The new photos reveal a cockpit that's simultaneously exotic and realistic, replete with navigation screen, switchgear and double-stitched leather. Control stalks on the steering column are functional-looking and well labeled, indicating they are intended to be used. The steering wheel even features the typical built-in controls and design you'd expect of a production vehicle, rather than the mono-spoked U-shaped oddities that often adorn pure concepts.
The Estoque's interior appears to be nearly production-ready
If it is chosen for production, the new saloon will go up against premium four-doors currently being developed by the likes of Aston Martin and Porsche, and is expected to be first revealed in final trim late next year or in early 2010. It would not go into production until at least four years from its approval date, meaning very late 2012 at the earliest. Sales volumes of the model are projected to reach 2,000 to 3,000 cars annually - about the total volume of all Lamborghini sales in 2007. Pricing is expected to fall into the $200,000 range alongside the Gallardo LP560-4 coupe, reports Automotive News. The ultimate decision on production will come down to profitability, however. "If it's a feasible dream but an economic disaster, we cannot propose it," said CEO Stephan Winkelmann.
The new concept car measures 5.15m in length and is distinguished by its low profile, Reventon style front bumper and tail-lights, vented bonnet and LED elements. Under the front hood - unusual for a Lamborghini - sits the 560hp 5.2L V10 engine from the Gallardo LP560-4, however, Lamborghini has revealed that the future production model could feature anything from a V12 TDI to a V8 hybrid, sourced from parent VW Group. The gearbox is also in a non-traditional Lamborghini location: behind the front axle. In effect, the entire drivetrain of the Estoque is reversed from its traditional mid-rear engine layout, but the company insists that it is nevertheless equally balanced.
Inside, the car features four individual seats and extensive use of Nappa leather. For the driver, a large LCD screen displays a wide range of information, including navigation and vehicle information. The display can be configured to present the information in a variety of formats, including classical circular gauges or modern computer-inspired readouts. Practicality may not be precisely synonymous with the Lamborghini name, to put it mildly, but the Estoque could change that perception with a spacious trunk large enough to hold 'several golf bags' or articles of luggage. Together with its sporting demeanor, relaxed ride and four-seat passenger space, the Estoque could actually be a very useful vehicle.
Inside sources have revealed that the Estoque concept is almost ready for production, and will likely feature a smaller engine than the current 5.0L V10 powering the Gallardo, with drive sent to all four wheels. Its platform will likely be an all-aluminum design shared with the next-generation Audi A8 but there will be enough unique features to ensure the Lamborghini remains a performance thoroughbred. Using such lightweight materials will also help the company shave its emissions by 40% over the next 7 years, it hopes, and will make the Estoque the lightest AWD super-sedan available.
Reader Comments
Wed Oct 1 2008 10:29 AM
Gus says
Well, it's interesting!
I pretty much love everything about it except I think the treatment below the headlights is a little too much "scoops and wings" if you know what I mean.
Very Lamborghini, though! Definitely a style you could recognize from a long way off.
Wed Oct 1 2008 11:05 AM
SuperSkyline89 says
Well, no ones gonna think it's anything but a Lamborghini, it's definitely original and wild.
Only complaint I can come up with is the section between the front air scoops. It cuts in a bit too fast. But besides that this thing looks incredible.
Wed Oct 1 2008 12:03 PM
www.mywheelsonwalls.com says
Picture a fat kid kicking and screaming after his mom tells him no more ice cream.
Thats how bad I want this car!
Wed Oct 1 2008 12:09 PM
SuperSkyline89 says
Read through the article more closely, a diesel or hybrid Lamborghini? Diesel, I don't know, but a freaking hybrid!!! That's about as un-Lamborghini as it gets, unless of course they mean a twin turbo V12 nitroglycerin-gasoline powered hybrid! But no seriously, the day Lamborghini gives in an makes a hybrid will be a sad day in Sant' Agata Bolognese.
Wed Oct 1 2008 12:16 PM
Mike says
The rear looks suspiciously reminiscient of the Dodge Charger concept from the late '90s. It definitely looks better than the Panamera, but for the money I'd still take the Rapide.
Wed Oct 1 2008 2:08 PM
NoNameDenton says
I was sceptical at first about a 4 door Lambo, but damn this is gorgeous.
Wed Oct 1 2008 3:32 PM
Jesse says
This is disgusting! What is happening to the supercar? As soon as Ferrari starts building four door hybrids, I'm done. Porsche sold out a long time ago, but I never expected it from Lambo. I mean, come on, Lamborghini created the supercar and now they are going to work at destroying it. Thanks a lot for nothing Lamborghini!
Wed Oct 1 2008 3:42 PM
brick says
I don't know what you all see in this car but I see nothing. Rear looks cool, side view is ok, front looks fairly awkward. I'm no fan of the Panamera at all but that looks better than this. Lambo makes some visually stunning cars, this is not one of them. I think a 4 door that took styling from the 400GT would have been better.
Wed Oct 1 2008 3:42 PM
blackghost says
honestly, the headlight is too small for this car and the back is just ugly. looks a bit Maserati style, the body lines are too soft for Lambo. not really a good looking car.
Wed Oct 1 2008 4:30 PM
www.mywheelsonwalls.com says
If Lambo's did'nt look like Stevie Wonders first origami project no one would buy them.
The fact that this car shocks is all its going to take to sell 3000. Also dont expect to be sitting in the back listening to your I-pod either, unless your idea of back ground music is hearing the destruction of dead dinosaurs!!
Wed Oct 1 2008 4:42 PM
TaeKwonDonkey says
Yes, this is stunning, but I never thought I'd see the day when Lambo doors were not standard equipment. If Lamborghini really wants to make some serious sales numbers, they ought price this competitively with the upcoming California, playing up on the basic fact thats it a Lamborghini
P.S.- I can only wonder how many owners will get a lambo doors conversion
Wed Oct 1 2008 6:25 PM
bradley says
I think the make or break with this car is reliability, i know owners of current lamborghinis and they have to be serviced more than they are on the road. and the above comment, the gallardo didnt have lamborghini doors, and WHY would they price it competitivly with the california it isnt even in competition with it, one is a roadster and one is sedan.
Wed Oct 1 2008 6:27 PM
www.mywheelsonwalls.com says
I did a little research on the name. Instead of being named after a bull fighter its named after a type of sword used by some bull figthers. One name that comes up the most is Pedro Romero of Ronda in Andalusia who was the best at this type of bull fighting. Apparently his career spanned twenty eights years and he killed some 5000 bulls. Thats 178 a year or 1 every other day of the 28 years he was fighting.
What I find ironic is here is a guy who killed 5000 bulls for nothing more than sport so we name a car in his honor and plan on making it eco friendly? Funny stuff if you ask me....
Wed Oct 1 2008 6:33 PM
NoNameDenton says
The bulls are tastey after the sport
Wed Oct 1 2008 7:43 PM
Gus says
It will definitely sell all they can make.
But yes, it is a bit of a sellout, still, sellouts don't go bankrupt and can build more supercars...
Wed Oct 1 2008 8:24 PM
NoNameDenton says
Gus is right, which is why Porsche builds the Cayenne
Wed Oct 1 2008 10:18 PM
azlan says
this is what i was hoping for it still has the lambo essence but it is tamed abit and that suits saloons alot better i like it alot better than the ferrari four door released the other day.
Thu Oct 2 2008 6:16 AM
blackghost says
dude, that Ferrari 4 door car is a study project, from a student. but why u guys like this lambo so much? Lambo should always be a manly car, strong body lines. this one is so ***. looks like a small eyes *** bull. lol!
Wed Oct 8 2008 2:08 PM
www.mywheelsonwalls.com says
That interior is all a bit Darth Vadar to me. I want one and not because it looks good, it does'nt, but because of its shock value!!
Wed Oct 8 2008 2:20 PM
NoNameDenton says
Maybe Hayden Christiansen could be the spokesman for the car wheels
Wed Oct 8 2008 5:47 PM
TaeKwonDonkey says
and james earl jones can be his voice
Wed Oct 8 2008 7:51 PM
Gus says
Interior looks a bit too "science fiction", compared to the excellent interior of the Murcielago, for example.
Sat Oct 11 2008 6:09 AM
danDAN says
I need this car in my life it's amazing...I may have to start drug dealing to buy this bad boy
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