Lamborghini Hybrid? 'New World' Estoque Could Be One (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Wired reports that Lamborghini's new 4-seater, the "Estoque," could, in a first for the legendary company, actually be a hybrid:

That's right, a hybrid. The company that last spring said it couldn't possibly meet Europe's tightening emissions rules may jump on the gas-electric bandwagon with a car it's been saying "is not just a new Lamborghini. It's a whole new world." Sant'Agata insists the car is just a concept at this point -- though everything it says suggests the car will be built -- but makes it clear it takes the company in a new direction.

"It is a concept that provides a clear indication of the future," the company says. "This applies to the new, elegant self-confidence of the lines themselves, but even more to the concept of the vehicle."

Scroll down for photos and video (and visit Wired for more information).

Comments

[mamacat]

Wow. But even if I won the lottery, I wouldn't buy one. There has to be a better way to spend a wheelbarrow full of hundred dollar bills.

[marxichusetts]

It's only a concept... this may seem like a weird comment but imo looking at it straight-on from behind it's actually pretty attractive.

Autoweek (probably more reputable on the subject than wired) is reporting it will be available with a range of engines (probably the non-hybrid powerplant from the Gallardo) including potentially Audi Group's hybrid system. I haven't heard anything about that system, but I'd imagine it's no slouch.

[DanSmith]

Nice! I'm going to buy one someday.

[ferrarimanf355]

Congratulations Greenpeace, you nitwits scared the last bastion of automotive political incorrectness into buying into the eco-nerds insistence of removing the fun out of driving. I weep for the future of the pleasure of driving... Lamborghini and hybrids are two words that should never be put into the same sentence, like Lamborghini and sedan... and keep the hybrid arguments out of this, Lamborghini builds less than 3,000 cars a year, their footprint isn't as bad as mass-volume manufactur­ers...

[KillTheMessenger]

You need to relax and then go to the mall and acquire a sense of humor. And you might want to stop calling people you don't agree with names. It's not civilized.

[Agent420]

It is amazing how easy it is for some people to advertise their ignorance.

[tds1273]

I'd love to have one, but put me in the minority about its styling though. While it is still a beautiful car, it lost the "Lamborghini look"; this is too similar to a Ferrari or Aston Martin.

Now, as to what's under the hood(in the trunk?)- magnifico!

[Egalitare]

SWEET!!!

[JScott]

How do you open the doors, I see no door handles?

[KillTheMessenger]

I would imagine you press a button on your key chain and the door opens. Just like an automatic window. How hard is that?

[JScott]

I saw other pics from the Paris Auto Show there are outlines where the handles are plus the hexagonal fuel filler.

[JohnBryansFontaine]

Perhaps Ferrari could offer its new California with a Hybrid option. And with a cloth roof and manual transmission. Or maybe as a Hybrid Hatchback!!

[solutionrong]

sexy!

[HelloooCanada]

great lines, but i'm not sure how that rear end got on there. looks like a 90's subaru from a distance, hope they tweak that thang before it goes into production.

just my $.02.

[KillTheMessenger]

Now we are talking! Compare that to the barf design of the "Challenger"! These people know what a car needs to look like. Bravo! And if it's a low emission vehicle, even better.

[AlexanderH]

nnnnggg That's gorgeous. Really well done and an interesting shift. I wonder if it will finally be the Lamborghini that's easy to drive.

The first thought I had when I saw it was the grx from speed racer.

[JScott]

At least they styled the rear nice, not like every other car (including the Quattroporte) by putting triangular taillights with them ending at the trunk lid cutout, Hope the high mounted stoplight is put at the middle bottom of the rear window and not in the middle of the trunk lid- that looks so badly retrofitted. And it's cleaned up styling not like their Countach-cluttered with all those vent covers, louvers and shades etc. all over it.

[Jackalheadedgod]

Watch. It'll hit the dealerships ahead of the new (now old) Camaro, which is probably about the same size and configuration. Will Chevy ever build it?

Remember, Lambo is owned by Audi, which may soon be owned by Porsche...­.

Cheers,
Jack

[gifu]

Americans will only be able to afford the "Hot Wheels" model at Toys R Us. Too bad.