Lamborghini boss Stephan Winkelmann says the firm will need to “fight to preserve its DNA” as it strives to clean up future models and hit its target of a 35 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions by 2015.
Speaking at the launch of the firm’s new V12-based powertrain - which is predicted to deliver an reduction in CO2 emissions of around 20 per cent when when it arrives in the Murciélago replacement next spring - Winkelmann said that smaller improvements in engine efficiency and lightweight construction techniques would help to achieve the ambitious 2015 target.
Read a detailed look at Lamborghini's new engine and gearboxSee spy pics of the Murciélago replacement in testing
But he also warned that other efficiency measures - such as the introduction of turbocharged, smaller-capacity engines - would be resisted, because they risk damaging Lamborghini’s brand values.
“Of course, having a new gearbox and engine allows us to make the biggest sort of step in this area,” Winkelmann told Autocar. “So that’s what we’re seeing with the new V12. But we can still predict smaller steps in that area and also more lightweight materials to help us.
“However, we also have to look very carefully at what customers expect from us as a brand, and that cannot be changed. We must fight to preserve that DNA and that will influence what we do to improve the CO2 emissions. Performance is still at our core. If we alter that then we have nothing.”
Read the full story on Lamborghini's lightweight Sesto Elemento concept
Winkelmann also hinted that Lamborghini is once again considering adding a third model to the range, having canned the proposed Estoque four-door during the global economic slowdown. “We have made some hard decisions over the past two years,” he said, “but now we will regroup over the next few months to see what can happen.”
The most obvious candidate for production is the Estoque. But burgeoning interest from markets like Russia and China, as well as continued sales in the Middle East, may yet persuade the firm to consider an SUV successor to the LM002 off-roader.
John McIlroy
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Re: Lambo plots lightweight future
[ But he also warned that other efficiency measures - such as the introduction of turbocharged, smaller-capacity engines - would be resisted, because they risk damaging Lamborghini’s brand values.]
OK
Re: Lambo plots lightweight future
Yeah!, just like the re-invention of the Range Rover every so often, a time-less classic maybe, or a man vegetable statement on wheels?, even Arnie had his wheel mounted!.
Re: Lambo plots lightweight future
Yes!! LM-002!!!! One model one spec one engine (twin-turbo V10) one price..