Meet the Estoque - Four Doors from Lamborghini
"The unmistakable form of a Lamborghini is something that always speaks for itself." Such is the way Lamborghini describes their brand new concept mid-engine sedan, the Lamborghini Estoque, in official documents at the time official Estoque unveiling at the 2008 Paris Salon d'Automobiles.
The Estoque is the first decidedly new model to come from Lamborghini in several years. The Italian super sports car maker's current line, consisting of only the top-of-the-line Lamborghini Murcielago and the smaller Gallardo, plays things relatively safe as supercar makers go.
The Lamborghini Estoque, while still only a concept car though with a strong chance of seeing production, seriously shakes up what the name Lamborghini calls to mind. First and foremost, it is a sedan. Yes, a four door, four seat Lamborghini. While some will groan this as the antithesis of everything Lamborghini stands for, others will applaud the Estoque for its bold and iconoclastic design.
Performance details and specs are slim at this point for the Lamborghini Estoque concept. Notably, Lamborghini has not yet solidified what engine would power the car should it see production. The most likely choice would be the excellent 5 liter V8 which forms the performance base for both the Lamborghini Gallardo and the Audi R8.
Rumors have circulated that the Lamborghini Estoque might be powered by a cleaner-burning turbodiesel engine, and while this is unsubstantied, it would certainly be an interesting choice as luxury sports car makers try to reach out a hand to wealthy buyers turning away from huge horsepower in favor of a more green image.
The name "Estoque" signifies the sword worn at the hip by a bullfighter, used to gore the bull at the end of a match. The Lamborghini Estoque concept has long, low proportions, and with its pointed front end and huge rear fender flanks certainly looks sword-like in its own right.
Power from the as-yet-unnamed Estoque engine is put to the ground through all four wheels, as is customary of everything to come from Lambo. The Estoque, which Lamborghini calls a mid-engine car, features both a motor and drivetrain located aft of the front axel line, a move which should lend itself to perfect weight distribution.
Since the success of the Maserati Quattroporte and the first images of the still-in-development Porsche Panamera, buyers are told it is o.k., even unique in a crowded field, to have four-door halo sports cars. Lamborghini has succeeded in drumming up a fever of excitement in the automotive world for the Estoque, and while no official production announcement has been given, bet the Estoque will be coming to Lamborghini showrooms worldwide with most of its concept equipment intact.
Lamborghini Estoque - the Italian super sports sedan
Official lamborghini Press Release
It is a Lamborghini like no other before it: a four-door sports car that sticks resolutely to its creed. The Lamborghini Estoque concept has everything that defines a Lamborghini: extreme, uncompromising and unmistakably Italian, iIt brings a whole new versatility to the brand's DNA - with its four seats and ample luggage space, this "everyday sports car" 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 the very first glance there can be no doubt that this is a Lamborghini - a car with 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.
A new and unique elegance
The Estoque is an entirely new interpretation of the Sant' Agata design ethic: it is a concept that provides a clear indication of the future. This applies to the new, elegant self-confidence of the lines themselves, but even more to the concept of the vehicle. The Estoque is the first sedan in the history of Automobili Lamborghini, although "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 of super sports sedans. With a powerful front mid-engine, permanent all-wheel drive and a sophisticated, precision-tuned chassis,; the Estoque boasts a unique technology package.
A sign of success
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 Murciélago 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.
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 - bull fighting. The Estoque is a rapier (sword), approximately 90 centimetres (35.43 inches) long, used in a bull fight by the Matador.
The Concept
Estoque embodies the concept of a Lamborghini that is both a dedicated sports car and a relaxed Gran Turismo. As a sedan with four doors and four individual sports seats, it is a multi-faceted vehicle for multi-faceted lifestyles.
Relaxed Gran Turismo
The Lamborghini Estoque is the perfect travelling 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 you 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.
Despite its extremely low profile - at a mere 1.35 meters (4.43 feet) high - the Lamborghini Estoque is surprisingly spacious. The secret lies in its very long wheelbase which, 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.
A challenging sports car
At the same, the Lamborghini 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;- the Lamborghini Estoque is commanding across the entire driving spectrum., at the highest level. The Estoque's versatility makes it the perfect addition to the range of Lamborghini super sports cars.
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