WHAT: A Lamborghini sedan based on the upcoming Audi A8; engineered by Audi and likely to be built in Germany. It’s pronounced es-STO-kay.
WHY: The ambitious Italians want to sell 1500 to 2000 Estoques, which would nearly double Lamborghini’s worldwide sales.
WHO: Audi A7/S7, BMW 5-series Gran Turismo, Aston Martin Rapide, Rolls-Royce Ghost, Porsche Panamera, Mercedes-Benz CLS550/CLS63 AM
G.
WHEN: If it comes to fruition, the $180,000 sedan will arrive in 2012.
After years of casting around for a third model, Lamborghini has settled on what Manfred Fitzgerald, head of brand and design, rather presumptively calls "the world's first supersedan." The dramatic Estoque, revealed in concept form at the Paris auto show, isn't called a four-door coupe by its makers, but it certainly would travel in the extrawide tire tracks of cars like the Porsche Panamera and the Aston Martin Rapide, both of which it would follo
w to market, in 2012.
“The SUV fell through because that wave has passed. We also dismissed the front-engine sports car because the segment is, on a global basis, deceptively small,” says Wi
nkelmann.
“In the end, we decided on the four-door supersportwagen. Despite its unconventional architecture, it perfectly matches our key brand values, and research tells us that it will work in all markets – especially in Asia and Russia, which will soon account for one-third of our total sales volume. Perhaps most important, it addresses a very wide customer base, from sports car aficionados with families to style-conscious businessmen with full-time chauff
eurs. To satisfy these clients, who are used to the space, comfort, and convenience of a full-size luxury sedan, we created a generously roomy car free of head- and legroom compromises.”
“Entry and egress will be effortless,” promises Mauricio Reggiani, who is in charge of the technical department. “The big doors open wide, the seats are cushy yet supportive, there is plenty of legroom, and once you’ve made yourself comfortable, the low roof is never an issue. Although visibility is excellent, the first thing you’ll notice from inside is the
high beltline, which provides a charming cocoon effect.”
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