A third model has always been in Lamborghini’s plans and, although rumors have been circulating about an SUV or sedan dilemma, the Estoque Concept seems to be well on its way to production. In fact, its debut should be arriving sometime in 2014 and much like the Sesto Elemento Spyder we talked about earlier today, Lamborghini will also be offering a drop top version of the Estoque which will be unveiled one year after the sedan’s debut.
The Lamborghini Estoque Convertible will arrive, first in concept form, in 2015 with a production version following in 2016. So far, all we have on the model is a leaked document confirming its existence, but we imagine it will follow along the same design lines previewed on the 2008 Estoque Concept, minus the solid roof. Rumors suggest that the Estoque – both sedan and convertible versions – will benefit from the same V10 engine that will debut in the Cabrera in 2013. This will be a new generation V10 engine combined with a supercharger that will deliver up to about 600 HP.
The Estoque Convertible’s debut will tackle the same market segment as the Porsche Panamera Convertible which is finding its way to the market in 2012. The earlier Panamera debut will allow Porsche to upgrade the model as needed for when the Estoque Convertible shows its face in 2016.
Lamborghini doesn’t usually build a concept car without it getting put to some kind of use in the future. It’s never happened, and we’ll place bets on the fact that it won’t ever happen. Try as they may to deny the fact that the Estoque would not see the production line, this concept vehicle stood a fantastic chance at becoming the third model in Lamborghini’s line-up.
To prove our theory, we bring you this. In a recent statement Chairman and CEO Stephan Winkelmann confirmed that the company is indeed preparing a third model, and that this new model is not an SUV as people have speculated, but a four-door luxury sedan.
"We have opportunities outside the supercar business, and we showed that with Estoque. It had a more enthusiastic response than we had expected. It was the right time to see if the brand could go outside of supercars. Even now, people are still emailing me about us making the Estoque."
And if the strong demand for a production version of the Estoque doesn’t make them actually build it, the recent success the company has been having on the Chinese market may just give Lamborghini the final push they need, especially since luxury four-door sedans are in high demand over there.
UPDATE 05/24/2011: Here’s a bit of good news for Lamborghini owners that feel a little silly dropping their kids off at school in their new Aventador LP700-4; the company has just revealed plans for a third model in their lineup that will fulfill the need for a daily driver. Lamborghini chief executive Stephan Winkelmann said, "We are going to have a third model. It has to be an everyday car. We want to have a car which is able to be used on a daily basis."
Could this be the production Estoque we have been waiting for? We think so.
Hit the jump to read more about the production version Lamborghini Estoque.
Lamborghini finally unveiled the official details on the 2009 Estoque Concept. The Estoque is the first sedan in the history of Automobili Lamborghini, but Lambo wants people to think “sedan” is more a reference to the number of doors than any other characteristic.
Even if it wants to keep the sports car image, Lamborghini is still positioning the Estoque as the family man’s Lambo. As the press release says, "It is the only car that allows you to share the singular driving pleasure of a Lamborghini with more than one person – possibly even with the whole family. And there is still enough room left over for weekend luggage or several golf bags."
Although the car is only 4.43 feet high Lamborghini says the long wheelbase will make the car spacious. This means not only will the driver get the low, leaning back position typical of a Lamborghini, but so will wife (or husband) and the kids. But don’t expect all traditions in this Lambo sedan, the doors open in a normal front-hinged, swing out manner.
The engine proposed for the Estoque is likely the V10 from the Gallardo LP 560-4. Lambo also hinted that a turbocharged V8 as well as even a hybrid or diesel powertrain could be thrown into the mix.
Press release after the jump.