We had hoped that the rumors about the debut of a concept model previewing the Lamborghini Gallardo’s replacement at the Frankfurt Motor Show were true, but as you already know, it never happened. Nonetheless, Lamborghini continues the development of its new entry-level supercar, which may carry the Cabrera moniker, according to some sources.
Spied here testing on the Nürburgring circuit in prototype form, Lamborghini’s engineers made sure to wrap the car in its entirety, hiding most, but not all details from prying eyes. It only takes a quick look at the car’s outline and sharp front end, which looks like a less edgy yet more aggressive interpretation of the Aventador’s fascia, to identify it as a modern Lamborghini.
The Gallardo’s replacement will be close in width and height to the current model, but will sport a slightly longer body dressed in lightweight carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) and aluminum panels. It will sit on an a new modular spacefame shared with the second generation Audi R8. It is expected that the Cabrera will be if not notably, at least marginally lighter than the current Gallardo.
For its motivation, the Cabrera will continue to rely on a naturally-aspirated V10 unit, albeit redesigned to produce 600 or more horses, and comply with forthcoming EU6 emissions limits. A new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission from the R8 will come as standard, while Lamborghini will likely offer both all- and rear-wheel drive editions of the car. The Italians have hinted that the Carbera will not be offered with a manual gearbox, but this is something that has yet to be confirmed.
The production model in coupe form should be released onto the market within the next year, with a roadster version to follow.
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