Lamborghini Estoque: Introducing the Estoque Concept, Lamborghini's First Four-Door Sedan
Lamborghini's First Four-Seater, Four-Door Sedan
Estoque Concept Unveiled
The identity of the mysterious Lamborghini was revealed to be the brand's first four-door, four-seater sedan. At the opening Paris Motor Show, the "Lamborghini Estoque Concept" shed its veil. Aiming for production within four years, it is expected to form part of the lineup alongside the existing "Murciélago" and "Gallardo."
Lamborghini, under the Audi umbrella and known as a supercar brand, has unveiled a concept model of its first four-passenger, four-door sedan in pursuit of a new market. Its name is "Estoque." Following tradition, the name is derived from the sword used by matadors in bullfighting (in Spanish, it's pronounced closer to "estoke").
The body dimensions are 5150mm long, 1990mm wide, and 1350mm high. While it boasts an imposing presence exceeding 5 meters, the height is kept low to create a sporty form. To comfortably accommodate four occupants, the wheelbase is set generously at 3010mm. It addresses the very contemporary demands for a sports car, with consideration for usability and comfort. The catchphrase touted in the press release is precisely "Everyday Sports Car."
The design, by the "Centro Stile Lamborghini" design center, is intended to be "Italian" and aims to differentiate itself from German rivals like the formidable Porsche "Panamera" (scheduled for release in 2009).
The design features a fighter-jet-like front fascia reminiscent of the limited special edition "Reventón," sharp lines from the LED front lamps to the hood, a wedge-like side profile, muscular rear wheel arches, and a sculpted rear end, making full use of its large canvas.
The engine is a 5.2-liter V10 producing 560 horsepower, also found in the "Gallardo LP 560-4." In the future, they aim to incorporate a hybrid system with a V8, or even a diesel. The drivetrain is all-wheel drive, like other models, but the engine is mounted front-mid rather than rear.
The interior features abundant Nappa leather to create a sense of luxury. The ability to fit several golf bags in the trunk is also a key selling point unique to a sedan.
BRAND HISTORY
As Italy's leading sports car manufacturer, Lamborghini is constantly compared to FERRARI. This is entirely natural, as Lamborghini's origin lies in surpassing Ferrari.
Ferruccio Lamborghini founded Automobili Lamborghini in 1963, at the age of 47. After amassing wealth through tractors and air conditioners post-World War II, Ferruccio owned numerous sports cars, but none satisfied him. Ferrari was no exception. The well-known anecdote is that after Ferruccio complained to Enzo Ferrari one day, he was told, "You should stick to driving tractors," which spurred him to establish his own brand with the goal of defeating Ferrari.
Lamborghini immediately presented the advanced "350GTV" with its V12 engine and beautiful body at the 1963 Turin Motor Show, followed by the production version "350GT" the next year. Subsequently, they released iconic models like the "Miura" and "Countach." However, due to setbacks in the tractor business and the impact of the oil crisis, the sports car maker bearing his name eventually changed hands.
Lamborghini continued to change ownership multiple times, but since coming under the Audi umbrella in 1998, it has seen steady growth. Currently, the lineup includes the V12-powered "Murciélago" and the V10 "Gallardo."