Original Lamborghini Miura Turin Salon Chassis found!

43 years after its Turin Show debut the one-and-only 1965 Turin Salon Lamborghini Miura chassis, designed by chassis genius Gian Paolo Dallara, and the raging bull company's first-ever transverse mid-mounted V12 engine (0293) has been acquired by Los Angeles based collectors.

The iconic show chassis had been stored for the past 30 years in Cyprus by that country's original Lamborghini concessionaire, Marios Kritikos. While visiting the Lamborghini factory in 1977, Mr. Kritikos took a fancy to the historic show unit. After successfully negotiating a future home for it, he arrived at the factory with his Range Rover and trailer, loaded it and drove away. That was in April of 1978. The original invoice for the chassis survives, together with unpublished period photographs of the chassis being built in 1965, on display at the December, 1965 Turin Salon, and at the Lamborghini factory in July, 1966. Mr. Kritikos documented his collection of the car on April 7th, 1978.

The 1965 Turin Salon Miura represents the very first mid-engined supercar theme for all marques, and is rightly considered to be the Holy Grail from which all road going supercars descend. Its re-emergence represents the most important Lamborghini discovery to date.


Thirty years later, in December of 2008 representing both parties and facilitating the transaction were Miura specialists Joe Sackey (Joe Sackey Classics: www.joesackey.com) and Gary Bobileff (Bobileff Motorcar Company: www.bobileff.com). Only one month after its discovery it has been imported to the US and now resides in the restoration facility of world-renowned Gary Bobileff, where it will undergo a complete refurbishment to bring it to its former show glory.

The last time the general public saw this automotive icon was 43 years ago on display at the Turin Salon. It will make its USA debut in the summer of 2009. Details to be announced.

Veloce Publishing Ltd will publish "The Lamborghini Miura Bible" by Joe Sackey in January 2009.

Source: Veloce Publishing

Lamborghini Delivers Last Reventón Supercar

Representing the pinnacle of the Lamborghini lineup since its debut at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, the ultra exclusive Reventón supercar has reached the end of its very short production run, with car number 20 of 20 being delivered to its well-heeled owner from its birthplace in Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy. The hand-built Reventón is perhaps the most over-the-top road-going vehicle that Lamborghini has ever offered—a sinister looking, one million euro, 650 horsepower V-12 beast of a machine.Lamborghini CEO and President Stephan Winklemann personally handed off the keys to Reventón number 20, calling the car, “The most extreme of all – a superlative on wheels.”

Despite is limited status and the clandestine nature of its owner group (Lamborghini claims that all Reventón buyers have asked to remain anonymous), we have already seen at least one example turn up on the exotic clearinghouse known as eBay Motors. Perhaps not all of the hand-selected owners respect the storied brand as much as they should?

 Scroll down below to read the full Lamborghini press release or revisit the Reventón in the gallery above.

A super sports car, yet one that defies comparison – the Lamborghini Reventón is both an ultimate driving machine and limited work of art – with a total of only 20 built and a price of one million Euro (excl. tax), every Reventón is highly exclusive and virtually unique. The Reventón bearing the number 20/20 has now been delivered to its proud owner – thus completing the series.

Highly skilled craftsmanship

Each Reventón was produced with extremely skilled and high-precision craftsmanship in Sant’Agata Bolognese, the home of the brand and the birthplace of all super sports cars bearing the sign of the bull. “The Reventón, however, is the most extreme of all – a superlative on wheels. Based on the technical underpinnings of the Murciélago, we have concentrated and further enhanced the brand’s DNA – its genetic code,” says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., who personally handed over Reventón Number 20 to its new owner at the factory.


Enjoy the incomparable driving pleasure

20 friends and collectors of Lamborghini cars – who all wish to remain anonymous – now own this unique piece. Most of them view the Reventón not only as the highlight of their collection, but also want to enjoy the intensity of the incomparable driving pleasure. Ultimately, the Reventón, aside from its extreme form, boasts the full technical and dynamic competence of Lamborghini’s 12-cylinder sports cars. This means the breathtaking performance of 650 hp and a top speed of 340 km/h. It also means absolute reliability and the feasibility of everyday use.

A future legend

This offers all other Lamborghini fans the chance of at least occasionally coming across a Reventón, be it on a beautiful mountain road, at the side of a race track or at an exclusive social event. And one thing is also certain – in future, a few of the 20 Reventón will be available for admiration in a museum. Because Lamborghini has not only created a design masterpiece, it has also added another classic to the rich history of the brand. The lucky owners can be justly pleased.

Diamond-studded Lamborghini key fob from Amosu Luxury

So, the diamond-studded Bentley key fob by Amosu Luxury impressed you like anything, but you need one for your Lamborghini. Don’t fret, as Amosu Luxury has now turned their attention to the Lamborghini key fob too. They have festooned it with 183 little diamonds for a total of 2.02 carats, focused on detailing the familiar Lamborghini logo. Icing out your Lamborghini car keys with sparkling diamonds will make you poorer by £7,000 (nearly US $10,500). If you always fear losing your car keys, then this thing is certainly not your cup of tea.

Zorba Lamborghini Murcielago Kit Car

Anthony from Carzi.com turned me on to this funky-looking kit car. Made by Zorba, the kit goes on a stretched Pontiac Fiero chassis (as most kits do.) Starting at about $31,300, depending on options, that doesn’t include rear spoiler, wheels, or system upgrades. They also make a roadster version.

Funny thing is, this kit actually looks pretty well made, but the headlights and weird hood and roof scoop ruin the whole thing.

Buy a condo and get a free Lambo!

Miami developer Michael Samuel and Lamborghini Miami owner, Brett David reached an agreement which will give a free $260,000 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder to everyone who buys one of the South of Fifth luxury residences. That sounds pretty good, huh? However, there’s only one minor setback: each of the seven condos available (out of 28) costs between $6-8 million. That’s about 30 Lambos. It’s true, for this money you get two penthouses with private roof top pools, two two-story beach house villas with four bedrooms and maids quarters, and three four bedroom beachfront units with maid’s quarters. But still, why would anyone who pays $8 million be more atracted to the project because of a Lamborghini?

“There is simply no other development like South of Fifth,” says Michael Samuel, principle of Samuel & Co., “and no other vehicle like Lamborghini. Melding the two is the ideal live/drive marriage for a very discriminating consumer. Our main goal with the South of Fifth project has been to ensure an unprecedented level of luxury within all aspects of the residences [..] Teaming with Lamborghini Miami furthers that special lifestyle.”

Source: European Car Magazine

Lamborghini Estoque: R&D chief reveals details!

Autocar UK has a few more details on the upcoming production version of the Lamborghini Estoque, which is expected to hit the showrooms by end-2011.

Apparently one of the engine choices available will be a re-tuned 5.2 liter direct injection normally aspirated V10 engine with 500 PS and 610Nm of torque. I’m not sure how they’re going to manage such an impressive torque to displacement ratio - even about 560Nm for a 5.2 liter engine would be impressive, but I think quite achievable.

The engine currently makes 560 PS and 540Nm in the LP560-4 and I think the whole idea is to increase torque over a wider rev range but produce less power at a lower peak RPM. An example of cars with a rather high normally aspirated torque to displacement ratio is the E46 M3 CSL with 365Nm from its 3.2 liter S54B32 engine, and the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR with 435Nm from a 3.8L engine, which are coincedentally both about 114Nm per liter. 610Nm from a 5.2 would be 117.3Nm per liter! If Lamborghini manages to achieve 114Nm per liter it would mean about 593Nm of torque.

Some other powertrains are also being considered, including… surprise, surprise… a diesel powertrain! Lamborghini’s R&D chief Maurizio Reggiani says fans need not worry as diesels will never find their way into Lamborghini’s supercars, but the Estoque represents an opportunity to develop a turbodiesel engine or even a turbocharged petrol engine for the car as it would suit the car’s driving pattern, plus Lamborghini needs to improve its fleet’s CO2 figures. Thus, a twin turbo petrol V8 or a turbodiesel V8 is possible, as are mild hybrid systems.

Reggiani also revealed that the Estoque is based on an all-new platform (and not based on the Audi A8 as some have speculated) with components sourced from the Gallardo and other areas in the Volkswagen parts bin, which indicates some form of parts sharing with the A8, but not the platform itself.


Source

Comparison Test: Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 vs. Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG vs. Porsche 911 GT2

European Editor Matt Davis tests the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG, and the Porsche 911 GT2 in the Italian countryside. Click here to read the full story in Winding Road magazine.

Lamborghini Establishes New Branch in China

The cold hard truth for western countries is that China is on well on track to becoming the most powerful economy in the world. Acknowledging this fact, Lamborghini decided to establish a new branch in China in the country´s capital city Beijing that will start operations at the beginning of 2009. Currently, the Italian sports carmaker has three dealers located in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing, one in Hong Kong, and another two will be shortly be opened in Chengdu and Qingdao. The company's China sales this year a expected to grow by 186% or from 27 cars in 2007 towards 80 in 2008.

"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," said President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., Stephan Winkelmann.

"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," he added.

Lamborghini Heading Like A Bull Straight For Red China

Expecting 186% growth in Chinese sales this year, Lamborghini has decided to add a satellite office in Beijing. The Italian automaker's new branch should be open for business in early 2009 and will support the three dealerships currently in the country along with the two new ones on the way. And what does 186% growth represent for a niche automaker like Lambo? The company sold 28 cars in China in 2007, and they're on track for 80 this year. GM it ain't, but then Lamborghini also appears to be making money and expanding its business. Press release below the jump.

Automobili Lamborghini establishes new branch in People´s Republic of China

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.

[Lamborghini]

The ultimate and most amazing Lamborghini garage

If you’re one of those guys that have an impressing fleet of Lambos, then you should be really careful where you park your jewels. Check out what a guy in the suburbs did to make sure his Countach’s and Diablos are safe from scratches and such. It must be the ultimate and most amazing Lamborghini garage I’ve ever seen. Call it clever or ingenious … but Lambo owners know their stuff.

Lamborghini Estoque

The Lamborghini Estoque was unveiled at the Paris Auto Show. Look at the video and enjoy as much as possible of Lambo’s four-door coupe study as it might very well find its way into production if there’s enough interest. The video from Lamborghini’s stand showing both the exterior of the sport car as well as a second video taken during the media presentation

Unboxing: Lamborghini Reventon

this is the first of the 20 units. Yeah there were only 20 Reventons produced and each sold at $1,000,000 and they were all sold out. Just like the gadget unboxing, take a look at the pic-by-pic they unbox the Lamborghini Reventon from the container.

Chromed Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 for Sale

This is the LP640, Lamborghini Murcielago pimped by the German tuner Hamann. It was put on sale by the London based luxury car dealer ‘Mayfair Prestige’. It is cheaper than the Reventon or Veyron, so don’t worry, it is priced at only $625,200. Check out more pictures of this chromy car after the break.

Lamborghini Toro Tractor: The best tractor that you could ever get!

It is not everyday that you are going to go around finding an awesome Lamborghini and it is almost impossible to find another Lamborghini tractor other than the one we have brought for you. Well, maybe you will find an ancient one but you will not find anything that is remotely as good as this one. I know, what you are thinking. Lamborghini and tractors... Huh! That might be the thought in many minds but I’m being told that Lamborghini started out as a tractor company! (That is new news to this ignorant mind)

Designed by Jason Battersby, this cool looking tractor could put some of the cars of today to shame. Jason Battersby is 22 years old, and is currently a Transportation Design Masters student at the Umea Institute of Design in Umea Sweden. The objective with the Lamborghini Toro was to use the current Lamborghini design language and apply it to their tractor line. The designer wanted to infuse the tractors exterior with the styling of today’s Lamborghini sports cars, especially the new Reventon, which applied a shattered-glass type styling to the body panels.

Jason used the orthographic drawing I created to build a scale paper model of the Lamborghini Toro Tractor. The final design is something that is simply too cool and while one expects this much better than the other tractors, the concept and the unique design make it very special. The idea to make a Lamborghini Tractor is really nice and one must admit that more designs like this which involve variations and new creative models like this are always welcome. Nice to see people go beyond the conventional norm of making those ‘robotic car designs’, which all look the same.

automotto

Lamborghini Reventon Makes First Drive Straight to Meadow Brook Concours

When the car first came out, we were a bit skeptical of its $1.4 million
price tag, but out in the daylight, looking like a machine designed to bring
about the apocalypse, it made the Bugatti Veyron down the row look like
something you'd drive to the festival of hugs

[via Jalopnik]

Lamborghini sets record profit as industry struggles

The world may be feeling the pinch of a weak U.S. economy, the automobile industry perhaps keenest of all, but Lamborghini has found a niche that’s impervious to the pain. The Italian supercar company has returned record results for both sales and profits over the first half of 2008.

Strong sales figures brought revenues up by nearly 10% over 2007 to $434.5 million. That left a profit of $54.8 million, up over 32% from last year. In fact, that figure is equivalent to 74% of the firm’s profit for the entire 2007 fiscal year.

All of this business is borne on the back of just 1,309 vehicles sold, though that’s an increase of 71 cars, or nearly 6%, over 2007. The powerhouse driving the increase: the Middle East, up 40% as the U.S. and Europe held steady, reports Automotive News. Record high fuel prices are driving good times and extravagant spending in at least part of the world, it appears.

Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann was reserved despite the strong performance, saying, “”There is no brand that is immune to financial crisis, but we always produce less than demand. We are conservative in our forecast.”

Sales for the second half of 2008 look to be at least as strong for Lamborghini, especially as the newly redesigned Gallardo LP560-4 has just started arriving in dealerships. For more on the LP560-4.

It's a bird, it's a plane... it's a Lamborghini

June 11, 2008 Residents of Turin, Italy were treated to an unique spectacle earlier this week as the € 1 million euro Lamborghini Reventón supercar made its way to a conference hosted by the company courtesy of a helicopter lift from the Italian marines.

Part of the “Turin 2008 – World Design Capital” programme of events, the closed conference explored the tight timescales achieved by Lamborghini in the design and production of the Reventón, which progressed from concept to finished car in less than a year. OK, so that still doesn't explain the need for an airlift, but like last year's show down between the car and a Tornado aircraft, it's a clever piece of PR accompanied by some never to be seen again pics.

In the market? Unfortunately it's already too late - all 20 available units of the ultra-exclusive, 340kmh+ Reventón have already been sold.

Reventon - Lambo’s ruthless new Bull

The veils are off the Lambo’s meanest and the most extreme bull till date. The limited edition Reventon, named after the notorious Spanish bull that killed the famed matador Félix Guzman in 1943, made its debut at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show. With only 20 cars made, this Murciélago LP640 based super car costs a banging 1-million euros and all the 20 have already been sold and will be shipped in 2008. While Lamborghini says the Reventón is a road vehicle with an extreme specification, the changes are mostly visual.

more pictures and details after the jump.


According to Lamborghini, this modern aeronautics inspired angular design has lighter carbon-fiber body panels and better aerodynamics. Looking at the car dead on in the photos, the arrow head shaped nose and the massive air intakes resemble those on the F-22 Raptor fighter jet. Not just these but whole tail with the adjustable rear spoiler, afterburner type tail lamp housings underpinned by the accentuated diffuser reminds of the jet fighter. The five-spoke black alluminium wheels are fitted with carbon fins which create a turbine effect and cool the ceramic brake discs. Its semi opaque green/grey shine-less unique paint makes it look even more lethal.

The interior and cockpit are made using high grade Alcantara, carbon, aluminium and leather. The cockpit instrumentation is a baffling LCD display that shows the rpm and speedo in an aircraft style digital vertical columns. There is a G-force meter in the middle of the display that measures the amount of longitudinal & lateral G’s the driver experiences during acceleration, braking and cornering.

The Reventon’s heart is a 6.5-litre V12 Murcielago LP640 engine and produces 650 bhp (633 bhp on the Murcielago) at 8,000 rpm and 660 Nm (487 ft·lbf) torque. O-100 km/h takes 3.4 seconds and can reach a top speed of 340 km/h (211 mph).

More than any of these specifications, what justifies the €1,000,000 price of this Lambo’s special edition is it’s extreme exclusivity.

here’s the full press release on Jalopnik and If you are looking for wallpaper size pictures of this exotic car, autoblog has a good gallery