Lamborghini Estoque

Officially released at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, Lamborghini's new Estoque is its latest addition to its raging bull family. The four-door sedan was introduced as a concept, but the exotic will most likely see the light of day and come off the production lines some time in 2009 or 2010. As previously reported, the new sedan - which debuted as a pre-production prototype - will be called the Estoque, keeping in line with Lamborghini's bull-fighting naming style. Estoque is a special sword used by bullfighters.

Style

The new Lamborghini Estoque is a four-door sedan, much in the same vein as the upcoming Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide. Like those aforementioned cars has a heavy emphasis on performance while still being able to carry four in luxurious style. Measuring 5.15 meters long, the unique Estoque, carries a front end in familiar Lamborghini style with gaping diamond-shaped air intake scoops linked by a lower spoiler. The aggressive design caries through into the hood with its v-shaped noise and sharply cut side vents.

Lamborghini will lean heavily on parent Audi for the underpinnings of its new model. While the Panamera will do with a steel platform, the Lamborghini sedan will ride on the upcoming Audi A8's all-aluminum space frame, allowing for a lower curb weight and improved performance and fuel economy numbers.

Mechanics

Power, at least in the Paris concept car, comes from a Gallardo LP560-4 5.2-liter V-10 engine, though in production it would be tuned to give slightly less power and more torque in keeping with its more sensible-shoes image. Unlike Lamborghini's current offerings, the Estoque is slated to use a front-engine layout. However, the V10-powered car would likely be the model ranges top-offerings, going head-to-head with the Panamera Turbo. For the 'volume' model, Lamborghini will likely go with a twin-turbo V8 derived from the Gallardo's V10. However, Lamborghini's signature all-wheel drive will be a part of the sedan's package. Unlike the current two-seat sportsters, though, the Estoque gets an electronically controlled center diff that activates the front drive only when necessary -- such as during a loss of traction. Most of the time, you're in rear drive only, which helps all-around fuel economy.

Hitting the Tarmac

Although, no true specs were released, officials said top speed could be anywhere from 155-200 mph for the Lamborghini Estoque. Lamborghini also happily discusses the possibility that the Estoque could use V-8 hybrid power or maybe even a turbodiesel.

Lamborghini expects the Estoque to more than double the company's current sales, with the sedan earmarked for 3,000 annual sales.