Stronger German influence a no-go for next Gallardo

The replacement for Lamborghini’s best-selling model, the Gallardo, is but a year away and already there is already speculation in the press that the new model will make a clear break from tradition.

Lamborghini parent company Audi AG has stated previously that it would seek to have a deeper involvement in the development of the Gallardo replacement, saying the model would likely be based on the Porsche-sourced ‘Modularer Sport-Baukasten’ (MSB, or Modular Sport Platform) that will also underpin the new Audi R8.

But according to Lamborghini CEO and President, Stephan Winklemann, the claims could not be further from the truth, insisting that the Raging Bull’s next entry-level super-coupe will adhere closely to the Italian brand’s established traditions.

“This is bullshit, frankly speaking, because if there is one group that is taking care and giving the [Lamborghini] brand a high degree of freedom it is Volkswagen,” insisted Mr Winklemann.

“In terms of production, marketing and sales we are completely independent, and this is what will also be the case in the future.”

The Lamborghini boss also laid waste to rumours surrounding the focus on reduced-displacement engines featuring forced induction for the next Gallardo, adding: “We will always look into what we can do in terms of synergy [with the VW Group] without disturbing the DNA of the [Lamborghini] brand - this is the first and biggest guideline.”

The charismatic CEO said his brand was always keen to exhibit the latest technology in all of its new vehicles, but cautioned that clear breaks from tradition may be better suited to models outside of its traditional super sportscar models.

“One of the key factors of distinction of a brand like Lamborghini is always having the newest technology,” emphasised Mr Winklemann. “[But] in terms of tradition and expertise we are opting for naturally aspirated engine, and we will continue to do so.”

“If we discover at some stage that other types of engines are better than [those] we are doing today, [only] then we might go in to turbos or plug-in hybrids, and one of the cars that could be turbocharged or electrified is the [upcoming Urus] SUV,” he said.
 And then there’s that famed tradition of naming Lamborghini models after fighting bulls.

Mr Winkelmann confirmed reports that the Gallardo nameplate itself is on the chopping block after the company filed trademarks for the names ‘Huracan’ and ‘Demios’ last year.

Huracan – the Spanish word for hurricane and the ancient Mayan god of fire – is rumoured to replace Gallardo as the name of Lamborghini’s best-selling model, while Demios is said to become the name for the production SUV due in 2017.

Those nameplates were not confirmed by the Lamborghini boss, but he didn’t flat out deny them either.

“It’s like Murcielago and Aventador, we always have a new name when a new model is coming out”, he teased.

Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site…