HARDCORE FOUR-DOOR
2/2/2009 2:14:24 PM by Luxuryautodirect.com
A Lamborghini unlike any other that has come before it: a four-door sports car. While a sedan is unexpected for the marque, the Lamborghini Estoque concept has everything that defines a Lamborghini. It is extreme, uncompromising and unmistakably Italian and brings a whole new versatility to the brand’s DNA. The Estoque’s four seats and ample luggage space is a perfect fit for an equally versatile lifestyle.
Estoque is a study, a concept created specifically for the 2008 Salon d’Automobiles in Paris. From first glance, there is no doubt that this is a Lamborghini. Like its siblings, it possesses a compelling presence, both unique and unmistakable. The long wheelbase, the low profile, the broad track, the mighty, accentuated wheels, the clean surfaces and razor-sharp definition – every single line breathes the spirit of the Lamborghini brand.
Of course, as a true Lamborghini, it goes without saying that the Estoque also bears a suitably powerful name with a rich heritage from the Spanish Corrida or bull fighting. The Estoque is a rapier (sword), approximately 90 centimeters long, used in a bullfight by the Matador.
The Estoque is an entirely new interpretation of the Sant’ Agata design ethic, and, as any successful concept car should, it provides a clear view of one possible future. The Estoque is the first sedan in the history of Automobili Lamborghini. While “sedan” is more a reference to the number of doors than any other characteristics, even sports sedan is an inadequate classification. The Estoque establishes a new category for itself; it is a super sports sedan with a powerful front mid-engine, permanent all-wheel drive and a sophisticated, precision-tuned chassis.
The flat bonnet, the long wheelbase, the narrow window openings, the flat rear that ends decisively with a negative return – it is pure Italy on wheels; everything bears the design language of the large classic It
Just like the brand’s super sports cars, the Estoque features a mid-engine layout. However, the high-performance driveline used here is not located in front of the rear axle, as in the Gallardo and Murcielago or in the Reventon, but behind the front axle. This front mid-engine concept, with the driveline set way back, facilitates balanced weight distribution and a center of gravity close to the vehicle’s vertical axis. Both ensure unparalleled agility and handling precision of a mid-engine vehicle.
A range of drivelines is conceivable for the Estoque. This is headed up by the highly-acclaimed Lamborghini ten-cylinder from the Gallardo LP 560-4 – with more torque and higher revving than virtually any other engine. A complementary alternative could be a turbocharged eight-cylinder derived from this V10. A particularly economical, but nevertheless dynamic, variation would be a V8 with a hybrid module or an extremely high-performance TDI.
Like all contemporary Lamborghini models, the Estoque is also equipped with permanent all-wheel drive. It distributes the engine power to all four wheels for superior traction in all driving situations, as well as providing extra reserves for both extremely sporty driving and also for challenging weather conditions.
The front end of the Estoque is a clear and unambiguous statement of its sports car credentials. With its swooping V-shape, its two large air intakes pulled forward and the small front spoiler in between, its place amongst the family of Lamborghini super sports cars is also distinct and unmistakable. This front-end design gives the Estoque a firm, low stance, while providing excellent aerodynamic efficiency. The large air intakes facilitate the cooling air that is important for such a high-performance vehicle and the spoiler was specifically designed to improve aerodynamic balance at high speeds.
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Despite its extremely low profile – at a mere 4.43 feet high – the Lamborghini Estoque is surprisingly spacious. The secret lies in its very long wheelbase that, in spite of the rearwards positioning of the front mid-engine, enables a relaxed, sporty seating position. Entering and exiting is also pleasingly straightforward through the large, wide-opening doors.
For this reason, the Lamborghini Estoque is the perfect traveling companion, be it en route to business meetings, the theatre, the golf course or even a weekend away with the kids. At the end of the day, it is the only car that allows one to share the singular driving pleasure of a Lamborghini with more than one person – possibly even with the whole family. And there is still enough room left over for weekend luggage or several golf bags.
At the same, the Estoque is a thoroughbred sports car with exceptionally refined power delivery, razor-sharp precision handling and a meaty engine tone. Challenging driving pleasure on a winding mountain road, followed by a relaxed, enjoyable journey along miles and miles of motorway. As expected, the Estoque is
In Paris, the Lamborghini Estoque demonstrates the innovation, the creativity and the design flair of the Lamborghini brand, currently represented by the enormous success enjoyed by Lamborghini’s Gallardo and Murcielago super sports cars. As a concept, the Lamborghini Estoque represents one of several possibilities for a third model series within the Lamborghini product line-up. At this point in time, no decisions have been taken in respect of either a third model series of any kind or of the Estoque concept in particular.