Quite the truth

 

I believe you're wrong, and I'll explain why. Please bear with me.

Before the 599, Cali and 458 (call it the new era), in the old era Ferrari always make a new platform for their models every ten years, with a mid-life major facelift every 5 years.

The 355 is the updated 348.
The 430 is the updated 360.
The 575M is the updated 550.

Launch years :

348 : 1989
355 : 1994
360 : 1999
430 : 2004

You'd see the pattern.

This all has changed because Ferrari is moving away from their 10-year platform and 5-year model lifespans, going into completely make a new model with a completely new platform every 7 years (much like the German cars).

Whereas in Lambo's case, in the past, in the old days of Diablo for example, the company kept changing ownership which totally delayed their new model developments (read : no development funds). In the Murcielago and Gallardo era, the company basically was just reborn in the hands of Audi, tons of things need to be fixed first so they couldn't update their models soon enough.

But now that Lamborghini is well positioned and have enough funds, new models will come sooner and likely to come every 7 years.

Bottomline : Lambo cannot afford NOT following Ferrari's direction and vice versa.

 

never looked at it that way^^^ wise words

 

shin, very interesting and true points. Ferrari is moving to the shorter lifetime of platforms. And Lamborghini will follow this road, they can't afford to stay out of competition.

 

First of all thanks for the info about Ferrari. Even though I might have been off on some of the things I said regarding Ferrari, my point was that they're not facelifting their cars any more. Your post basically just proved my point.

The part where we dissagree is what to expect once it's time to update the Murci successor. The way I see it you are speculating just as much as I was in my post. You base your theory on Ferraris newly established platform timeframe. Also I see the logic in your assumption that Lambo will mimic Ferraris timeframe because they are now more well positioned and funded by Audi.

However I'm not so sure since I still don't see Lambo being as well established and financially secure as Ferrari. Member Roy confirmed what many others suspected: The financial crisis hit Lambo very hard, especially 2009 was very tough. If this new car fails it's most likely the end for Lamborghini as a car company.
Is Audi really willing to change Lambos platform timeframe which would mean increased development costs before securing the car companies future by continuing to be cost efficient? Does it really matter for most customers if an updated version is a major facelift or based on an entirely new platform? It didn't matter for the LP640, F430 and the F355. They were all successful even though not with a completely new platform.

All I'm saying not everything points towards your theory even though you absolutely make some good points. Either way it's all still speculation.

 

key words!!!

 

I dont believe it is essential for Lamborghini to update more frequently in order to remain competitive with Ferrari - the evidence for my opinion is in the launch of the 599. Lamborghini launched the Murci update around the same time, and the following years were Lamborghinis most productive. Only the recession put a stop to that. The LP640 more than held its own against much younger competition.
The key to Lamborghinis success is in timeless design that can span decades - if the LP700 has to be updated in 5 or 6 years, its because its design isnt up to the standards set previously.

 

I wouldn't be too pessimistic about Lambo future. Gallardo successor will go into active development stage next spring with the launch expected in 2012. Estoque going into production in 2013/2014. Something very special is in the works also.

VAG invested serious money and time developing new CF facilities not only for LP700-4, but for whole generation of supercars. To say more plenty of those CF novelties will find the use on next generation of R8 and future R10 supercar with AUDI taking benefits from that CF facility as well.

Again thats only speculation. To say more - everything is speculation until unveiled officially

 

^^ Did you mention R10 supercar? Could you elaborate or send link, PM if you want?!?!?!?

 

I WAS JUST gonna say...R10??? thats got my imagination running wild