Lamborghini’s drivetrain wizards say they have all the horsepower they need for their superfast cars. So from here on, performance gains will come from using lighter materials to reduce vehicle weight, instead of from chasing more engine thrust.

“It has come to the point where acceleration equals consumption,” said Stephan Winkelmann, CEO of the Italian automaker. “More consumption means increased CO2 emissions.”

Winkelmann, who fears future government regulations could restrict engine performance, said Lamborghini’s r&d spending will emphasize taking weight out of vehicles.

The pursuit of top speed is limited by the physics of aerodynamic resistance, Maurizio Reggiani, Lamborghini’s r&d chief, said in an interview this month at the Detroit auto show. Once a vehicle reaches 211 mph, there is a declining rate of return for each additional horsepower needed to push the vehicle faster, he said.

Also, there are few places in the world where a driver can go that fast. So Reggiani said Lamborghini will focus on acceleration instead of top speed. The most effective way to do that, he said: take weight out of the car.

“The weight-to-power ratio will be the key factor,” Reggiani said. “We will use composite materials in the right place, when it also has the right cost, stiffness and mechanical characteristics.”

That could prove to be an expensive solution. Lamborghini has used mostly high-strength steel in its vehicles’ structures and body panels. But Reggiani said the automaker will make greater use of aluminum and carbon fiber.

Lamborghini has made progress with its re-engineered Murcielago LP670-4 SV. The new version of the car has added 30 hp while shedding 220 pounds, mostly through use of carbon fiber. The “670″ in the car’s name reflects its horsepower rating. The car can reach 62 mph in 3.2 seconds.

“No one can really tell 30 horsepower was added, but everyone can feel how much lighter the car is,” Reggiani said.

Lamborghini also is investigating start-stop technology for city driving to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide. But with a V-10 or V-12 engine, the firing order is faster than a typical four-cylinder with start-stop.

As a result, Reggiani said, missing a cylinder or two on vehicle restart could cause more pollution than not having the technology at all. The same theory applies to cylinder deactivation at cruising speeds.

“Where is the supplier who can provide the right starter and alternator for our engine?” Reggiani asked. “That’s a lot of cylinders. It’s easy to make a mistake.”

If celebrating Christmas ‘fast’ is your style, then Lamborghini’s range of 2008 baubles, bears, candles and cushions are now available, in the special matt black and white colours launched this year on its new 202 mph Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4.

The box-set of three baubles in lightweight ceramic is available with one Nero Noctis black and two Mono Cerus white in each box: both colours available to order on the Gallardo LP 560-4. Box-sets of one black, one white, slow-burning candles are offered, and the 13-inch Lamborghini shield-embroidered cushions in the two colours complete the collection.

When it’s time to slow Christmas down, or for younger Lamborghini fans at Christmas, cuddle up to the Lamborghini polar bear, who sports a black sweater and the Lamborghini logo.

In addition to the celebratory ‘black and white’ Christmas selection, Lamborghini has a range of calendars and Christmas cards available to order, as well as the complete Collezione Automobili Lamborghini, which ranges from pencils and pens, t shirts sweatshirts and caps to exclusive luggage, priced from £2.00 to over £2,000.00.

The Collezione Automobili Lamborghini range is available from authorised Lamborghini dealers in London, Reading, Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh (lamborghini.co.uk for contact details), and on-line at Lamborghini Store

In the weeks leading up to the 2008 Paris Motor Show, the rumor mill was spinning at full speed at the prospect of a new high-performance, rear-wheel drive Lamborghini supercar. Instead, we got the Estoque four-door sedan concept. However, the failure of Lamborghini to deliver pure driving performance at the Paris show doesn’t necessarily mean Lamborghini has given up on the idea.

According to AutoTelegraaf, at least two high-performance two-wheel drive Lamborghinis are on the way. The first will surface in 2009 and will be based on the company’s new Gallardo. To reflect its two-wheel drive layout, the new model will be called the LP560-2, but will also sport the Superleggera– Italian for ‘superlight’ – nameplate. This is a divergence from the current Gallardo Superleggera, which does with Lamborghini’s all-wheel drive system.

Although the new Gallardo Superleggera will be down two drive wheels, it promises to up the car’s performance quotient. In tandem with an expected power bump, the Superleggera’s even lighter curb weight should mean a marked improvement in all categories of performance.

Following the release of the LP560-2, Lamborghini is planning on launching a two-wheel drive version of its Murcielago. Following the Gallardo’s new naming scheme, the new Murci will be dubbed the LP640-2. The new model won’t dawn the Superleggera nameplate, but it could wear the SV badge in production. The LP640-2 would shed at least 220 pounds compared to its all-wheel drive counterpart.

No official word from Lamborghini on when we can expect to two new supercars, but a concept version of the Murcielago could appear at March’s Geneva Motor Show.

As part of the strategy to further expand its global business activities, Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. will found a branch in China. Following a recent decision by the Board of Management, the Italian luxury sportscar manufacturer will establish Automobili Lamborghini China in the country´s capital city Beijing and will start operations at the beginning of 2009.

Lamborghini´s rise to become one of the most successful and profitable super sportscar manufacturers is the result of a clear dual strategy. First, the creation of an incomparable new, broad and attractive product portfolio. Second and equally important, the ongoing expansion of brand representation to ensure substantial presence in all major markets of the world.

The President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., Stephan Winkelmann, points out the strategic rationale of the move: “China has the strongest dynamics of change to undoubtedly become the leading economy in the world. As one of the symbols of European luxury tradition, our products and our brand promise are irrevocably moving into the focus of a growing number of people. The development of wealth and the developing ‘savoir-vivre’ in China makes it one of the pivotal markets for Lamborghini’s future growth. The decision to establish a branch in China illustrates our dedication to opening the potential of this market for Lamborghini. Our new regional office will ensure the presence of the brand and further the prosperity of the corporation on a global scale.”

In 2008 Automobili Lamborghini expects a growth of car sales in China by 186% ( 28 cars in 2007 toward 80 in 2008). The market for luxury products is characterized by stable and solid growth and by a wide presence in practically all major economic metropolis throughout the country. At the time being, Automobili Lamborghini has three dealers located in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing, one in Hong Kong, and another two will be shortly be opened in Chengdu and Qingdao. More are to be established.

Lamborghini is focused on establishing a roughly equal split of worldwide sales between the three major continental regions: Northern America, Europe and Asia.

Stephan Winkelmann has appointed Eginardo Bertoli as Country Manager of Automobili Lamborghini China. Mr Bertoli will report directly to Enrico Maffeo, Director of Sales and Customer Service worldwide, who is based at the Lamborghini headquarters in Italy. Mr. Bertoli has a strong background in the automotive industry, having worked for a range of international companies such as Fiat Powertrain Technologies, Kongsberg Automotive and Interpump Group S.p.A.

Mr Bertoli’s career has included senior positions in Italy, the USA as well as China. During his three years’ assignment for Iveco Motors in Shanghai he gained substantial experience of the Chinese market.

Zhang Xiaodong will be head of customer service China. He will manage all aftersales operations including warranty, parts and service, and will report to Eginardo Bertoli.

Seventeen years ago, Ken Imhoff watched Cannonball Run and became so enamored with the Lamborghini Countach in the film, he hand-built his own, in his basement. In what we imagine might be the most Jalopnik build ever undertaken, Ken designed and fabricated his own tig-welded frame, installed a thoroughly massaged 351 cubic inch V8 with a ZF-25 5-speed transmission, hand-formed the aluminum body over a meticulously measured and accurate body form, and finished it all off in a beautiful metallic gray. It took Ken 10 years to complete the project, and the results — as you can see both in the gallery and in the video below the jump — are amazing. There’s only one problem, when you build a car in a basement.

Ken went into the project fully aware of the problem of a getting the car out of his basement — it was your classic ship-in-a-bottle project problem. When the faux Lambo was complete, he actually hired a contractor to knock out a part of the basement wall, build an earthen ramp, and then drag the car out of its subterranean workshop.

Mr. Imhoff, our hats are off to you sir. You are an inspiration to us all, we want to be like you when we grow up. Considering the quality of the work here, we’re fairly confident your car is actually better than factory, more reliable, better handling and faster, and you have the satisfaction of having built it yourself. Congratulations sir, you are a grease monkey superhero.

Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. will be showcased as the featured marque at the 58th Annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on Sunday, August 17, 2008, at The Lodge at Pebble Beach. The acclaimed Italian super sports car manufacturer will showcase a few of the brand’s most exclusive Lamborghini models at the prestigious event, including the newly-launched 2009 Gallardo LP560-4, the world-renowned Reventón and the historic Lamborghini P140 prototype.

“The opportunity to be the featured marque at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is a great tribute to the Lamborghini brand,” said Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. “Since its inception, Lamborghini has been a creator of trends in the world of super sports cars. We take great pride in showcasing our vehicles amongst the world’s most passionate enthusiasts.”

The 2009 Gallardo LP560-4, heir to Lamborghini’s most successful vehicle model of all time, arrives at all 34 North American dealerships in late-summer of 2008. The all-new 560 horsepower LP560-4 replaces the previous Gallardo model, which sold more than 7,000 units, and features a powerful new engine, permanent four-wheel drive transmission and new suspension while delivering clearly improved performance and driving dynamics.

With just 20 produced, the 1 million Euro Lamborghini Reventón is a symbol of extreme exclusivity, yet still offers extraordinary performance. The Reventón was entirely designed in Sant’Agata Bolognese, the original birthplace of the Lamborghini, and is the perfect synthesis between the exclusivity and appeal of a limited edition design masterpiece, and the dynamism and drivability of a standard sports car.

The Lamborghini P140, the proposed successor to the Jalpa, was designed with one goal in mind: superior styling. The designers took design cues of the Miura, Countach and Diablo to create a unique, new vehicle that was still purely a Lamborghini. Lamborghini produced an all-new 4 liter V10 engine specifically for the prototype, although the brand eventually decided not to produce the P140 to concentrate on later Diablo models.

What to do when you want the style of a Lamborghini without the obscene payment? Seek refuge in GM’s stunted program of 1980s awesomeness, the Fiero, that’s what. Armed with time and skill, a steel fabricator from Canada named Woody has done an incredible job transforming a $60 mid-engined Pontiac wedge into an amazing homage to the Reventon. Obviously talented, the finished Woodighini is going to be incredible, Woody’s done a fine job of transferring the Reventon’s proportions to the Fiero’s chassis.

The pics :

images source:

http://www.loqu.com/diy-lamborghini/blogs/angelia-1656

Lamborghini Makes Another Iconic Appearance in Latest Batman Movie ‘The Dark
Knight’…
- Bruce Wayne Drives Batmobile by night, Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 by Day -

SANT’AGATA BOLOGNESE, Italy, May 6 /PRNewswire/ — When he isn’t protecting Gotham City from various villains in the Batmobile as his alter ego, Batman, billionaire Bruce Wayne’s vehicle of choice is one of Lamborghini’s sexiest super sports car ever built, the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640.  Bruce Wayne’s newest Lamborghini can be first seen prowling the streets in the movie’s new, extended theatrical trailer shown in theatres May 2, 2008, prior to “Iron Man.” The Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Coupe is not Bruce Wayne’s first Lamborghini.  The association with the marquee began in 2005 when Propaganda Global Entertainment Marketing, Lamborghini’s entertainment marketing firm for worldwide activities, brokered the deal for the Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster to make its on-screen debut in “Batman Begins.”  In the film, Bruce Wayne can be seen driving the Lamborghini supercar to an exclusive party with two beautiful models in the passenger seat.

The Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Coupe appearing in “The Dark Knight” is powered by a 640 horsepower 12-cylinder engine and is capable of more than 211 mph.
“The Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 is the natural choice for Bruce Wayne’s other car,” stated Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “Lamborghini is proud to be associated with one of the greatest movie franchises in history, especially co-starring with the night-bound Batmobile.”

The limited-edition Lamborghini by Versace is finally going into production for fall. The car, which will be a convertible in contrast to the coupe originally developed, will be a bright pastel white with a black-and-white leather interior. The price of the special-order Murciélago LP 640 Roadster Versace has yet to be named, but expect to pay a healthy premium above the model’s already hefty base price of $358,000. The V12 roadster, designed by Donatella Versace and just unveiled in Milan during Men’s Fashion Week, will feature a see-through engine bay cover and the fashion house’s signature Greek key motif on the doors, front fascia and nappa leather seats. Versace has also designed an accompanying line of black calfskin accessories including luggage, wallet, gloves, driving shoes, hat and even a pair of leather jeans all bearing an engraved metal Lamborghini Versace tag.