• HOME
• 
• AUTO LISTINGS
• 
• FINANCE
• 
• NEWS
• 
• DIRECTORY
• 
• REVIEWS
• 
• FORUM
• 
• BLOG
• 

Lamborghini to Build Diesel-Powered Gallardo?

Would VWs V10 Diesel Power a Lamborghini Supercar or SUV?

Under the control of the Volkswagen Auto Group, Italian supercar constructor Lamborghini has become a formidable and profitable company. In its ongoing battle with arch-rival Ferrari, Lamborghini has revolutionized the supercar scene by conventionalizing the wedge body shape with the Countach, introducing the all-wheel drive powertrain on the Diablo, and successfully producing the first everyday supercar, the Gallardo.

While the raging bull continues to expand its lineup with the

Lamborghini engineers may be on the verge of creating an entirely new breed of diesel-powered supercar. (Photo: Lamborghini)

availability of convertibles and the new E-Gear sequential transmission, insiders report that the companys engineers are on the verge of creating an entirely new breed of supercar, fueled by the demand for efficient alternative power in the face of constantly rising gasoline prices.

According

Lamborghini is currently testing the Gallardo with Volkswagens 5.0 liter V10 turbodiesel powerplant. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

to British magazine Autocar, Lamborghini is currently testing the Gallardo with Volkswagens 5.0 liter V10 turbodiesel as seen in the new Touareg V10 TDi and Phaeton V10 TDi. In stock form, the motor produces 309 horsepower, some ways down from the Gallardos 500-horsepower gasoline V10, but still a substantial amount for a diesel.

Lamborghinis engineers are generally impressed by the diesel engine, particularly

The main problems currently holding the powerplant back are a narrow power band and overall power delivery, both inherent diesel issues. (Photo: Lamborghini)

its performance and tractability thanks to the motors 535 lb-ft of torque, but some downfalls have been discovered. Two key issues which need to be sorted out before the project can continue, includes the need to widen the engines narrow power band as well as the necessity of improving overall power delivery, both problems associated with diesel technology.

By the time the project is complete, its expected that the engines character will be completely different from the V10 TDi in the Volkswagens. In order to make up the 191 horsepower deficit, Lamborghini may

Lamborghini is also interested in rejoining the popular luxury SUV segment, something it helped to initiate with the LM002 (shown). (Photo: Lamborghini)

increase turbo pressure or add an additional turbocharger.

As for transmissions, its expected that a variation of Lamborghinis paddleshift E-Gear sequential transmission will be used, or an automatic gearbox with manual mode and paddle-shifters.

Lamborghini has also been expected to follow Porsches lead by introducing a top-tier performance sport utility in the near future, most likely based on Volkswagens Touareg, the same architecture that underpins Porsches Cayenne and will also be used for Audis upcoming Q7. Those familiar with the supercar brand will remember the late 80s, early 90s LM002 (see pre-owned review section for 1986 - 1993 Lamborghini LM002), a super-SUV made specifically for the elite

Toyota is also testing alternative powered super cars with its high-tech gasoline-electric hybrid Volta concept. (Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.)

crowd. With Lamborghini having already been a forerunner in the sport utility business, its only natural for the VW-division to capitalize on its past success now that the SUV genre is so popular. A performance diesel would suit a new Lamborghini SUV ideally.

Page:  1

AUTOMOBILE REVIEWS BY MAKE

Acura  Audi   Bentley   BMW   Buick   Cadillac   Chevrolet   Chrysler   Daewoo   Dodge   Eagle   Ferrari   Ford   Geo   GMC   Honda   Hummer   Hyundai   Infiniti   Isuzu   Jaguar   Jeep   Kia   Lamborghini   Lexus   Lincoln   Lotus   Maserati   Mazda   Mercedes-Benz   Mercury   MINI   Mitsubishi   Nissan   Oldsmobile   Plymouth   Pontiac   Porsche   Saab   Saturn   Scion   Subaru   Suzuki   Toyota   Volkswagen   Volvo