Lamborghini: The Next Generation

It’s often hard to believe that a company which started by building tractors out of old military equipment would quickly become the supercar icon that Lamborghini is today. However, the youth of the Lamborghini brand is a testament to the quality of performance and sophistication offered by the company’s latest creations.

Anyone who is half as big of a fan of Lamborghini as I am is excited about the current transformation to the German- Italian carmaker’s model line-up – and you can bet I’m not talking about the 2008 Lamborghini Estoque sedan concept. That’s just the tip of bull’s horn. The Sesto Elemento concept (above), unveiled in 2010, set off a wave of innovation.

Earlier this year we saw the fastest Lamborghini ever, the Aventador LP700-4, come to life as the replacement for the legendary Murcielago. The usage of a new carbon fibre monocoque chassis and technologies seems to be the heart of Lamborghini's transformation.

The Aventador: Rumored to be the next Batmobile. Appropriate.

The company’s most produced model, the Gallardo, is set to be replaced in the coming years. The replacement for the Gallardo, rumoured to be called the Cabrera, is to come with a supercharged V10 – Yes, Supercharged. The same V10 engine from the Gallardo, with the addition of the supercharger, is expected to be putting out figures close to the 600 horsepower range. This one, I have to see.

The Cabrera. Slightly sleeker looking than the Gallardo.

The Gallardo won’t be going out quietly, however. This past week at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show Lamborghini unveiled the fourteenth (14th!) Gallardo model, the Gallardo LP570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale - that’s a mouthful. It’s also quite the sight for sore eyes. The new-gen aggressive styling of the Aventador can be seen all over this special edition Gallardo. The Super Trofeo Stradale puts out an impressive 570 horsepower, making the car’s 0-60 time a quick 3.4 seconds.  In my opinion, this is the nicest Gallardo since the Superleggera.

Wow. Yes, please.

Lamborghini has always been one of my favourite supercar manufacturers, and their recent displays of high tech and new-age concepts has gotten me even more excited for their future. Needless to say, I am one of many people anxiously awaiting Lamborghini’s next generation, and I have high expectations that I assume will be met and surpassed. Not bad for an old tractor maker.