Lamborghini Automobili
Article by Ian Kuah

Speaking candidly and optimistically after the Audi take-over, Lamborghini's Chairman, Dr. Vittorio Di Capua, spoke freely of the 'Super Diablo'. The new car, internal code 147, will not be the Zagato design that has appeared in spy photos last year as the Audi Board did not like the styling.

Whatever its final form, the Super Diablo will be an even more expensive flagship model powered by a 6-litre 600bhp version of the company's V12 motor. The present Diablo will remain in production, giving Lamborghini a three-car model range. For, completing the trio, will be a more accessibly prices F355 challenger, and ultimately Lamborghini's bread and butter model with a sales potential of over 1,500 cars a year. Internally code-named L140, this will be an all-new design, and not the Cala by Italdesign shown three years ago. Likely to debut in 2001, L140 will be powered by an all-new V8 engine which has been confirmed as a pure Lamborghini engine rather than an adapted Audi unit.

Dr. Di Capua was also very clear that Lamborghini is not interested in producing another off-road vehicle like the LM002 in the near future, nor would it make an SUV. "We see our position in the market place as a specialist producer of dream cars," he said.

Audi has adopted a very hands off approach to their new acquisition. "It is a case of letting us get on with it but being there if we need them," said Dr. Di Capua.

The most apparent element of Audi management influence is a strategic restructuring of the existing company. Cost cutting has come by removing two layers of management and seeing the existing divisions reorganised as three companies under the umbrella of Automobili Lamborghini Holding SpA.

Ahtomobili Lamborghini SpA will look after development and production of cars, Motori Marini Lamborghini SpA will manufacture and maitain offshore power boat engines and Automobili Lamborghini ArtiMarca SpA will deal with merchandising Lamborghini's most valuable asset, its name, on items like leather goods and clothing. Audi has injected £18 million into the company to facilitate this expansion.

After haemorrhaging money for years, Lamborghini made a profit of £2.2 million in 1998 on sales of around 250 Diablos. Having turned the corner the company is now hiring 20 top class staff, a sign that it is looking towards a bright future.

Text and photos courtesy of