There are still a lot of evolutions possible for the two current models in the Lamborghini line up, during an interview with Werner Mischke, Lamborghini’s chairman at this time, he admitted Automobili Lamborghini SpA is already thinking about a third model range.
A decision on this matter will be taken towards the end of 2003, if this will mean a new ‘Espada-like’ four seater, front engine model or a new off-road model isn’t stated yet, and information about this wasn’t revealed during the interview either. Earlier sourced did state that in fact both models are in the design stage right now, but which will be going into production first, and when, is still a question mark at this time.
There were also rumors about a brand new, super car, even faster and lighter than the current Murciélago, note that this will not be a Murciélago GT but an entirely new model above the Murciélago performance levels.
When Automobili Lamborghini SpA will eventually introduce a third model platform, it will surely be more expensive than the current Gallardo model, which will remain some sort of ‘entry level’ Lamborghini.
What is however sure at this time is that Automobili Lamborghini SpA will not enter Formula One or any other area of car racing at this moment, the award winning V12 offshore powerboat engines have won their seventh world championship in only 8 years during the 2002 season, and this area of racing is just about all that Lamborghini is planning on competing in right now.
For the 2003 and 2004 production years, Lamborghini is planning on building around 400 units of the Murciélago model and from 600 Gallardos planned for 2003 to 1600 units towards 2005.
At this moment the building capacity of the Gallardo is six cars each day, but a total of eight Gallardos per day is already foreseen, while with a little more investment in equipment and people a total of 10 units could be possible.
A question about the performance difference between the Murciélago and Gallardo was posed too, a simple response was given on this, the Gallardo, with the aluminum frame could be considered to be faster, however it is not. Thorough testing on the famous Imola race track showed the Murciélago to be a full second faster than the Gallardo.
Also note that according to Mr Mischke, the Murciélago is, and will remain, the flagship of Automobili Lamborghini SpA, an icon on the automotive market, while the Gallardo is considered to be a more affordable, high-end sports car.
We’ve all seen the Murciélago Barchetta Concept on the Detroit Auto Show, and Mr Mischke stated that we will actually see the production model being introduced towards the summer of 2004, while a Gallardo Roadster is already being considered to be available in early 2006.
Also note that the high performance ‘GT’ models are being developed right now, according to Mr Mischke the famous and well tested four wheel drive system will be used on these race inspired derivatives instead of rear wheel drive like on the earlier Diablo GT model.
Automobili Lamborghini SpA will also be expanding their dealer presence around the world, with at least three new dealerships in the United States, which represent 35 percent of all sales, and expansion into China and Russia.
Mr Mischke was also proud to state that the 2002 financial year could be closed with a profit, no more loss for Automobili Lamborghini SpA at the moment, naturally there are still areas to be developed further that will create an important increase in profit during the years that will follow, however he also stated that making high profits is not a concern at Lamborghini right now.
The Lamborghini Artimarca section of the Automobili Lamborghini Holding will start selling Lamborghini automobilia not only in the factory shop and at the authorized dealerships, but also over the internet, with a fully functional online store.
Another important money making section of Lamborghini will in fact be the restoration facility, the completely new center will be housed in the ‘Centro Stile Lamborghini’, and they plan on bringing a number between 20 to 30 cars back to their original state on a yearly base, note that in 2002 the official factory restoration shop finished almost 10 cars.
