A decision on bringing to production the third model will be taken towards the end of this year, Whether this will be a new 'Espada-like' four seater front engined model or more likely an off-roader based on Audi's new Pikes Peak hasn't been stated yet and Mischke was reticent about during the interview. However both models are in the design stage now.

There are also strong rumours about a brand new, Ferrari Enzo-beating supercar, faster and lighter than the current Murcielago, This will not be a Murcielago GT but an entirely new platform positioned above the Murcielago's performance levels.

When Automobili Lamborghini SpA eventually introduce a third model platform, it will be more expensive than the current Gallardo model, which will remain as an 'entry level' Lamborghini.

The award winning V12 offshore powerboat engines last year won their seventh world championship in only 8 years. Now Lamborghini are looking to a track programme for both the Gallardo and Murcielago. The Bolognese company is weighing up either a GT Murcielago or an N-GT Gallardo and has been talking to the UK-based Prodrive concern who have recently built and developed the highly successful racing Ferrari 550 Maranello which last month won the GTS class at the Le Mans 24 Hours and has taken five wins out of five so far this year in the FIA GT Championship. A one model "gentlemans" series is also envisioned, building on the success of the Diablo GTR Supertrophy which ended last year.

The high performance 'GT' models that are being developed currently, according to Mr Mischke, will both offer four wheel drive.

For this year and 2004, Lamborghini aim build around 400 units of the Murcielago model, rising from 600 Gallardos this year to 1600 units towards 2005. Presently the build capacity of the Gallardo is running at six cars per day, but a planned increase to eight per day is already being geared up for, while with a little more investment in equipment and personnel a total of ten units will be possible.

A question about the performance differential between the Murcielago and Gallardo was thrown at Mischke, and a simple response was given on this. The Gallardo, with its Audi-constructed aluminum frame could be considered to be faster, however it is not. Thorough testing on the famous Imola race track showed the Murcielago to be more than a second a lap faster than the Gallardo. According to Mr Mischke, the Murcielago is, and will remain, the flagship of Automobili Lamborghini SpA, an icon on the automotive market, while the Gallardo is considered to be a more affordable, high-end sports car.

The Murcielago Barchetta Concept was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in January, and Dr Mischke stated that the production model will be introduced early next summer, while a Gallardo Roadster will appear soon after.

Automobili Lamborghini SpA will also be expanding their dealer presence around the world, with at least three new dealerships planned for the United States, currently representing 35% of all sales, and an expansion programme into China and Russia.

Mr Mischke was also proud to state that the 2002 financial year closed with a small profit, no further losses for Automobili Lamborghini SpA are presently envisioned. There are still areas to be developed further that will create an important increase in profit during the years that will follow, however he also stated that maximising profits is not a concern of Lamborghini's owner's Audi right now. The Lamborghini Artimarca section of the Automobili Lamborghini Holding will start selling Lamborghini automobilia not only in the factory shop and at authorized dealerships, but also over the internet, with a fully functional online store.

Another important revenue generating section of Lamborghini will in fact be the restoration facility. The completely new centre will be housed in the 'Centro Stile Lamborghini', and the company plan on bringing a number between 20 to 30 cars back to their original state on a yearly base. Building on 2002 when the official factory restoration shop finished almost 10 cars.

based on an aricle by Mark Smeyers, President Lamborghini Cars.

26.03.2003  NEW MODELS: LAMBORGHINI GALLARDO