The folks at ExoticsOnRoad.com have posted a picture of the four-door Lamborghini Estoque Concept traveling the roads of Germany. We’re taking a guess that this picture was taken by someone who just happened to pass by the Estoque during a photo shoot.

It was reported in March that Lamborghini had decided to put a stop to the development of the Estoque saying that “the timing and market conditions are just not right for an additional model line.”

However, a Lamborghini spokesman later clarified the report saying that the project is not dead but “no decision has been made to produce the Estoque.”

The Aston Martin Rapide competitor was originally planned to enter production in 2011. The Italian automaker was considering sharing the platform of the Porsche Panamera or the upcoming Audi A7. Power would come from either a 5.2L V10 from the Gallardo LP560-4, a V8 diesel or a V8 gasoline mated to a hybrid system.

Lamborghini Estoque Concept:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: ExoticsOnRoad (via TeamSpeed via WCF)

It was reported over the weekend that Lamborghini has put a halt on the Estoque four-door supercar project. Lamborghini says today that it has not killed the four-door Lamborghini; however, the Italian automaker said that it has yet to be approved for preoduction.

“No decision has been made to produce the Estoque,” Lamborghini said in a statement. A Lamborghini spokesman clarified that the statement means that the project is not dead.

At the launch of the Estqoue at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, CEO Stephan Winkelmann said that if the four-door Lamoborghini is approved for production, the company will produce 2,000 to 3,000 units annually.

Powertrain choices for the Estoque include the 5.2L V10 from the Gallardo LP560-4, a V8 diesel or a V8 gasoline mated to a hybrid system.

Lamborghini Estoque:

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Source: AutoWeek

As Porsche gets ready to bring its four-door Panamera to the market, Italian automaker, Lamborghini, has shelved plans to build the Estoque four-door supercar that was unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show in Oct.

According to Lamoborghini’s head of r&d, Maurizio Reggiani, development on the Estoque has been halted since “the timing and market conditions are just not right for an additional model line.”

Lamborghini had originally planned to put the Estoque into production by 2011. Lamborghini was considering sharing platforms with Porsche’s Panamera and Audi’s A7. Powertrain choices were to include the 5.2L V10 from the Gallardo LP560-4, a V8 diesel or a V8 gasoline mated to a hybrid system.

Reggiani said that Lamborghini had only committed limited funding to the Estoque so killing the project in the early stage didn’t hurt the company’s financial situation.

He said that Lamborghini will continue to focus on weight-saving technologies and transmission upgrades. Sources say that a Superleggera version of the Gallardo LP560-4 is also in the works.

Lamborghini Estqoue:

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Source: AutoCar

When the Lamborghini Estoque arrived on the scene about 2 months ago, CEO Stephan Winkelmann said that the Italian automaker hadn’t even decided whether to put the four-door Lamborghini into production. However, with the amount technical information given during its debut on the “possible” production version of the Estoque, one would be naive to think that Lamborghini just invested their time and money into a concept that would never see the light of day.

According to CARandDRIVER, the production Estoque four-door is set to arrive in 2011 or 2012 and while Lamborghini executives are saying that the car is still only under consideration, insiders say that the car is being prepared for production. The only obstacle that Winkelmann and his team face is the strategic review of the entire VW Group’s vehicle portfolio by future majority stakeholder Porsche.

Sources say that Lamborghini is planning on selling just 1,500 to 2,000 units a year – but that doesn’t seem so bad considering its a ultra-luxury brand when compared to Porsche who is planning to sell 20,000 units of the recently launched four-door Panamera.

What do we know about the Estoque so far? For one, it’ll be built on the upcoming A7’s platform. Expect to see the 5.2L V10 from the new Gallardo LP560-4, a V8 diesel, and V8 gasoline engine mated to a hybrid system. We’re guessing that Lamborghini may use the same hybrid system that Porsche will use in the Panamera Hybrid that is due out in 2010.

Lamborghini Estoque:

Source: CARandDRIVER

Both Aston Martin and Porsche will come to the market next year with production versions of their four-door-coupes; Lamborghini, on the other hand, will be taking a little longer. According to CEO Stephan Winkelmann, Lamborghini will not decide on whether to proceed with the production version of the Estoque until next year. After that it should take about four years to develop the four-door car.

Winkelmann said that he expects the car to be greenlighted for production, but confirms that Lamborghini does not yet have a platform. As far as teaming up with sister companies, Porsche (using the Panamera platform, Audi (using the A7 architecture) or Bentley, Winkelmann says: “that a platform will be sought ‘within the group.’”

Lamborghini has already said that it is considering the 5.2L V10 from the Gallardo LP560-4. Also under consideration are a V8 diesel or a V8 petrol mated to a hybrid system. Unlike other Lamborghini models, Winkelmann said that with Estoque the company has “to think about torque, drivability, and comfort, not just top-speed.” According to Wolfgang Hatz, head of the Audi’s powertrain development, the 500-hp, 738-lb-ft V12 from the Audi R8 V12 TDI concept fits perfectly into the Estoque engine bay.

Winkelmann said when the Estoque is first launched it will build only 2,000 to 3,000 units a year. At launch the Lamborghini sedan will only be available with one powertrain. When demand increases, the company will add other options.

Unfortunately, for those hoping to catch the Estoque at the LA Auto Show or the Detroit Auto Show next year – you will be very disappointed. Lamborghini is only gauging reaction from Paris right now.

Live from Paris 2008: Lamborghini Estoque:

Lamborghini Estoque:

Source: CARandDRIVER

Lamborghini has released images of the cockpit of its new Estoque concept that we saw at the 2008 Paris Motor Show last week. Lamborghini says that the Estoque offers a ’surprisingly generous feeling of spaciousness,’ – while we haven’t sat in one we’ll have to take Lambo’s word on that one.

What we do notice is the luxurious feel that the interior of the Estoque has rather than extremely sporty interior of the Reventon, Gallardo or Murcielago. The interior material is made of the highest-quality Nappa leather with each seat having electrical positioning options.

The cockpit has a large LCD-screen that displays audio, vehicle and navigation information. We also see controls reminiscent of BMW’s iDrive along with a steering-wheel that seems to be inspired by sister-brand Audi’s high-performance vehicles.

Lamborghini says that the trunk of the Estoque has plenty of room for ’several golf bags and pieces of luggage.

Check out more high-res images from the 2008 Paris Motor show after the jump.

Live from Paris 2008: Lamborghini Estoque:

Lamborghini Estoque Concept:

After seeing Porsche with the Panamera, Aston Martin with the Rapide and now Lamborghini with the Estoque, you would think that Ferrari is next in line to add a four-door sedan to its lineup. However, according to Ferrari President Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, don’t expect four-doors out of Maranello anytime soon – or at least as long as Montezemolo is around.

“I have been president of this company for nearly twenty years, and I hope to continue for another twenty, and as long as that is so, Ferrari will not make a four-door sedan,” said at the 2008 Paris Motor Show.

It was a question Montezemolo had expected to hear in Paris with rival Lamborghini stealing show goers with the Estoque four-door concept. What did he have to say about the Estoque? When asked about the sedan concept that’s headed into production – Montezemolo simply said “Good luck.”

Check out Ferrari’s four-door renderings after the jump.

Photo Rendering: Ferrari’s Four-Door-Coupe:

Source: Motor Trend

Lamborghini is making headlines with its new four-door Estoque and here it is in ‘real life’ – live from the 2008 Paris Motor Show. So what exactly does Lamborghini have up its sleeve? Let’s take a look at the market first. Porsche will be coming out with the four-door Panamera Gran Turismo next year. It will offer a range of V8 and V10 engines along with a hybrid model in 2010. Aston Martin will also enter the four-door market with the Rapide in mid-2009 – with no hybrid models planned.

So it only made sense for Lamborghini to offer those who need room for additional storage or for those looking for a weekend away with the kids, a four-door sports car – or at least the folks in Sant’ Agata think so.

What’s going to be under the hood? After doing some digging in the press release from Lamborghini, we learned that the Estoque is capable of incorporating everything from the 560-hp V10 from the Gallardo LP 560-4 to a smaller V8. Lamborghini says that the V8 will be coupled with a hybrid module or will be an extremely high-performance TDI diesel.

No official word on when the Estoque will be on the roads but we expect to see a full-production model next year.

Click through for live images of the Lamborghini Estoque from the Paris Motor Show.

Live from Paris: Lamborghini Estoque:

Lamborghini Estoque:

So here it is – officially from Lamborghini itself – the Lamborghini Estoque Concept. Lamborghini says that even though the Estoque is a four-door sports car, it doesn’t lose the brand’s DNA making it the perfect “everyday sports car.”

Lamborghini is currently saying that the Estoque is a ‘pure concept car.’ However it says that production is feasible with its front mid-engine layout and a high-performance driveline located behind the front axle. As for power, Lamborghini says that the Estoque is capable of handling everything from the 560-hp V10 from the Gallardo LP 560-4 or a smaller V8 which we’ll discuss in more detail tomorrow.

For now take in the wonderful design of this four-door sports car from Sant’ Agata and check out the high-res images and the press release for more info after the jump.

Lamborghini Estoque Concept:

Press Release:

It is a Lamborghini like no other before it: a four-door sports car that sticks resolutely to its creed. The Lamborghini Estoque concept has everything that defines a Lamborghini: extreme, uncompromising and unmistakably Italian, it brings a whole new versatility to the brand’s DNA – with its four seats and ample luggage space, this “everyday sports car” is a perfect fit for an equally versatile lifestyle.

Lamborghini Estoque is a study, a concept created specifically for the 2008 Salon d’Automobiles in Paris. From the very first glance there can be no doubt that this is a Lamborghini – a car with compelling presence, both unique and unmistakable. The long wheelbase, the low profile, the broad track, the mighty, accentuated wheels, the clean surfaces and razor-sharp definition – every single line breathes the spirit of the Lamborghini brand.

A new and unique elegance

The Lamborghini Estoque is an entirely new interpretation of the Sant’ Agata design ethic: it is a concept that provides a clear indication of the future. This applies to the new, elegant self-confidence of the lines themselves, but even more to the concept of the vehicle. The Lamborghini Estoque is the first sedan in the history of Automobili Lamborghini, although “sedan” is more a reference to the number of doors than any other characteristics. Even sports sedan is an inadequate classification: the Lamborghini Estoque establishes a new category of super sports sedans. With a powerful front mid-engine, permanent all-wheel drive and a sophisticated, precision-tuned chassis, the Lamborghini Estoque boasts a unique technology package.

A sign of success

In Paris, the Lamborghini Estoque demonstrates the innovation, the creativity and the design flair of the Lamborghini brand, currently represented by the enormous success enjoyed by Lamborghini Gallardo and Murciélago super sports cars.

As a concept, the Lamborghini Estoque represents one of several possibilities for a third model series within the Lamborghini product line-up. At this point in time, no decisions have been taken in respect of either a third model series of any kind or of the Lamborghini Estoque concept in particular.

Of course, as a true Lamborghini, it goes without saying that the Lamborghini Estoque also bears a suitably powerful name with a rich heritage from the Spanish Corrida – bull fighting. The Lamborghini Estoque is a rapier (sword), approximately 90 centimetres (35.43 inches) long, used in a bull fight by the Matador.

The Concept

Lamborghini Estoque embodies the concept of a Lamborghini that is both a dedicated sports car and a relaxed Gran Turismo. As a sedan with four doors and four individual sports seats, it is a multi-faceted vehicle for multi-faceted lifestyles.

Relaxed Gran Turismo

The Lamborghini Estoque is the perfect travelling companion, be it en route to business meetings, the theatre, the golf course or even a weekend away with the kids. At the end of the day, it is the only car that allows you to share the singular driving pleasure of a Lamborghini with more than one person – possibly even with the whole family. And there is still enough room left over for weekend luggage or several golf bags.

Despite its extremely low profile – at a mere 1.35 meters (4.43 feet) high – the Lamborghini Estoque is surprisingly spacious. The secret lies in its very long wheelbase which, in spite of the rearwards positioning of the front mid-engine, enables a relaxed, sporty seating position. Entering and exiting is also pleasingly straightforward through the large, wide-opening doors.

Challenging: a thoroughbred sports car

At the same, the Lamborghini Estoque is a thoroughbred sports car with exceptionally refined power delivery, razor-sharp precision handling and a meaty engine tone. Challenging driving pleasure on a winding mountain road, followed by a relaxed, enjoyable journey along miles and miles of motorway- the Lamborghini Estoque is commanding across the entire driving spectrum, at the highest level. The Lamborghini Estoque’s versatility makes it the perfect addition to the range of Lamborghini super sports cars.

Design

Such a Lamborghini must be immediately recognizable in its design as a unique and unmistakable work of art. For the Lamborghini Estoque, this is clearly a case of “mission accomplished.”

The proportions of the Lamborghini Estoque are simply fascinating: no other automobile combines so convincingly the elegance of length with the sporting attributes of a low profile and impressive breadth. Or to put it into figures – the concept painted in an all-new color, is 5.15 meters (16.89 feet) long and 1.99 meters (6.53 feet) wide, with a height of only 1.35 metres (4.43 feet). The wheelbase is a stately 3.01 meters (9.88 feet) – an equally important element of elegant vehicle architecture.

And it is unequivocally Italian – the flat bonnet, the long wheelbase, the narrow window openings, the flat rear that ends decisively with a negative return – it is all pure “Italianità” on wheels; everything bears the design language of the large classic Italian four-door cars, albeit with a unique, modern interpretation. Pure Lamborghini.

Clearly a sports car

The front end of the Lamborghini Estoque is a clear and unambiguous statement of its sports car credentials. Its place amongst the family of Lamborghini super sports cars is also distinct and unmistakable – with its swooping V-shape, its two large air intakes pulled forward and the small front spoiler in between. This front end design gives the Lamborghini Estoque a firm, low stance, while providing excellent aerodynamic efficiency. The large air intakes facilitate the cooling air that is important for such a high-performance vehicle and the spoiler was specifically designed to improve aerodynamic balance at high speeds.

Such distinctive sports car architecture is only possible by positioning the front mid-engine well towards the rear. Despite the very low bonnet, it goes without saying that the Lamborghini Estoque fulfils all safety regulations and pedestrian protection standards.

Taut muscles

The bonnet of the Lamborghini Estoque makes the origins of the sheer power of this vehicle immediately apparent. The location of the engine is clearly evident through the distinct division created by two large air outlets and the additional emphasis of a central power area. Further air outlets are positioned both left and right in the wings, behind each of the front wheel arches.

Together, with the division of the bonnet, these elements add emphasis to the area above the wheels, framing the front end of the Lamborghini Estoque like a taut muscle. The permanent all-wheel drive that is typical for all Lamborghinis means that the 22 inch wheels, with their new five double-spoke design, also do their part in delivering power to the road. Here too, the Centro Stile has stuck firmly to the Lamborghini principle that form always follows function; after all, the ample cooling air flowing into the high-performance driveline also has to move quickly out of the vehicle.

Tremendous tension along the flanks

Its proportions guarantee the Lamborghini Estoque an impressive appearance. The skilled sectioning along the flanks of the vehicle gives the body shell an incredibly muscular form. Beneath the flat surfaces of the bonnet, the incredibly powerful shoulder line, a further side line rising slightly towards the rear and, finally, the equally distinct sill line all add emphasis to the flow of power from the engine to the magnificent 23 inch rear wheels. The masculine profile is completed by the negative return of the rear end. This adds further tension to the form of the Lamborghini Estoque – the whole car looks coiled and ready to pounce at the drop of a hat. These sharp lines frame a fascinating interplay of surfaces across convex and concave curvatures. The Lamborghini Estoque clearly displays the design language of the Centro Stile Lamborghini with a distinctive elegance.

Powerful elegance at the rear

The flow of form is brought to its conclusion by the broad, even expanse of the rear end. The horizontal split created by the flat LED light clusters and the large, mesh-covered lower air outlets bring additional emphasis to this breadth. A narrow, slightly slanted “frame” panel surrounds the whole rear aspect and further highlights its powerful elegance.

Precise details, such as the hexagonal fuel caps on both sides of the vehicle, characterize the depth of the design language. The front headlamps, featuring bi-Xenon and LED technology, carry forward a theme evident in both the Lamborghini Reventón and the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 – the Y-shape of the daytime running lights. The tiny green/white/red flag adorning the front wings discreetly highlights that an automotive statement as uncompromising as this one can come from only one country on Earth – from Italy.

The interior

Despite its extremely low profile, the Lamborghini Estoque offers a surprisingly generous feeling of spaciousness. The length of the interior facilitates a relaxed seating position for all four individual seats and plays a significant role in the supreme comfort of this super sports sedan over long distances. The interior reflects elements of the exterior design language, also evident in the cabin of the Lamborghini Estoque – in the distinctive lines of the door panels or in the swooping V-shape applied to the cockpit, reflecting the form used on the front end and on the bonnet.

Luxurious interior

The dominant material of the interior is highest-quality Nappa leather. The four individual seats boast sporting contours, supreme long-distance comfort and extensive electrical positioning options.

Cockpit with large-screen display

The cockpit presents the driver with a large-area LCD screen displaying vehicle and route information. A range of presentation formats are available for selection depending on personal preference – a distinctive classical layout with circular instrument dials, or an innovative digital display. A top-class audio installation and a sophisticated rear seat entertainment system round off the equipment.

Like the interior, the luggage compartment of the Lamborghini Estoque is also surprisingly spacious. Despite the low-profile rear end, it has plenty room for several golf bags or pieces of luggage.

Production feasibility

As a pure concept car, the Lamborghini Estoque is a design exercise and a further indication of the innovative power of the Lamborghini brand. Yet, it is based on a feasible technical concept that offers a whole range of fascinating alternatives for the body shell and driveline.

Just like the brand’s super sports cars, the Lamborghini Estoque uses a mid-engine layout. However, the high-performance driveline used here is not located in front of the rear axle, as in the Gallardo and Murciélago or in the Reventón, but behind the front axle. This front mid-engine concept, with the driveline set way back, facilitates balanced weight distribution and a centre of gravity close to the vehicle’s vertical axis. Both ensure the unparalleled agility and handling precision of a mid-engine vehicle.

Reserves in every situation

Like all contemporary Lamborghini models, the Lamborghini Estoque is also equipped with permanent all-wheel drive. It distributes the engine power to all four wheels, thus making for superior traction in all driving situations, as well as providing extra reserves for extremely sporty driving and for challenging weather conditions.

A range of drivelines is conceivable for the Lamborghini Estoque. This is headed up by the highly-acclaimed Lamborghini ten-cylinder from the Gallardo LP 560-4 – with more torque and higher revving than virtually any other engine. A complementary alternative could be a turbocharged eight-cylinder derived from this V10. A particularly economical, but nevertheless dynamic, variation would be a V8 with a hybrid module or an extremely high-performance TDI.

The Centro Stile Lamborghini

With the Estoque, the Centro Stile Lamborghini has created further proof of its creativity and attention to detail. The design centre that opened in 2004 is a studio of creatives, designers and model makers that combines the culture and the spirit of the brand with the power of innovation and of creating a new aesthetic. The Centro Stile Lamborghini is part of the best tradition of Italian vehicle design, and is leading the way forward with the latest in working techniques.

The Centro Stile is located in a 2,900 sq. meter (31,215 sq. feet) facility, where it occupies two interconnected floors. The generously proportioned design studio is equipped with two full-size surface tables and their associated tooling and measuring equipment, while further areas house the latest in computer workstations for the creative experts and a workshop for the model makers. The Centro Stile is also connected directly to the neighbouring Ufficio Tecnico – the direct link to Lamborghini’s development department ensures the rapid realization of ideas. Speed is a key aspect for Lamborghini, for both its cars and its working processes; the Reventón was created in the record time of less than one year.

In-house creativity and implementation

From the first sketches made either on paper or using the three-dimensional computer program, through 1:10 or 1:4 scale models to full-size models, the complete design process is organized within small, fast-moving teams.

Since it was founded, the Lamborghini brand has been bringing innovative design trends to the rarefied atmosphere of the world’s most desirable automobiles, and producing vehicles with absolutely unmistakable character. Models such as the Miura and the Countach were way ahead of their time, but quickly attained the status of timeless classics. From their first appearance, every new Lamborghini is destined to become a legend and sought-after collectors’ item.

With the current Murciélago and Gallardo, Lamborghini has once again perfected an innovative design language. The exterior proportions provide an indication of the power and dynamic character of the driveline. Crisply-defined edges, precision lines and clean surfaces result in a design that is reduced to its very essence.

Every element is designed precisely in accordance with its function. Examples of this on the Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 include the movable cooling air intakes and the asymmetric sills; on the left side of the vehicle, the air intake is significantly larger to accommodate the flow of fresh air to the oil cooler.

Clear lines, perfect details

The unmistakable form of a Lamborghini is something that always speaks for itself: ornamentation or decoration of any kind has absolutely no place here. This firmly places the current models that bear the sign of the bull within the best traditions of their brand and of 60s and 70s Italian vehicle design. The sports cars of that time were acclaimed for their perfect proportions and for their objective, functional elegance that required no embellishment of any kind.

The purist execution of the lines is complemented perfectly by the passion for detail possessed by the designers in Sant’ Agata Bolognese. The rear view of the Murciélago LP 640 is distinctive not only for its impressive power, but also for the fine interplay of the elements in the sophisticated rear light cluster.

The sensuality of precision and performance

A Lamborghini is a high performance athlete. Its high degree of sensuality is based on precision, performance and spontaneous action. This type of elegance is the elegance of pure, unadulterated power. This Lamborghini DNA is carried forward into future products at the Centro Stile, which is destined to continue to set clear design trends – the Lamborghini Estoque is the perfect example.

The design centre on the site of the historical birthplace of all Lamborghinis guarantees the super sports cars with the bull brand will remain exclusive, sensual and challenging – and always unmistakably Italian. 

Following the BMW Concept X1 we now see the unofficial reveal of the Lamborghini Estoque Concept. From the looks of it, Lamborghini was right – It’s not just a new Lamborghini. It’s a new world.” And that new world means four-doors for the bullish brand.

The Estoque concept measures 5.15 meters long and carries the familiar sharp edged Lamborghini design with large intakes, however, the headlamps and tail lamps have takes a different approach.

Power is expected to come from a 560-hp V10 from the new Gallardo LP 560-4 with all-wheel-drive. We’ll bring you more information when we get the official press release from Lamborghini.

Lamborghini Estoque Concept:

Source: WorldCarFans

Following the third teaser and a very slick photoshop by some fan, Lamborghini has released the fourth, and hopefully the final, teaser image for the new Estoque four-door-coupe concept ahead of its debut at the 2008 Paris Motor Show.

We’ll learn more about the new Lamborghini later this week, but for now we know the Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin rival will be front-engine sedan running on a four-wheel-drive architecture with an Audi-sources 5.0L twin-turbo V10.

Click through to be teased some more.

Lamborghini Estoque Teaser Images: