Turbocharging and direct-injection technology are the latest fads when it comes to petrol engines in the auto industry.
While not a pioneer, the Volkswagen Group did its part to bring turbocharging to the masses beginning from the 1990s and its 1.8-liter turbocharged four that powered all sorts of vehicles. Today, the German auto group continues to lead the way with a variety of turbocharged (and supercharged) gasoline lumps, the most recent being its 4.0-liter V8 TFSI with up to 520-horses.
Yet surprisingly, one of the group’s flagship brands, Lamborghini, does not have a turbocharged engine and this despite the fact that it has succumbed to the all-wheel drive trend made popular by Audi.
Speaking with British publication Autocar, the Italian firm’s CEO Stephan Winkelmann said that Lamborghini won’t be joining the turbocharging craze any time soon.
“For the time being it will not happen. For this decade, I don’t see it happening in the super sport car business – although I would also caution against saying it could never happen,” said Winkelmann.
“The future can take its own path when fuel regulations are involved. All I will say is that any development along those lines must be consistent with the DNA of Lamborghini,” he added.
Lamborghini’s boss said that the next iteration of the Gallardo sports car, which is expected in “at least two years down the road”, would not feature a turbocharged engine at launch. However, there is a possibility that the Italian sports car may get a turbo engine towards the end of its life in 2020.
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