New Baby Lambo Targets Aston

[BMWDave]

Baby Lambo Targets Aston


The 'next big thing' at Lamborghini has the company thinking small! Auto Express can exclusively reveal a radical new roadster is on the wishlist at the firm's Italian HQ, and the car has been endorsed by design director Luc Donckerwolke.

Bosses have already hinted at the rebirth of the Eighties' Lambo LM002 with a new SUV. But now they've said they could follow that with a front-engined 2+2 GT to rival the Aston Martin DB9. A small two-seater is viewed as the perfect addition to the family - especially as Ferrari has ruled out a car to fit beneath the F430.

Donckerwolke has revealed he wants to convince the top brass at parent firm Audi of the merits of the hot roadster. The styling boss said: "What we are doing (with  
the Gallardo and Murci?lago product variations) is extremely satisfying for me, but I'm thinking of a Lamborghini with the drive of a Lotus Elise or Caterham Seven. Even if it sacrificed a little time on long straights, on tight sections it would be unbeatable."

The Gallardo Concept S might play a key role in the plan, as a shortened version of its chassis could form the basis for the newcomer. But he warned it was too early to discuss that, or the new car's engine. Power would come from a V6 or V8, both of which could be pumped up to well over 300bhp. The bodywork would likely be carbon fibre, allowing major upgrades to be done quickly. Prices would start somewhere over ?50,000 with a debut expected around 2008.
Matt Davis