VH_Supra26
03-22-2009, 12:29 PM
by Sam Abuelsamid on Mar 21st 2009 at 3:33PM
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/03/estoque_hr_01-580.jpg (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/paris-2008-mystery-lamborghini/1066971/)
Lamborghini Estoque Concept – Click above for high-res gallery
The worldwide collapse of car sales has hit everyone in the past six months, and super-expensive high-end cars are no exception. With no immediate signs of either a general economic recovery or an auto sales boost on the horizon, now hardly seems like the time to develop an all-new exotic sedan. With that in mind, Lamborghini reportedly has shelved plans to build the Estoque, which debuted as a concept at last fall's Paris Motor Show. Given the positive response it received, Lamborghini had started feasibility studies aimed at producing the new four-door. Instead, the company will focus on new versions of both the Gallardo and Murcielago, with a particular focus on weight reduction.
R&D boss Maurizio Reggiani is also apparently rejecting calls for a dual clutch gearbox to replace the current e-gear automated manual. Reggiani calls the DCT "too smooth" and lacking in the drama Lambo owners want. Based on our experience with that gearbox in an Audi R8, we would describe it as being more embarrassing than dramatic. Since we don't have the budget for a Lambo, Reggiani likely doesn't give much credence to our opinion, though.
All contents copyright © 2003-2009, Weblogs, Inc. All rights reserved
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/21/doa-lamborghini-reportedly-wont-built-the-4-door-estoque/
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/03/estoque_hr_01-580.jpg (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/paris-2008-mystery-lamborghini/1066971/)
Lamborghini Estoque Concept – Click above for high-res gallery
The worldwide collapse of car sales has hit everyone in the past six months, and super-expensive high-end cars are no exception. With no immediate signs of either a general economic recovery or an auto sales boost on the horizon, now hardly seems like the time to develop an all-new exotic sedan. With that in mind, Lamborghini reportedly has shelved plans to build the Estoque, which debuted as a concept at last fall's Paris Motor Show. Given the positive response it received, Lamborghini had started feasibility studies aimed at producing the new four-door. Instead, the company will focus on new versions of both the Gallardo and Murcielago, with a particular focus on weight reduction.
R&D boss Maurizio Reggiani is also apparently rejecting calls for a dual clutch gearbox to replace the current e-gear automated manual. Reggiani calls the DCT "too smooth" and lacking in the drama Lambo owners want. Based on our experience with that gearbox in an Audi R8, we would describe it as being more embarrassing than dramatic. Since we don't have the budget for a Lambo, Reggiani likely doesn't give much credence to our opinion, though.
All contents copyright © 2003-2009, Weblogs, Inc. All rights reserved
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/21/doa-lamborghini-reportedly-wont-built-the-4-door-estoque/