Lamborghini SUV is a No-Go, But the Estoque Sports Saloon is Back on the Table

Last month the internet was on fire after Auto Express started to spread a rumor about the revival of the Lamborghini LM002. However, as we noted in our article, the story sounded a bit off. For a proper Lambo SUV, the Audi Q5 platform would be too small, a V8 engine not noble enough and the £100,000 (US $156,080) price tag a tad low. That’s why we didn't put much credence in the rumor.
  
It turns out we were right to take it with a grain of salt as Lamborghini CEO, Stephan Winkelmann, told British magazine Autocar that the Italian maker would give the green light to a four-door saloon inspired by the Estoque concept car.

“We have opportunities outside the supercar business, and we showed that with Estoque,” said Winkelmann. “It had a more enthusiastic response than we had expected. It was the right time to see if the brand could go outside of supercars. Even now, people are still emailing me about us making the Estoque”.

Mr. Winkelmann admitted that Lamborghini had only two choices for the third car of its lineup: a four-seat four-door and an SUV. But the latter doesn’t exist in the makers price segment and “it’s not a real luxury car”.
If something like the Estoque is going to be produced, the famous Italian automaker expects to attract new customers to the brand by being a more practical car. “If we are going to offer a third model, it could be a ‘first’ car, bringing people to our brand” Winkelmann concluded.

By Csaba Daradics

Via: Autocar

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Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Concept: Live Photos from Paris Presentation [Updated]

[Updated Gallery] After many teaser shots and leaked images, Lamborghini finally took the wraps off its new Sesto Elemento conceptual supercar during the Volkswagen Group's pre-show event in Paris. We'll have more photos of the car from Lamborghini's Paris Show stand tomorrow, but for now, hit the jump to check out the first batch of real-life pictures from the unveiling.

As a reminder, the Sesto Elemento is a Gallardo-sized concept boasting an extremely lightweight construction thanks to advanced carbon-fiber technology. It tips the scales at just 999 kg (2,202 lb) and is powered by the same 570-horsepower V10 engine found in the Gallardo Superleggera.

Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini said: "The Lamborghini Sesto Elemento shows how the future of the super sports car can look – extreme lightweight engineering, combined with extreme performance results in extreme driving fun. We put all of our technological competence into one stunning form to create the Sesto Elemento.

"It is our abilities in carbon-fiber technology that have facilitated such a forward-thinking concept, and we of course also benefit from the undisputed lightweight expertise of AUDI AG. Systematic lightweight engineering is crucial for future super sports cars: for the most dynamic performance, as well as for low emissions. We will apply this technological advantage right across our model range. Every future Lamborghini will be touched by the spirit of the Sesto Elemento."

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Paris Preshow: Lamborghini's 999kg Sesto Elemento Concept Revealed [Updated]

[Updated with New Images] These are the first full-blown pictures of the concept car Lamborghini has been teasing Ford Explorer-style for a little while now. It's called the Sesto Elemento (Sixth Element) and, according to Carscoop sources, it is powered by the Gallardo Superleggera's 5.2-liter V10.

Riding on center-locking wheels (seen in one of the teasers), the Superleggera's 570-horsepower mill pushes the car to 100km/h (62mph) in 2.5 seconds. That's nearly a second faster than the rocket ship-like Superleggera, all thanks to a massive reduction in weight.

Sant'Agata's newest concept showcases Lamborghini's commitment to reducing weight, and boy howdy does this car get lightened up; the Sesto Elemento weighs in at a featherweight 999 kilograms (no word yet on if that's dry or wet).

Unlike more unique concepts from the past, like the 4-door Estoque and retro Miura, the Sesto Elemento looks more like a Gallardo - Lamborghini's smallest and lightest current model - just drove through a razor-filled car wash. Expect more pics, info, and the announcement of oodles of carbon fiber as soon as its available.

By Phil Alex

Photos via: Lepoint & GTspirit - Kudos to Michaël for the tip!