This year has been a very busy one for Lamborghini so far. In its 50th year of existence, the Italian carmaker has unveiled two wild cars, the ultra-exclusive Veneno and the Egoista concept, a 50th anniversary edition of the Aventador and has also organized a 1,200-km tour around Italy with 350 Lamborghinis from all eras. But 2013 is not over yet.
According to a report from Autocar, the Audi-owned company will also reveal a new concept car at the Frankfurt auto show that will preview the successor to the Gallardo.
Citing sources close to the Italian supercar maker, the report says the Gallardo replacement will be more closely integrated with the Audi R8, with the two sports cars to share key components, including a lightweight carbon fiber and aluminum spaceframe structure.
Codenamed LP724 and tipped to be named the Cabrera, the new entry-level Lamborghini will be 16mm longer at around 4,500mm (177.1 in), while width and height will remain almost the same at 1,900mm (74.8 in) and 1,165mm (45.9 in) respectively. The added length is due to a larger wheelbase that will offer increased interior space.
Both the Gallardo replacement and the second-generation Audi R8 have been conceived around a modular spaceframe, with the new carbon fiber and aluminum structure tipped to weigh 198kg (437 lbs) in the Audi R8 (24kg less than the all-aluminum spaceframe used by the current R8). Since the Audi will have a 30mm longer wheelbase than the Lambo in order to offer greater interior space and stowage space behind the seats, the Lambo’s spaceframe will be even lighter, at 195kg (430 lbs).
The targeted overall weight for the new Lamborghini is less than 1500kg (3,307 lbs), which is what the current Gallardo weighs. The engine will be an updated version of the current 5.2-liter V10 gasoline unit which will deliver around 600hp and 542 Nm (400 lb-ft) of torque.
Even though other reports state that Lamborghini will ditch manual gearboxes altogether, the British publication said the Gallardo’s replacement will sport a standard six-speed stick shift, with a 7-speed dual-clutch auto from the R8 to be offered as optional – apparently, we’ll have to wait to who is right on this one. Finally, the Cabrera is said to be offered in rear-wheel-drive versions alongside the standard all-wheel-drive models.
By Dan Mihalascu
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