Lamborghini planning two-wheel drive versions of Gallardo, Murcielago

[SVT666]

It's about goddamn time!
-Hemi666








Lamborghini planning two-wheel drive versions of Gallardo, Murcielago

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.

[Cookie Monster]

Now who would want FWD Lamborghini's?

[sportyaccordy]

Now who would want FWD Lamborghini's?

206...

[Tave]

Now who would want FWD Lamborghini's?

I hope that's a typo.

[Cookie Monster]

I hope that's a typo.

'Twas a joke.

Can't wait to see the Gallardo Superleggera!

[the Teuton]

I hope that's a typo.

The Estoque and Continental GT/Flying Spur are all based on an FWD Audi platform.  Just an FYI.

[hotrodalex]

The Estoque and Continental GT/Flying Spur are all based on an FWD Audi platform.  Just an FYI.

Well the Audi R8 is too.

[Vinsanity]

Well the Audi R8 is too.

I thought the R8 was more closely related to the Gallardo, what with it being mid-engine and all.

[Tave]

I thought the R8 was more closely related to the Gallardo, what with it being mid-engine and all.

I think they meant that it uses Audi's AWD system, rather than the Lambo's. The R8 shares platforms with the Gallardo.

[Raza]

Well, when the LP560 came out with a -4, we knew that a -2 was bound to happen.

The Murcielago I did not see coming. 

New dream car:  Murcielago LP640-2 Roadster.

[AltinD]

The Continental GT/Flying Spur are all based on an FWD Audi platform.  Just an FYI.

WRONG!

... based on a VW car build on a FWD platform.

[the Teuton]

WRONG!

... based on a VW car build on a FWD platform.

The Phaeton is just a steel version of the aluminum Audi platform.

[AltinD]

^^ Is not that simple. AUDI uses space frame while the platform of the Phaeton is conventional steel one.

However, obviously they started from the A8 D2 platform and adapted it but that doesn't make it the same platform.

For your info the current Audi A8 came out 6 months after the Phaeton (we're talking year 2002 here)

[Gotta-Qik-C7]

Well, when the LP560 came out with a -4, we knew that a -2 was bound to happen.

The Murcielago I did not see coming. 

New dream car:  Murcielago LP640-2 Roadster.

Can't lose either way!

[r0tor]

i'll put money on its not any faster then the AWD model

[Raza]

i'll put money on its not any faster then the AWD model

Not off the line.  But they will be lighter and more frivolous; one of the complaints made against Lamborghini is that, compared to Ferraris, they aren't frisky enough.

[Sigma Projects]

finally, I hope they don't make it too over steer happy.

[Gotta-Qik-C7]

Honestly how much better can the 2 wheel drive versions be?

[SVT666]

Honestly how much better can the 2 wheel drive versions be?

10328962498234098234

[Rich]

10328962498234098234  64.2 better

[sportyaccordy]

Honestly how much better can the 2 wheel drive versions be?

They will be lighter, have less drivetrain loss and much better steering feel....

.... :shrug:

[the Teuton]

They must be doing this for CAFE.

[Gotta-Qik-C7]

They will be lighter, have less drivetrain loss and much better steering feel....

.... :shrug:

No shit! But your losing the wet weather (for the suprise downpour) and off the line traction. So in the end is the 2 wheel drive version a BETTER car? Also how much lighter can that huge LP640 feel?

[Raza]

No shit! But your losing the wet weather (for the suprise downpour) and off the line traction. So in the end is the 2 wheel drive version a BETTER car? Also how much lighter can that huge LP640 feel?

The surprise downpour issue isn't really a real one, is it?  You pop on your emergency top (if you have the roadster), you keep traction control on, and you take it easy with your right foot. 

[hotrodalex]

The surprise downpour issue isn't really a real one, is it?  You pop on your emergency top (if you have the roadster), you keep traction control on, and you take it easy with your right foot. 

Or you go crazy and have some fun.

[Soup DeVille]

No shit! But your losing the wet weather (for the suprise downpour) and off the line traction. So in the end is the 2 wheel drive version a BETTER car? Also how much lighter can that huge LP640 feel?

At this level of street car, better is often a moot point. The real concern to the driver (assuming its not bought just for valet curb appeal reasons) is whether or not he connects with the car. Many people will prefer the feel and handling of a 2WD car regardless of the objective performance stats.

[2o6]

They must be doing this for CAFE.

If CAFE was a concern, we'd see a Lamborghini Polo. 

[TBR]

Honestly how much better can the 2 wheel drive versions be?

It could be as good as the F430.

[Gotta-Qik-C7]

It could be as good as the F430.

C&D Feb. 2009 Short take LP560-4: "With the exception of the optional brakes,this Lambo is so good that the Ferrari 430 may have just been toppled."

[sportyaccordy]

It still looks like a low flying saucer on the road... as opposed to the F430, which looks like a half-cyborg half female, straddling the road seductively, waiting to be ridden...

....

Saucer or sex cyborg...... the choice is obvious... why do you think the top of the line version is Stradale