The home page Recent updates Site map Lamborghini links Alphabetical index The Lamborghini Cars forum Search for keywords Contact us!

   


The Lamborghini Cala by ItalDesign, the story behind the car.
The ItalDesign Cala
Format : 640 x 383
Size : 62 Kb
On the 1995 Geneva Auto Show, the new Lamborghini CALA was shown, designed by Giorgetto Giugaro for ItalDesign and powered by a V-10 engine with a power rating over 400 bhp, mounted in a rear central position, in an all-aluminum chassis.
At this time, Automobili Lamborghini SpA officially announced the Cala as the prototype for the Jalpa successor, including the proposed Targa roof configuration.

This roof panel used two small clear glass parts at the front to have additional light into the interior of the car, the roof panel could be stored behind the seats inside the car.
The cockpit was upholstered in a very nice combination of claret colour leather and suede, the dashboard used white-faced dials in wrap around configuration, and the gearshift lever was put in a chromed, open gate. The sport seats were made by Recaro, behind them was a small space for children or some more luggage space, a glove box was not available, but a driver and passenger airbag would be standard issue.

The Cala was in fact fully driveable and the car was nearly ready to go into production, but the Far Eastern owners encountered severe financial problems and the project had to be frozen.
Several journalists were actually able to test drive this V-10 prototype for their publications, and most of them stated the Cala was worthy
The stunning Cala seen from the rear, April 11th 2001
Format : 750 x 503
Size : 70 Kb
of the Lamborghini name, excellent road holding and acceleration were sustained through most speeds and interior ergonomics were very good too, compared to the Jalpa it was to succeed.

But with the Audi takeover the Cala prototype was completely buried inside the Sant'Agata factory, the new German management contacted Bertone again to design two new smaller-engined Baby-Lamborghini's using a brand new twin-turbo charged Audi V-8 derived engine.

At this time the Cala prototype still exists, it has not been crashed but is in great condition and can be seen at the Ital Design's Company museum in Italy.

Cala specifications :

Length : 4389 mm
Width : 1900 mm
Height : 1222 mm
Wheelbase : 2520 mm
Front / Rear overhang : 840 mm / 1290 mm
Front / Rear track : 1592 mm / 1020 mm
Weight : 1293 Kg
Distribution : 37.7 % / 62.3 % front / rear

Chassis : Bonded aluminium Monocoque
Bodywork : Carbon Fibre

Engine type : 90 degrees V-10 40 valves, mid/rear mounted, rear wheel drive
Displacement : 3900 cc
Max. power : 400 Bhp at 7200 rpm

Drive Train : Manual 6-speed
Brakes : All-wheel ventilated disc brakes, diameter 12.2 inch
Tires front: 225/40 ZR 18 Rear :295/40 ZR 18
Rims : 18 inch polished magnesium

Top speed : 289 Km/h.
0 - 100 Km/h : 5 sec




Return to list
Return to the prototype list.



If you would like to contact me with any comments or suggestions, mail me


The Lamborghini Cars MailBox

at Info@Lambocars.com

Neither this site nor my E-mail is associated with the Automobili Lamborghini Holding SpA
Lamborghini Cars is a non-commercial enthusiast website, we do not sell cars or parts, the Lamborghini name,
all model names and the Raging Bull logo are registered trademarks of Automobili Lamborghini SpA.