estoque1 Lamborghini Estoque Growing Pains

The new Estoque supersaloon concept is exactly that — a concept. Lamborghini — maker of bitchin’ righteous mid-engined supercars doesn’t have a platform suitable for a front-engined car. Most pundits (hi mom!) had assumed that first ever Lambo sedan would simply ride on a tweaked version of the upcoming 2010 Audi A8 chassis. It’s good enough for Bentley and VW’s Phaeton, right? Have a look at the rear of the new A8 and the Estoque’s butt. See anything familial?  But here’s the issue — Audi likes to hang it’s engines out beyond the front axle and the Estoque is an FM affair (FM means “front-mid engine,” i.e. behind the front axle. One possible solution would be to use the Porsche Panamera chassis, as its engine is in pretty much the right place. Here’s the best part: Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann has stated that the Estoque will not compete with Porsche’s new 4-door. And if 550 hp V10 four-doors don’t compete with 550 hp twin-turbo V8 four-doors, he’s right. In reality, he’s wrong. So you can forget about the Porsche chassis. Which leaves Bugatti, the revived French company that is planning a supersaloon of its own. In fact, the new Bugatti might actually already be sharing it’s chassis with the replacement for the Bentley Arnage. Bentely, Bugatti, Lamborghini? That’d be one hell of a chassis. Er, had better be. Assuming the economy doesn’t totally implode look for the Estoque at your friendly neighborhood Lambo dealer in 2012.

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