Lamborghini News

[Stoopie]

Originally Posted by TopGearNL Originally Posted by Stoopie Did they say which model was the best selling car? I bet it was the Gallardo! Offcourse it was, thats what its for

Besides being a great car

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"Lamborghini will be bringing to the show a new lightweight, high-performance version of the Gallardo called the Superleggera, a term that refers to lightweight body construction. This stripped-down V-10-powered exotic is ideally suited for those looking to participate in track days or amateur racing."

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Yeah, I'm with you Dani.. bring back the RWD lambos!

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From Autoblog:

The battle between the Prancing Horse and the Raging Bull is the most epic in the automotive industry, with Maranello and Sant'Agata always searching for ways to one-up eachother. (Which one is Borat and which one is his neighbor with the iPod mini depends on your perspective.) So with Ferrari preparing to release the F430 Challenge Stradale, Lamborghini wasn't going to be left holding its fedora. That's why reports are surfacing that Lamborghini is working on a new, lightweight version of the Gallardo.

Reviving the classic Superleggera name from Italian automotive history, the Gallardo Superleggera will shed "frills" from the cabin (for example sound insulation, thick glass, carpeting, power features, stereo, air conditioning and leather) and replace body panels with carbon fiber, a targeted weight savings of 220 lbs, bringing the total curb weight to less than 3000 lbs. However, unlike pre-Audi lightweight special Lambos, the Gallardo is expected to retain its all-wheel-drive.

Reports also suggest a slight increase in power (likely from a revised exhaust), adding an extra 10 hp that should help the leaner Lambo drop a good half-second off its 0-60 sprint.

From Car Scoop:
530Hp, 1.330kg and 0-100km/h in 3,8 sec: that’s the Gallardo “Superleggera” is in a nutshell. Unlike our previous post on the Opel Agila, the “Superleggera” is a done deal; this souped-up lightweight Gallardo will make its appearance at the Geneva Show. We had been tipped about this one but we didn’t have any photos to go with it until now that is, thanks to a “paparazzi” at Supercar Forums who posted a scanned image of the car from Quattroruote magazine.

The “Superleggera” boasts minor engine upgrades, adding another 10hp to the 5.0 V10 thus, raising output to 530Hp. Even though the ‘Superleggera” (unfortunately) maintains the 4WD system, thanks to the extensive use of carbonfibre and the stripped-down-to-basics interior the Gallardo lost 100kg (220,5 pounds) reducing overall weight to 1.330kg (2.932 pounds).

Expect changes in the brake and suspension departments as well as the obvious aesthetic upgrades that include sexy dark grey rims and a rear diffuser. Apart from promising to offer improved handling over the basic Gallardo the “Superleggera” also boasts a better time for the 0 to 100 km/h sprint as it manages to do the ton in 3,8 sec (normal version 4,2 sec).

-This should make for very interesting competition for the 911 GT3 RS and the upcoming F430 CS I can't wait for the Geneva Motor Show -- so many exciting cars to make their debut (even in concept form)

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http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/01/l...der-the-knife/

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Automobili Lamborghini Targets to Become Most Profitable Supersportscar Manufacturer

- Deliveries increase by 30,4 % and surpass 2087 unit threshold for the first time
- FINANCIAL YEAR 2006: Revenue up 43 % to 346Mio.€
- Result before tax increases by 311% to 18,1 Mio.€
- Continued growth in volumes and sales forecasted for 2007
- 2007 production already sold out

In financial year 2006 (ending Dec 31), the Italian Supersportscar Manufacturer Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. achieved the third record year in a row after having reached profitability in 2004. All key business figures are up clearly and reach new all-time highs. Deliveries to customers grew by over 30% and reached 2087 cars, thus surpassing the 2000-unit limit for the first time in the history of the company. Total revenues increased by 43% from 243,0 Mio.€ to 346,3 Mio.€. Having turned profitable in 2004 already, 2006 marks highly over proportional profit growth. Result before tax increased by 311% and reached 18,1 Mio.€. All major figures are clearly above plan and above the growth of the market segment. ....



Major factors driving growth and profitability in the reporting period are threefold: The youngest and most attractive model line-up ever with two new models in 2006 alone, continued focussed expansion of the dealer network, especially in the Asian markets as well as increased brand awareness with customers and the public.


“With our corporate turn-around to sustained profitability and growth into world-wide presence, Automobili Lamborghini is steadily increasing its overall brand value to all stakeholders. We are achieving this not only by once more surpassing all our important budget figures. Moreover, to customers, partners, shareholders and our dedicated staff and also to the interested public, we fulfilled the brand promises of exclusivity, leading-edge design and sympathetic luxury. However, the only thing that can stop us, is our own self-complacency, and the whole company is decided not to let this happen.” stated Stephan Winkelmann, CEO & President of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A..


The strongest growth showed the European market, with volumes sales increasing by 50% to 746 units. Most important national markets were Germany (up by 41% to 234 units) and the UK (up by 81% to 151 cars delivered). The home market Italy established itself as another European growth market and increased by 38% to 134 units sold. The largest market – with 876 units sold - continued to be the US with a growth rate of plus 34.1%.
The overall growth was driven by strategic expansion of the dealer network on the one hand. By the end of 2006 there were 100 Lamborghini dealerships world-wide. The year marks the new presence in new growth markets by opening up flagship stores in Russia (Moscow) and India (New Delhi). Other partnerships opened up in Houston, Boston, Detroit and Prag.


On the other hand, the year also marks a further expansion of the product portfolio. Based on the two major base models, Lamborghini Gallardo and Lamborghini Murciélago, there were two new models introduced into the world-wide markets. In the beginning of 2006, the Gallardo Spyder was launched, while the new Murciélago Coupe LP 640 was introduced in summer. The open version, the Murciélago LP 640 Roadster, was presented in November and will come to the markets in these present weeks. Additional growth was contributed by merchandising revenues, that increased from by 85%. For financial year 2007, the company plans to continue to generate solid and sustainable growth in sales and profits as well as in the product line-up. The production is already sold out for all of 2007. The sales network will be in full delivery mode and ten more partnerships will be opened up, among them Kiew (Ukraine) and Mumbay (India). As for the longer term outlook, Automobili Lamborghini plans to show sustained growth increase above its market segment figures. Thus, Automobili Lamborghini plans to become the most profitable brand in the Supersportscar segment in the world.

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Lagarito 2009? Edmunds.com reports Lamborghini has reserved a name for a sport coupe. The name honors a 19th century matador who spared the life of a bull named...Murcielago. In a somewhat related story, someone once put a cart before the horse. We'll continue to follow this one and see if a car follows the name.

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CEO says new rules won’t wreck Lamborghini
By MATT MOORE
The Associated Press
GENEVA — Any automaker would love to be in the position that Italy’s Lamborghini holds.

Customer loyalty is intense with repeat buyers more than willing to shell out hundreds of thousands of dollars for a new model even before they take shape on the assembly line in Bologna, Italy. Lamborghini is in the enviable position of being able to announce a new version and have it sell out before one bolt is tightened.

But the cars — famous for precision and design — are infamous on fuel efficiency, a potential drawback in Europe, where curbs on emissions are taking hold. At the 77th annual Geneva Motor Show, the color in style is more earthly green than race-car red, as carmakers try to lure eco-inspired consumers to showrooms with cleaner diesel engines, hybrids and the promise of fuel cells and batteries.

That is not to say Stephan Winkelmann, chief executive of Automobili Lamborghini Holding SpA, is worried the venerable carmaker could find itself singled out by campaigners who want to make an example out of it.

“We are sticking to emissions rules in every country we are selling to,” he told The Associated Press in an interview on the sidelines of the Geneva Motor Show. “As part of the (Volkswagen) group, but even as Lamborghini, we have to meet the standards, and we are doing the best that we can do.”

Concern over emissions has taken a firm hold in the European Union, with the 27-member bloc setting a goal of 4.6 ounces of C02 per half-mile per vehicle by 2012, down from around 5.75 ounces per half-mile, on average now.

Winkelmann conceded Lamborghini’s models, which include the Murcielago LP640 Roadster and the new Gallardo Superleggera, would not fall in line with those regulations.

“We’re a niche within a niche,” Winkelmann said, given the fact that Lamborghini only produces around 2,000 cars annually.

So far, it’s a profitable niche market, and sales have been steadily increasing since 2004.

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From Autoblog:
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/16/l...at-every-show/
A few years back, as some may remember, Ferrari pledged to have a new product every year. It seemed like a tall order at the time for a company with a three or four-model line-up. But a new model here, a convertible version there, and the Prancing Horse has been more or less keeping on that track, often even giving us two new additions to the stable in a given year.

Lamborghini, meanwhile, has a two-model range, and they've made a commitment of their own: "something special" at every major car show, every year. What entails "something special"? Lamborghini churns out a wide variety of new versions and special editions of its Murcielago and Gallardo models; recent examples have included the Murcielago LP640, the LP640 roadster, the Versace edition, the Gallardo Nera, and just last week in Geneva, the Gallardo Superleggera. To keep up with its ambitious commitment, and the company's hunger to earn coverage at each show, we can expect most of these special somethings to be revealed as further special editions of the cars they currently offer, but once in a while they'll surely offer us something truly special, like they did with the Miura concept.

The next special something might be a Gallardo Superleggera Spyder, but the next really special something could be the long-awaited successor to the LM002 SUV. Don't fret, a new Lambo is just a car show away.

-- A Superleggera Spyder is interesting but somehow I doubt it since no one has made a track-ready street car convertible (yet). I'm still not excited about any Lambo SUV!

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From Autoblog:
Lamborghini's future, encapsulated: Versions galore, except a 'Ute
While sharing the stage with the Gallardo Superleggera, Lamborghini's CEO, Stephan Winkelmann, has outlined the future of Italy's raging bull, and for those burdened with disposable income, the future doesn't look half bad.

Lamborghini projects an increase in sales of around 2,300 vehicles in 2007, 350 of which will be the recently unveiled Superleggera. Since the development costs of Lambo's lineup make it difficult to produce new models quickly, we'll be seeing other vehicles adopting the Superleggera's ethos. Specifically, lightweight versions of both the Gallardo Spyder and Murcielago are rumored to bow at this year's Frankfurt and Tokyo auto shows, although the CEO was hesitant to address specifics.

As for new models, we won't be seeing hybrids, turbos or diesels finding their way under the hood, but Lamborghini intends to equip all its new models with four-wheel-drive. According to Winkelmann, that particular feature has become part of the brand's cache, and in addition to providing higher levels of performance, it will further solidify Lambo's identity.

As for a successor to the LM002: don't expect to see it anytime soon. Winkelmann has said that they certainly would like to add an SUV to the lineup, but "the company has other priorities."

-- YES!! It's good that they're not prioritizing an SUV. Instead of making lightweight versions of all their models, can't they just make the standard cars lighter?

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Car Smashes Into Lamborghini In Granada Hills
(CBS) GRANADA HILLS, Calif. A car slammed into a parked Lamborghini in Granada Hills early Friday morning, sending one person to the hospital, according to authorities.

The accident happened just after 1 a.m. outside 10544 Haskell Ave., when a Mercedes driver adjused the car's radio and lost control of the vehicle, said Sgt. Cameron Dunnet of the Los Angeles Police Department's Valley Traffic Division.

One person was transported to a hospital, complaining of pain, he said.

A photographer at the scene reported that the parked car was a Gallardo, an "entry-level" Lamborghini with a base price tag of $175,000.

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Automobili Lamborghini at the Techno Classica 2007



Automobili Lamborghini celebrates the 35th anniversary of the Lamborghini Countach in Essen




The first and last version of the super sports car serve to document 27 years of serial production
This year, Automobili Lamborghini dedicates its presence at the Techno Classica (29 March – 1 April 2006) fully to the 35th anniversary of the Lamborghini Countach. During this fair, the largest in the world to focus on the theme of classic automobiles, the long-standing manufacturer of super sports cars presents two of its models: a Countach LP400 as well as the Lamborghini Countach 25°. Both vehicles are part of the Lamborghini Collection which can be seen at the factory museum in Sant’Agata Bolognese. At the fair, the cars are on display in hall 7, stand 509.


The Lamborghini Countach LP400

When Lamborghini and the Turin-based design firm Bertone presented the latest results of their collaboration at the Geneva Motor Show in 1971, the visitors gasped in amazement. They did not just witness the first study for a new Lamborghini; the extremely wedge-shaped design they laid eyes on was in fact the most radical and futuristic concept of a sports car that had ever been developed. The silhouette and the wing-doors that opened upwards brought to mind a fighter plane rather than an automobile. Responsible for the revolutionary design was Bertone staff member Marcello Gandini, who also created the Miura. The name of the new car: Lamborghini Countach LP 500.

The abbreviation LP stood for “longitudinale posteriore”,



, and referred to the way the twelve-cylinder engine was installed: from rear to front. The number served to indicate the cylinder capacity of the V12 with a 60 degree cylinder angle: five liters. The name itself was an expression often used in the dialect of the Piemonte region and means something like magnificent, wonderful, incredible, which is what Bertone allegedly exclaimed when he first saw Gandini’s finished designs. Ferruccio Lamborghini, who was also present at the occasion, subsequently deemed that the right name for the car. The performance facts which were presented were indeed incredible: 440 hp and a maximum speed of 300 km/h. No sports car at the time could beat those numbers.

The study was so well received that the people in Sant’Agata decided to manufacture the Countach in series. During the test phase in the months following the Motor Show, it emerged that Gandini had been slightly overoptimistic with regard tot the thermal conditions of the engine. Also, the stability of the top level engine fell somewhat short of the expectations. Therefore, in 1972 the engineers resorted to the tried and tested 12-cylinder with 4 liter cylinder capacity. The name was changed correspondingly to LP 400. The cooling air mechanism was improved through cooling vents in the sides and through large scoops. They made the Countach look even more martial and provided the car with its clear-cut contours, which paved the way for its status of icon in the world of sports cars.

The finished version of the serially produced car wasn’t shown to the public until 1973 in Geneva. Contrary to the study presented in 1972, the frame consisted of round rather than square tubes. Instead of steel plate, aluminum was used for the body, which lowered the dry weight from 1130 kg to 1060 kg. The engine, which was spurred by six Weber 45 DCOE carburetors, generated 375 hp and took the Countach to a maximum speed of over 300 km/h. As a result, the Lamborghini Countach LP 400 was the fastest serially produced automobile of its time.



The Lamborghini Countach 25°

Just how trail-blazing and modern Marcello Gandini’s designs by were, is illustrated by fact that the Countach continued to be built all the way until 1988. It was the year in which Lamborghini celebrated the 25th anniversary of its factory – an excellent opportunity to restyle the successful super sports car. The base consisted of the Countach LP 5000 4V, which has a 5,2 liter V12 engine with 455 hp performance. The wings were broadened substantially, in order to provide space for broader tires. The wheel housing at the front sheltered 225/50 ZR 15 tires instead of the 205/14 tires used in the original version. At the back, the increase in size was even more impressive: here, 345/35 ZR 15 tires were deployed, instead of the 215/14 tires found on the Countach LP 400. A special feature of the Countach 25° were the streaks on the side skirts and the scoops. It would turn out to be the last version of the Countach to be introduced by Lamborghini. In 1990, production came to an end after 657 units. Overall, 1997 Countachs left the factory in Sant’Agata during 27 years of manufacturing.

[kldconcept]

LAMBORGHINI MAGAZINE TWICE AWARDED WITH MERCURY AWARD IN GOLD
AUTOMOBILI LAMBORGHINI WINS MERCURY AWARD SECOND YEAR IN A ROW FOR EXCELLENCE IN MAGAZINE PUBLICATION



Automobili Lamborghini, received twice the coveted Mercury Award in Gold for their exclusive customer magazine In the categories"Design” and "Magazine – External" The 20th annual International Mercury Award was given to communications professionals who exhibit creativity, originality, and clear communication of key messages for their particular organization or brand. Developed, created & published together with the German Agency KoeckritzDoerrich, the Lamborghini Magazine is intended to be highly emotional and to consistently communicate brand experiences. "The core values of Lamborghini are described as "Extreme, Uncompromising and Italian", and this as well counts for our Magazine. We are proud to win this prestigious award for the second time." stated Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. ,



Automobili Lamborghini debuted its first issue titled "ME" in 2006. The magazine quickly gained international buzz and acclaim from not only its worldwide customers but from creative designers for its striking approach to a customer publication, and won the "Grand Award in Best of Magazines" last year. The magazine stays true to its Lamborghini roots by once again offering customers something that has impeccable design, exclusive and stylish. Its subsequent issues titled "On the Edge" followed the magazine’s brand strategy. The features are written by renowned contributors from different countries and backgrounds specifically picked by the Lamborghini staff for their unique experiences and different views of the world.

The MERCURY Awards are one of the most important international distinctions in the area of public relations, public affairs and corporate communications. The New York based International Academy of Communication Arts and Sciences ( IACAS ), has presented them annually since 1986, covering various creative disciplines. In all, 930 submissions from 17 countries were reviewed by the expert panel. The award is sponsored by MerComm, Inc. and is presented for creativity, originality and talent. Named after the Roman god Mercury, the award symbolises the value of communications and the jury attaches particular importance to original content, illustrative presentation and a harmonious total impression.

The Lamborghini Magazine is published biannually, with some 172 pages and an exclusive total circulation of 12,000 copies. Apart from the global English edition, it is also published in Italian and German.

Source : Lamborghini S.P.A. for www.kldconcept.com

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