Lamborghini's Amazing New Models!  Since its inception in 1963, Lamborghini has been a thorn in the side of larger rival Ferrari - and now it is testing a new supercar to take on its fellow Italian maker.
Lamborghini's owner, Volkswagen, is keen to preserve the superpower status of the exotic badge. But it has also imposed its own "total quality control system" on the company and its vehicles.
It is taking a leaf from Ferrari's book - its proprietor, Fiat, also has concentrated its attention on giving its cars the quality and reliability its pricing demands. The new Lamborghini - to slot above the Diablo's present market position, and carrying the code-name L147 - probably won't be unveiled until next year at the earliest, and is unlikely to go into
production until 2002.  It is tipped to use a 6.0-litre V12 developing about 680hp
and is expected to be in the same mould as the firebreathing Diablo, with a wild appearance, all-wheel-drive and a top speed of about 360km/h (225 mph).
Lamborghini's attack is two-pronged. In the wings is a
smaller Lamborghini with a 4.0-litre V10 designed to challenge the Porsche 911 Turbo and Ferrari 360 Modena. According to Autocar in the UK, both Lamborghinis have been designed by the Italian Bertone design
studio, under the supervision of Audi design boss Peter Schreyer. Volkswagen sees the pair marking Lamborghini's entry into a new era, after lurching between financial
crises with constant changes of ownership and varying quality. Like the latest Diablo, the body of the new supercar will mix steel, aluminium and carbon fibre.
As always, more details will follow as soon as they become available.... |
