virtually any other engine. A complementary alternative could be a turbocharged eight-cylinder derived from this V10. A particularly economical, but nevertheless dynamic, variation would be a V8 with a hybrid module or an extremely high-performance TDI.

The Centro Stile Lamborghini

With the Estoque, the Centro Stile Lamborghini has created further proof of its creativity and attention to detail. The design centre that opened in 2004 is a studio of creatives, designers and model makers that combines the culture and the spirit of the brand with the power of innovation and of creating a new aesthetic. The Centro Stile Lamborghini is part of the best tradition of Italian vehicle design, and is leading the way forward with the latest in working techniques.

The Centro Stile is located in a 2,900 sq. meter (31,215 sq. feet) facility, where it occupies two interconnected floors. The generously proportioned design studio is equipped with two full-size surface tables and their associated tooling and measuring equipment, while further areas house the latest in computer workstations for the creative experts and a workshop for the model makers. The Centro Stile is also connected directly to the neighbouring Ufficio Tecnico - the direct link to Lamborghini's development department ensures the rapid realization of ideas. Speed is a key aspect for Lamborghini, for both its cars and its working processes; the Reventón was created in the record time of less than one year.

In-house creativity and implementation

From the first sketches made either on paper or using the three-dimensional computer program, through 1:10 or 1:4 scale models to full-size models, the complete design process is organized within small, fast-moving teams.

Since it was founded, the Lamborghini brand has been bringing innovative design trends to the rarefied atmosphere of the world's most desirable automobiles, and producing vehicles with absolutely unmistakable character. Models such as the Miura and the Countach were way ahead of their time, but quickly attained the status of timeless classics. From their first appearance, every new Lamborghini is destined to become a legend and sought-after collectors' item.

With the current Murciélago and Gallardo, Lamborghini has once again perfected an innovative design language. The exterior proportions provide an indication of the power and dynamic character of the driveline. Crisply-defined edges, precision lines and clean surfaces result in a design that is reduced to its very essence.

Every element is designed precisely in accordance with its function. Examples of this on the Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 include the movable cooling air intakes and the asymmetric sills; on the left side of the vehicle, the air intake is significantly larger to accommodate the flow of fresh air to the oil cooler.

Clear lines, perfect details

The unmistakable form of a Lamborghini is something that always speaks for itself: ornamentation or decoration of any kind has absolutely no place here. This firmly places the current models that bear the sign of the bull within the best traditions of their brand and of 60s and 70s Italian vehicle design. The sports cars of that time were acclaimed for their perfect proportions and for their objective, functional elegance that required no embellishment of any kind.

The purist execution of the lines is complemented perfectly by the passion for detail possessed by the designers in Sant' Agata Bolognese. The rear view of the Murciélago LP 640 is distinctive not only for its impressive power, but also for the fine interplay of the elements in the sophisticated rear light cluster.

The sensuality of precision and performance

A Lamborghini is a high performance athlete. Its high degree of sensuality is based on precision, performance and spontaneous action. This type of elegance is the elegance of pure, unadulterated power. This Lamborghini DNA is carried forward into future products at the Centro Stile, which is destined to continue to set clear design trends - the Lamborghini Estoque is the perfect example.

The design centre on the site of the historical birthplace of all Lamborghinis guarantees the super sports cars with the bull brand will remain exclusive, sensual and challenging - and always unmistakably Italian.

Separated at Birth: Lamborghini Estoque and 1969 Dodge Charger? 1999 Dodge Charger?!

Chris Paukert — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:18:07 -0500

Call us crazy, but we can’t help but see a bit of 1969 Dodge Charger in Lamborghini’s stunning new Paris concept . From the muscular rear fender haunches to the flowing rear pillars integrating a flat, narrow rear window, to the squinty rectilinear taillamps and license plate cutout, there’s a certain kinship between the Estoque and Challenger's rear three-quarter view. Yes, the abbreviated deck and four-door configuration on the current Charger is closer to that of the Lambo than the erstwhile Dukes of Hazzard-era staple, but the lighting cinches it for us. Heck, there’s even a bit of the next Chevrolet Camaro in there, too.

Perhaps we shouldn't be surprised... Chrysler did own Lamborghini back in the Eighties, remember?

Spy Shot: Lamborghini Estoque Leaked Ahead of Paris Debut

Chris Paukert — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 11:16:25 -0500

The trickle of official images teasing Lamborghini’s four-door Paris Motor Show has turned into a torrent, thanks to France’s AutoJournal.fr . The car, currently known as the Estoque, exhibits a forceful, Reventon-inspired front end, and a clean profile with the sort of greenhouse that most companies trot out the “four-door coupe” designation for. It terminates in a muscular set of rear fenders below a short deck that, truth be told, looks a bit Dodge Charger-esque to our eyes.

While there’s no official word on what’s underneath, the long front hood would seem to accommodate a big powerplant. Our best bet has the Gallardo LP 560-4’s V-10 lurking underneath, probably developing somewhere near that car’s 560 horsepower. All-wheel drive is also a likely carryover.

Will Lamborghini produce this car to battle the pending Aston Martin Rapide and Porsche Panamera, as well as established offerings from Maserati and Bentley? We wouldn’t bet on an announcement in Paris, but we’d be surprised if this stunner doesn’t find its way into the Lamborghini catalog very soon.

+ AutoJournal.fr (via Autoblog and World Car Fans )

Lamborghini Teases Paris Concept

Seyth Miersma — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 09:33:54 -0500

Lamborghini has released a few highly provocative teaser images which hint at an undoubtedly spectacular show car it has prepared for launch at the Paris Motor Show next month. With the two images revealing only a dual rear exhaust, and the flash of a wheel and fender, the car could be just about anything at this point. Speculation that Lambo is working on its own super sedan makes a great deal of sense however, don’t rule that option out just yet. Have a look at the tantalizing images in our gallery above and stay tuned for the inevitable next one as it rolls out.

"I have fully customized Louis Vuitton interior" "Thats nice, but mine came stock with Versace"

pschaub@nextscreen.com — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:56:35 -0500

Customizing is normally the first step that most professional athletes and musicians take after purchasing an already very unique and luxurious vehicle. Sometimes these cars are completely customized before even being delivered to the proud new owner. With the launch of the new Special Edition Lamborghini, the burning desire to customize the interior will no longer be present. Yea maybe you could replace the rims, but the odds of someone having one of these down the street from you which inevitably requires you to install different rims so that people know who’s who are probably something like one in a billion. When considering this new ride you can forget about putting in suede interior and you can definitely leave behind the Louis Vuitton leather, because your new special edition Lambo is the Lamborghini Murcielage LP 460 Roadster Versace Edition. Lamborghini and Versace have joined forced to create this some what gimmicky culmination of automotive and fashion design. The limited edition vehicle will be produced to order, display white livery and the Versace Greek key motif on the lower part of the doors. It will be equipped for the first time with a transparent engine hood that reveals the powerful V12 engine. This model has also been completely reconfigured internally, including cradle seats which will have clad in black and white leather while opulent full grain soft nappa leather - hand embroidered with the Versace Greek fret motif upholsters the instrument panel, the doors and the central console. The new partnership will also include the production of Versace clothing and accessories influenced by the LP640’s design and body lines. These hand-made pieces will boast traditional craftsmanship, stitching and edging a la francaise and a palladium-engraved tag displaying both the Versace and Lamborghini logos. So for those of you who own Versace clothing or shoes, well then this may be exactly what you’ve been waiting for. Now for those of you who don’t, well then maybe you’ll see one on MTV Cribs.

New York 2008: Lambo Batmobile Controversy

Matt Davis — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 15:00:22 -0500

Right here in Gotham, Lamborghini has cleared up rumors we were harboring regarding the showing later this evening of the LP640 Lamborghini used by Bruce Wayne in the latest Batman sequel The Dark Knight.

Long story short, we are not going to see any Lambo Batmobile today. Not even the Mattel model version that was outed two days ago on MTV.

Turns out Time Warner is the mother company to Mattel now and that this model dude thought he'd just go ahead and whip out a Lambo Batmo. All of this got around the camp fire and the story ballooned out to an actual LamboBat showing up at this evening's charity event sponsored by Lamborghini in the lobby of the New York show's Javits convention center.

Not happening, according to Lamborghini representatives. The model building boy has been tracked down and phone calls went in to Time Warner VPs, and the cease-and-desists have been sent out to all offending parties. It'll finish up amicably and no one meant any harm, but the humble model cobbler "has caused some serious repercussions for the moment."

More importantly as a side note, two LP640 Murcielagos reportedly were destroyed in the making of the Batman film. Cool, Beavis.

‘08 Geneva: Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4

Phil Floraday — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 05:00:46 -0600

Lamborghini pulled the wraps off its Gallardo LP560-4 supercar here in Geneva. The 560 ups horsepower to 560 (big surprise, right?) and sheds weight to achieve a 0-60 mph sprint in 3.7 seconds. This seems like typical stuff for Lamborghini, but those improvements also post an 18 percent reduction in CO2 emissions and fuel consumption. Top speed is a healthy 201 mph and the Gallardo now sports some LEDs for daytime running lights. The improvements aren't game-changing, but there's no doubt Lamborghini will sell every copy it decides to produce.

(Follow the jump to read Lamborghini's official press release.)

Sant'Agata Bolognese, March 3rd, 2008
Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4
Setting a New Standard
Powerful elegance - a new definition
With the new Gallardo LP560-4, Lamborghini once again sets a higher standard for super sports cars. With its new engine, permanent four-wheel drive transmission and new suspension, it delivers clearly improved performance and dynamics. In parallel, its innovative design takes the classic lines unique to the Lamborghini brand one step further. Powerful elegance has never been so defined before.
The Gallardo LP560-4 is the successor of the most successful Lamborghini model of all time. Approximately 7100 Gallardo models have left the Sant'Agata Bolognese production plant since its launch in 2003. "The LP560-4 will consolidate this success story," states Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. "It will outclass its predecessor in every aspect; its dynamics are distinctly breathtaking and its design sets new standards. With the introduction of the Gallardo LP560-4, we will consistently continue Lamborghini's growth strategy".
The powerful heart of the Gallardo LP560-4 is the new 5.2 litre V10 engine with an output of 560 PS (412 kW) at 8000 rpm. The increase of 40 PS compared with that of the previous Gallardo, and the approximate 20 kilogram reduction in weight, improves the power weight ratio to 2.5 kilograms per PS (hp) and thus enhances performance. The LP560-4 accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, its speed at 11.8 seconds is 200 km/h and its top speed lies at 325 km/h. At the same time the new, highly efficient engine enthrals its driver with its direct fuel injection system - "Iniezione Diretta Stratificata". Despite its clearly increased power, fuel consumption and CO 2 emissions have been reduced by a staggering 18 percent.
The engineers in the Sant'Agata-based Technical Department have also improved traction, handling and stability at high speeds. The redesigned four-wheel drive transmission, the new suspension and the optimised aerodynamics as well as the reduced weight and decreased friction between the components, all contribute to the overall improvements in
the vehicle. Thus the Gallardo LP560-4 presents itself as a cutting edge super sports car also suitable for the race-track. The car is also surprisingly suited to long-distance driving and despite its extreme performance capabilities is easy to control whilst maintaining utmost stability.
The Style
Powerful elegance
A Lamborghini is and always will be a highly efficient athlete. Its extreme sensuality is based upon precision, performance and on spontaneous action. A Lamborghini's elegance is that of stark, purist strength. This DNA of the Lamborghini brand is being continuously developed by the Centro Stile in every new car. Thus the Gallardo LP560-4 displays the precise lines and clean surface edges in its distinctly minimalist design. Ornaments or embellishments of any form are alien to it.
Evolution of form systematically follows the demands of function: the newly designed front of the LP 560-4 squats deeply to the ground which contributes to its aerodynamic efficiency. The enlarged and clearly accentuated cooling intakes meet the demands of augmented engine power thus increasing the air circulation vital to a vehicle as powerful as
this. The spoiler, positioned low between the air intakes, improves aerodynamic equilibrium at high speeds.
Characteristic LED – Daytime running light
The new headlights have a characteristic 'daytime' running light integrated beneath the Bi-Xenon lamps: 15 diodes (LED) have been positioned in a Y structure. The same motif appears again in the rear tail-lights. The stop and brake lights have been inspired by the Miura Concept, the Murcie

eBay Auction of the Day: 1989 Lamborghini LM002

Seyth Miersma — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 16:30:33 -0600

Big, bluff, with a sense of style that’s flamboyant even for a Lamborghini, the LM002 (or “Rambo Lambo

Lamborghini’s Gallardo to Gain Power, New Nose in Geneva

Evan McCausland — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 14:00:14 -0600

There's little to fault with Lamborghini's Gallardo (pictured), but that's not stopping the super car maker from packing it with more power. According to Inside Line, a high-output variant, reportedly named LP550, will make its debut at March's Geneva Motor Show.

We hear the current 5.0-liter V-10 will be replaced by a 5.2-liter ten-cylinder, fitted with Audi's FSI direct-injection technology. Total output of the new mill will reportedly be 550 horsepower (hence the nomenclature) and 390 lb-ft of torque. That's a 30 hp and 15 lb-ft boost over the 5.0-liter.

Inside Line says the changes don't stop there; both manual and E-gear transmissions have been revised to handle more torque, while the all-wheel-drive system is lighter and (reportedly) more efficient. With extra power comes great responsibility, which is why the LP550 is also slated for some chassis tuning and an upgraded braking system, helping reign in all 550 ponies.

But don't expect a "sleeper;" the LP550 will sport restyled front and rear fascias unique to the car. We'll wait to see if it's anywhere as aggressive as the Reventón, but the LP550 will be much cheaper. With normal a Gallardo stickering at $182,000 in the U.S., the LP550 version may run in the low-to-mid $200,000's.

+ Inside Line: Geneva Preview - Lamborghini Gallardo LP550