The raging bull hits the corporate parts bin for its fierce sedan.



More details are emerging on the Lamborghini Estoque four-door set to debut in 2011 or 2012. Lamborghini insists the aggressive sedan is still only under consideration, but company insiders tell us Sant’Agata is already preparing the car for production. The only obstacle is a strategic review of the entire Volkswagen Group's future vehicle portfolio, currently being carried out by Porsche, VW's majority shareholder.

A conservative sales estimate is about 1500 units annually, but Lamborghini hopes to sell at least 2000 per year. That doesn't seem unrealistic compared to Porsche's far more ambitious targets with the Panamera, of which Stuttgart hopes to make 20,000 in the same time span.



The Estoque will be built on Audi's modular-longitudinal platform, which is the base of a number of new models, including the current Audi A4 and A5, the next-generation A6 and A8, the forthcoming all-new A7, and the 2013 VW Phaeton. There is very little component sharing with the recently revealed Porsche Panamera, which uses a standalone platform close to that of the Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q7, and VW Touareg SUVs.

The Lamborghini Estoque will most likely have an aluminum body. All-wheel drive will be standard, since front-wheel drive, theoretically a possibility on this platform, is out of the question for Lamborghini. Much development on the underpinnings has been carried out by Audi's Quattro GmbH performance division in Neckarsulm, Germany.

The Audi A7, with its hatchback body, will be closest to the Estoque in concept and dimensions. The Estoque will definitely come to market after the A7, says an insider.



V-10 is Likely

The most likely engine for the Estoque is the naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V-10 which Lamborghini offers in the Gallardo LP560-4. But the platform could host a number of engines, the most likely alternatives being a turbocharged V-8 or a turbocharged V-10.

The Estoque—named after a sword that is used by matadors to kill off a bull—was styled by Lamborghini's own design team, led by Manfred Fitzgerald. When the Estoque is launched, which we estimate will happen in about three years, it will hit a competitive environment which includes the Aston Martin Rapide and the Porsche Panamera, as well as top-of-the-line versions of the Audi A7/S7 and the next-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS. Notably missing from the list is BMW's Gran Turismo, internally code-named GT4. It has been killed by BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer's beancounters.

 

this car is growing on me, certain angles look killer

 

I really love this car.

 

Pathetic effort by Audi.

Good thing Pagani are taking over the real passionate sportscar title from those now corporate image sellers that are Lambo and Ferrari.

 

Ugly interior

 

Are you crazy? Audi has done so much to improve Lamborghini's product and has enabled them to become quite successful. I personally don't car for this particular car either, but every company wants to expand a little bit more and this is the result. At least we still have the LP560 and Murci replacement on the way!

 

I actually like this car. The interior needs work but I have a hrd time believing that is what the final product will look like...

 

Pagani is a whole nother ten levels above those two car makers. Although Ferrari and Lambo are limited compared to everyday cars the Pagani has cars like the Zonda F where 25 are produced. Of course the Pagani is going to blow most cars out of the water. You can't just walk into your nearest cities Pagani dealer and say I want that one. Anyways, there will always be a buyer for everything and even though this car is still a concept, 100 bucks says if it was put on the market it would sell. Ugly or not, great effort by Audi.

 

its wierd, its very futuristic... as of right now, im not sure if i like too much.

 

I think it will be a good daily driver after they depreciate $100k the first year.