28.10.2003 LAMBORGHINI EYEING UP JAPANESE SALES FOR THE NEW GALLARDO IN TOKYO

With the Japanese market already accounting for healthy sales of the Murcielago, Lamborghini looking to make a significant push with its new baby sister, the Ferrari 360 Modena-rivalling Gallardo. As the Audi-owned specialist sportscar maker targets a significant increase in volume over the next few years a strong reception for the Gallardo in the key Asian markets is vital.

Meanwhile plans are firming for two projects due to see the light of day in 2007 as Lamborghini seek to widen their range. The proposed 'Crossover' SUV will use the Maserati Quattroporte's floorpan and technology as the Audi-Maserati co-operation agreement starts to feed both ways. This model will offer serious off-road capability, evoking memories of the LM002.

The new Maserati Quattroporte M139 platform, will also form the base for the Kubang GT Wagon and the Audi Pikes Peak Quattro. This floorpan has a standard wheelbase of 3064mm. Audi and Maserati have worked hard to create a clear market diversification between the three models using this platform. The Maserati Kubang will be a road-focused 'crossover' (hence the GT tag), whilst the Audi and Lamborghini will be purposeful all-rounders.

The new 4wd transmission is currently being developed by Audi and Ferrari-Maserati. The system will also be provided in other Maserati’s including the Quattroporte imminentally and top-end Audi’s.

The idea is to offer the new Lamborghini as a car without direct comparison. The Audi Pikes Peak will fit between the Cayenne and Touareg, whilst the Maserati will be a Cayenne rivalling GT.

The second project that is taking shape is a radical successor to the Muira, one of Lamborghini's best loved and most evocative models ever. In an effort to create a car worthy of the tradition a V16 engine pumping out around 1000bhp will be installed. Looking toward the future, if Gallardo sales hit the targets Audi have set and start to make a return on the German giants significant investment, a further Porsche Boxter sized sportscar, slotting in below the Gallardo, will be authorised.