BY JORDAN BROWN, PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE DUSHANE, MATTHIAS KNOEDLER, AND THE MANUFACTURER
Porsche and Aston Martin might not be the only ones in the exotic sports-sedan game.
As it turns out, Lamborghini and Porsche have more in common than just their teaser methods—both have issued closely cropped photos of upcoming cars—with the Italians now having unveiled their all-new four-door “coupe” concept vehicle, the Estoque, at the 2008 Paris Auto Show.
While we were hoping this was to be the long-rumored four-seat Espada, we must admit it’s an interesting translation of the four-door coupe theme. Although the Estoque is decidedly more exotic-looking than the Mercedes-Benz CLS and Porsche Panamera, some here are unsure how well the styling language that works so well for Lamborghini’s supercars translates to a sedan, while others like it.
In what is the first sedan to come out of the Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy-based automaker, the Estoque borrows many of its styling cues directly from the two existing Lamborghini models, but the transition to sedan doesn’t flow as well as one would hope. Sporting a front bumper that almost could have been lifted directly from the Gallardo LP560-4, Reventón-esque taillights, and various other Lambo traits throughout, the Estoque is tied together with two more doors than we’re used to seeing on cars wearing the snorting-bull badge, and they unfortunately don’t open vertically.
Aside from the number of doors, the biggest surprise is the front-mid-engine layout, which, contrary to Lamborghini’s typical mid-engine platforms, locates the motor just behind the front axle. While we do know that all four wheels will be powered, we don’t know what engine will be delivering the horses. According to the automaker, there are three basic possibilities: a Gallardo-based V-10, a turbocharged V-8 derived from the V-10, or possibly even a diesel or hybrid V-8. If the Estoque makes it into production, our guess is that Lamborghini goes with some variation of the Gallardo’s V-10 based on cost-efficiency—not to mention that we’ve seen how well the engine can work in a sedan with the Audi S8.
Regardless, the hypothetical power will be transferred to the ground—at least for now—via gigantic, split five-spoke wheels. While the concept sports a staggered layout—22 inches up front and 23 in the back—we suspect smaller, like-sized wheels would be fitted for production in an effort to preserve ride quality and the all-wheel-drive system. Wrapping the wheels are equally monstrous Pirelli PZero tires, or, as we like to call them, rubber bands.
To make room for the added passengers—and a few golf bags—the Estoque measures 203 inches long, about 20 inches longer than the Murciélago and just shy of the Mercedes-Benz S-class’s 205 inches. With a 119-inch wheelbase that neatly divides the regular- and long-wheelbase Audi A8s, interior space should be ample. (Our best guess as to the platform is that it’s a new architecture that will underpin both a potential production Estoque and a new generation of Bentleys.) While we haven’t seen the interior of the concept yet, we’re told it will be trimmed in leather and outfitted with various tech goodies including a large LCD display, high-quality audio, and a rear-seat entertainment system.
At this point, there are no solid plans to produce the Estoque or any other additions to the Lamborghini lineup, and rumor has it that Porsche, which is now the majority stakeholder in Volkswagen, may not be happy with VW for allowing Lambo to produce this concept. In any event, expect the Estoque to make the auto-show rounds in an effort to gauge interest, starting first with the Paris show and then making its way around the globe. We’re looking forward to our first meeting.
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