Live: Lamborghini Estoque

Lamborghini officially took the wraps off its Estoque four-door sedan on Thursday at the Paris Motor Show, and we now have live images to accompany our high-resolution images and video. Introduced as a concept, the vehicle is likely to see production some time next year. The new Lambo is a four-door sedan, much in the same vein as the upcoming Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide. Like those aforementioned cars has a heavy emphasis on performance while still being able to carry four in luxurious style.



As previously reported, the new sedan -- which debuted as a pre-production prototype -- will be called the Estoque, keeping in line with Lamborghini's bull-fighting naming style. Estoque is a special sword used by bullfighters.

Unlike Lamborghini's current offerings, the Estoque is slated to use a front-engine layout. However, Lamborghini's signature all-wheel drive will be a part of the sedan's package.

Lamborghini's press conference for the Estoque was void of any details -- although a background video clearly showed the Estoque was targeting those who desired the performance of a sports car but needed the added room of a family car -- but the sedan's press kit did shed a little light on possible powertrain offerings. Although Lamborghini's current range of engines were believed to be off the table, the Italian automaker is still considering equipping the Estoque with the same V10 found in the Gallardo LP 560-4. However, the V10-powered car would likely be the model ranges top-offerings, going head-to-head with the Panamera Turbo. For the 'volume' model, Lamborghini will likely go with a twin-turbo V8 derived from the Gallardo's V10.

Lamborghini is even considering greener versions of the Estoque, with hybrid and high-performance diesel models planned.

Lamborghini will lean heavily on parent Audi for the underpinnings of its new model. While the Panamera will do with a steel platform, the Lamborghini sedan will ride on the upcoming Audi A8's all-aluminum space frame, allowing for a lower curb weight and improved performance and fuel economy numbers.

Lamborghini expects the Estoque to more than double the company's current sales, with the sedan earmarked for 3,000 annual sales. Through the first six months of the year, Lamborghini sold just over 1,300 units.

No word on pricing but the new model is said to be debuting in near-production form, which means sales could begin as early as 2009.



Live Images