An unveiling at the recent Paris Motor Show showed that Lamborghini's hybrid Estoque would prove to be yet another of their superior supercars that deserves to join their portfolio of exciting, power machines we have now come to expect from this super brand.
This amazing supercar, due to hit the UK market in 2012, has an angled, aluminum body and comes as a convenient four door saloon family car with four roomy seats and eco-friendly driving options. This is history in the making for Lamborghini because it is the first time they have produced a car with a diesel engine.
Supercar Family Saloon
The exclusive niche of new supercar family saloons are due to hit our markets soon and apart from the Estoque, will also include the Porsche Panamera and the Aston Martin, Rapide.
Lamborghini's Estoque is anticipated to more than double the company's sales and takes them into an extremely niche market with few competitors.
The Italian super car brand has taken their new car's namesake, Estoque from a Spanish word which refers to a certain style of sword which bullfighters use.
Estoque, apart from the brand new V10 engine, is also expected to be available with hybrid power plants and oil-burning engine systems.
The family supercar looks like a modern interpretation of Lamborghini's Espada, it is also cleverly modeled on aspects of both the Murcielago (internally) and Gallardo supercars. The body of the Estoque is angled and full of geometric shaping; the inside is reminiscent of Lamborghini's special edition, Murcielago with room and space around the back two seats and a 450 litre boot. The dashboard is stunningly designed in fighter jet style.
Lamborghini Estoque Specifications
Whilst no performance figures for the Estoque have yet been released by Lamborghini it is expected that top speed for this vehicle will be 200mph with a 0-60mph time of 5 seconds for the 5.2 litre V10 engine. This will be some vehicle!
The chassis is composed of all new aluminum and up at the front is the 5.2 litre V10 which is mounted at a far distance from the front wheels and sits as low as it could be built. Weight distribution is 55.45 and the engine is modeled on the Gallardo LP 560-4 with alterations such as lengthening of the intake manifold. The gearbox is 7 speeds and also provides a double clutch; it is an extremely comfortable, roomy car that is also said to be exceptionally easy to handle.
Lamborghini is still at the stage of considering a number of different types of engines based on many produced under the VW Group; these will include V8 TDI, V8 petrol and quite excitingly a combined petrol electric hybrid.
"This car gives us the chance to explore new avenues," Maurizio Reggiani, director of research and development, has said. "A diesel engine would not be right for the Gallardo or Murciélago, but the Estoque is the perfect platform."