Honda-Acura.net - View Single Post - Lamborghini Espada concept: V10-engined 2+2 GT coupe

Aug 11, 2005 | 04:29 PM

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MrFatbooty

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Lamborghini have presented design models that offer pointers to a new 2+2 coupe model that unashamedly draws on the original Espada for inspiration.

In fact so much so that Lamborghini design staff themselves actually refer to the project as the 'new' Espada. With its sweeping lines, huge overhangs and two door format, the scale models successfully bring one of the marque's most fascinating historic models right back to the attention.

This new Espada, if it is given the green light by the sportscar maker's bosses at Audi, could be presented as early as 2008. Like the original it will be a hatchback, but interestingly Lamborghini's engineers are considering dispensing with the use of conventional door pillars, and instead follow a path recently trodden by the highly successful Mazda RX-8, by utilising the rear, small 'suicide' door approach.

Power will be delivered by the Gallardo's 5.0-litre V10 and the Murcielago's 6.2-litre V12 engine, both of which will by then have benefited from a performance upgrade, while traction will be fed to the wheels via Lamborghini's stock four wheel drive system.

The new V10 Espada will be a direct competitor to the Aston Martin DB9 as well as Maserati's forthcoming 5000GT. The more powerful V12 engined version, to be built in limited numbers, will take on Ferrari's recently introduced 5.75-litre V12-powered 612 Scaglietti. One of the reasons Lamborghini have decided on also offering the Murcielago's fearsome engine, which currently boasts in excess of 600 bhp, is that the decision has been made that, right across the range, their models should go head-to-head with the Prancing Horse marque in the power stakes.

The new project has been designed around the VW-Audi Group's new D4 'architecture' set. These are prestige market-end floorpans that are expected to be used by Audi for the next A8 saloon, Bentley for the Arnarge replacement, VW for the next-generation Phaeton, if this project is given the go-ahead after the disastrous sales that are being achieved by the first model to bear this name, and Bugatti, for a planned 'entry-level' sportscar, which will complement the 'future' Veyron. However these underpinnings do not technically approach the highly sophisticated transaxles, and perfect weight balance of 42/58 percent, that has been achieved by Ferrari with its new 612 Scaglietti, a feat which is expected to be mirrored by the forthcoming Maserati 5000GT.

http://www.italiaspeed.com/2005/cars...pada/0201.html

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