For starters: very original and stimulating thought, this is going to be a good thread, I hope.

To continue: I would like to interpret your question as 'what's the essence of Lamborghini?'

My answer would be: 12 cylinders, hard to control, and a body that gives you, well, you know

 

The only problem with Lamborghini is they're too cheap to throw in accessories... like a hood buffing unit

She could buff my hood!

 

I think mark could be on to something with the incentives...

 

I think that economies go up and down. We are on the down right now. But work can be had cheap right now. I think more R&D is needed to have a great product ready to go when things are back in full swing. If you sit back right now you will be watching the parade go by. JMO

Another great thread Raymond! You are batting 1000! Keep it up!

 

Thanks, trying. I wish more people would participate though.

 

Eat up Ferrari market share. Diversify the cars as much as possible without affecting the "core DNA".

Develop rear wheel drive cars, which opens up some areas like steering response where development hasn't been focused because of the AWD. Tweak engine responsiveness, any "thoroughbred" trait that doesn't compromise "lamboness". Encourage cars entering motorsports to build up that "racing pedigree" and perception of performance that brings 4 times more people to buy F-cars than lambos.

 

One of the most 'understanding' posts I have read for a long time. Cheers buddy! ::wave:

 

Ferrari definitely has an edge with their racing history. If you look at all the other great marques (Porsche, BMW, Mercedes, Aston Martin, Maserati, etc), they all have significant racing histories. Lamborghini is the only major player without a racing pedigree. Since Audi is heavily involved in racing, they need to bring Lamborghini out in full force to widen the appeal of the brand, as the average layperson probably thinks of Lamborghini as 'that ridiculously expensive brand that only the super rich and famous can afford'.

Lamborghini also needs to expand their model range like Ferrari does. Basically -- and I know this is heresy -- they should try to emulate many things that they do out of Maranello.

Look at BMW/Mercedes/Audi...they all basically use each other as benchmarks for every new model they design. Seems to work for all 3 of them.

 

Problem is Lambo is owned by Audi, which has (under VW) other brands like bugatti and porsche, so there is some danger of conflict if they create more models. Also, One of the 3 points of the triangle that lamborghini tries to balance is exclusivity. Yes they want to sell more cars but they must remain exclusive. This means small production runs. You see a lot of limited editions of their main models to help this perception. The production line/R&D/setup/marketing costs of having multiple very low production [truly different] models wouldn't be worth it.

I am glad to see more and more privateer Lamborghinis in FIA GT1

 

Of course my vote is for R&D. But item #1 on the agenda: BRING BACK THE MANUAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I also agree with lineup expansion a bit. Company started on a grand GT, they need one again. A 2 door GT.

 

Get aggressive

I have been a Lamborghini fan from the beginning of the breed like everyone else. My appreciation for the brand is its uniqueness and ability to stand above all others. Unfortunately, it is exactly this unique quality of the brand that makes it highly desirable yet tactically difficult to justify for a lot of exotic car purchasers. Even with the reliability and affordability of the Gallardo there is still a perception that these cars are not meant to drive more than 5 miles from home without issues and are for those who can not only afford them, but have the time to deal with constant service.

I think a lot of these perceptions come directly from the fact that Lamborghini has changed corporate hands way too often and those acquisitions were more "rescue" than "brand building" based. At least under the hands of Audi there is some building going on with the brand and it is not just languishing. The Gallardo sales have increased the number of Lamborghinis on the street and exposure of the brand, but there is still a long way to go. I know that racing can create a buzz, however Lamborghini has never had any success in this area and quite frankly the cars that are running in some of the classes right now are just not competitive. If Audi wants to bring Lamborghini to the track they need to find a way to dominate with the brand as they have done with their R10's. They need to run at the front and show speed and reliability with the Lamborghini name emblazoned everywhere.

Lamborghini needs to move beyond being just another pontiac brand under a large umbrella with a parts bin constructor and break out into it's own again. The new flagship must be supported in every way as a Lamborghini and something ferruccio would be proud of. If it comes off as anything less than that then there will be little time left to save it once again.

 

I actually have about 4 pages of thoughts on the subject that I was preparing about a month back. I was thinking of emailing it to him, but I think a more personal approach would be better.

 

i think that times have changed. to have a "rear view" in a countach that precludes parallel parking is a thing of decades past. i dont think that e-gear and awd hurt the brand...i think the brand has evolved with time and for the better...for the traditional guys , they'll still give ya rwd in a balboni and a stick is still available in a lambo..i think the california probably pissed off many traditional f car guys...in the spirit of the thread, i agree that the factory needs to remain true to what the brand stands for originally....exclusivity, limited production, a true exotic..but at the same time they've with the murci and g diversified their audience...they're in rap vid's on video games, in hip hop songs and yet elderly people people like them just the same...i dont mind having a reliable low maintenance exotic...in fact its the reason i bought one..in moving forward they need to stay on this path with the new jota and g successor...i think audi with the r8 and now r8 spyder does not help the brand...you'd think they wouldn't do such a thing as they have the ownership interests....in 24 months we'll be talking about the jota and we'll see how it goes.

 

I have to say that I really like the new exclusive limited models that Lamborghini has added to their lineup. The lp670-4 sv, lp 570-4 superleggera, and the rear wheel drive lp550-2 balboni edition, just to name a few. Whats better than a Lamborghini? A modified Lamborghini modified by the professionals at the Lamborghini Factory! Can't wait and see what happens with the new Lamborghini Jota! I feel like a kid again dreaming about lamborghini's! Keep up the good work Lamborghini! Keep the modified Lambos coming!

 

I don't know... I know its nice and all for Balboni to have a car but honestly I think in reality he access to about 100+ Lamborghinis he can drive and just beat on when ever he wants.

 

True but there is nothing like having one to call your own. And he agrees....

Sorry for hijacking your thread Raymond. Lets get back to what you would do. come on I know there are a lot more opinions out there.

 

If I were in charge...

First off, I do not think the F-cars racing pedigree draws people to them over Lamborghini. I think they are very different cars in design and appeal and attract different types of people, with some being a shared demographic. Even those of us who own and love both have a favorite, I know I do.

First order of business:

Release (2) versions of the Miura. the first, a V10 marketed as a high end Porsche competitor in the 150k range and make it available via distribution through Audi dealerships. That would bring in a new cliental. It would have to be more geared to a Lambo type client (bucket like seats, painted carbon fiber sparse interior and no nav, more track inspired) so it wouldn't compete with the R-8/R-10.
I think Audi would get more traffic coming through their dealerships, legitimize their R8/R10 more and help sell all the models... as well as sell the Miura to a wider audience. Imagine a Lambo that you can get serviced at Audi dealerships.

2. New flagship car called, "Malvagio." Based on the fighter jet mentality of the Reventon. New flagship V12 engine. AWD. All carbon fiber frame. Super light. Lambo doors stay. Come out of the gate with 800 bhp. A 5 rotary knob to dial in how stiff you want it. Cruise control. All jet like toggle controls. A launch switch hidden under a safety cover you must pull up. This car should debut in the next Batman movie with that switch being used in the trailer.

3. Make a cooler line of clothing and merchandise. Widen the brand with marketing the brand through other designers. Make Lamborghini Bull polos a special edition Ralph Lauren shirt that are sold at shopping malls. Co-branding can make money and build the fan base.

4. More movie syncs.

 

Would you really want to see a Lambo logo on Ralph Loren wannabe-luxury shirts? Sold at MALLS?

As a rule, a mall doesn't sell anything that anyone with developed taste would want to buy. It would ruin exclusivity. I think for the time being, the boutiques are a better approach.

 

Not that, but there is room for them to improve in this area. The Ferrari apparel at my dealership is tops; the Lamborghini apparel is lame.

Regarding their cars, I would not change a thing about Lamborghini. The new SV and Superleggera are tits, so what's to improve? Of course, I'm not focused on whether they are making money or not. I've got mine and could care less about that. :evil:

 

bullseye...i LOVE the idea of bringing back the miura!!

 

Bringing down the price point is a risky move I think. They've always said they don't sell a product, they sell a brand, and exclusivity is one of their cornerstones.

 

In the past I would agree but today Lamborghini and Exclusivity are becoming further and further apart. When you can get a used Gallardo for around $70K you are no longer Exclusive. Go to Ebay and search Lamborghinis for sale. Then search Pagani or McLaren F1 and you tell me when the exclusivity lies. Right now, it is only about staying in business and breaking even.

 

Granted those are in a different league. Pagani averages single digit yearly production numbers, and the F1 was a while ago with only a few hundred made. In my lifetime, on the street, I've seen half a dozen Gallardos on the road. I've only ever seen one Spyder, never seen an SL or LP560, never seen a Murci, Diablo, or Countach and I live in a major metropolitan city.

Can't really say they're common

 

Giving him a car would be a bit much, nice, but not necessary. He's quite honoured just to have a car bearing his name.

He's spent more time driving these cars more than anyone else, by a long way. It's what he loves, and why he'd never want the job of running the company

 

Hmmm. Seems like you are the one the knows him...Have you ever talked to him? Had dinner with him? Spent more than 5 minutes with him? I have done all of these and know him pretty well. I can tell you that he has no interest in owning the company or running it. But I can tell you that he would love to be given one of the cars. Is he happy that they have named the car after him, more than you can imagine. Would he turn down the car if they gave it to him...not a chance. Will he openly complain that he does not have one...No.

Why is it that people always say that it is too much to give a humble man a car. But then other car companies will give Sports figures cars for free as "Advertisement"? Hollywood is given numerous cars to smash and wreck as advertisement? But the face of your company that spends every waking hour being an ambassador for your company does not deserve it. Hmmm maybe you and Wankermann would get along great!

How many cars has Ferrari given Schumacher? I can guarantee you that Schumacher is a hell of a lot richer than Balboni ever will be.

 

Oh I'm not saying he wouldn't love one or hasn't earned one, but I don't think not giving him one is classless either. I don't think he feels unappreciated. But he definitely wouldn't be happy with an exec's job.

 

Topic is sickening. I could have sworn I read that they gave him one, I guess I dreamed it.

 

I think it was mentioned but the wording was a bit muffled. Like the car was "dedicated" to him...

 

If only we all got what we deserved...

Back to the original question, this is a company with some great history if you go back to the Ferruccio days. I feel bringing back a public awareness of it would do some good.. People I tell the Enzo story to always enjoy it.

I was recently asked if lambos were made by Ferrari, ugh.

 

I was recently asked if lambos were made by Ferrari, ugh.

I HOPE YOU PUNCHED THAT PERSON RIGHT IN THE MOUTH....AHAHAHAHA

 

Excellent topic, first post by the way!

What would I do? Bring excitement back to the brand. I agree that the LP670-4 SuperVeloce and LP570-4 Superleggera are beautiful variations, but it is time for something new. We have seen about the same thing for nearly a decade. First, Lamborghini needs to actively race in the ALMS in the GT class. If Audi can waste money on a prototype that may or may not race more than twice in the U.S. they can do something with Lambo. Second, stop hurting your own interests! Since the release of the R8 V10, Audi has officially doomed the Gallardo. Let's see, extremely similar, cheaper, more convenient service options, dramatic and original styling...sold. But the G was nearly due for retirement anyway. It's time for some serious RND and some new models. By new models I don't mean the Estoque, I pray that we never actually see that travesty on the road.

 

I don't think the Estoque is a travesty, but it would be VERY important to make a point that it feel special to drive... It's probably closer to the original GTV prototype, 350 and 400 than anything else Lamborghini's made. Problem is it would compete with the Panamera... I almost bought the R8 when it came out, having the G now I'm so glad I didn't, not even the V10. The R8 is beautiful and an engineering masterpiece, but my G, even if it's older, feels SOOOO much more special. Whenever I run into an R8 on the highway the driver's face says it all, he'd rather be me.

The fact is he could drive his car to work every day much more comfortably than I could, but for a balls out hour or two a couple times a week, or drawing a crowd, the G definitely stands apart. I think it's quite impressive that Audi managed to make 2 cars so technically similar have such very different characters.

 

I think it's quite impressive that Audi managed to make 2 cars so technically similar have such very different characters.

One says AUDI and one says LAMBORGHINI. What else do you need to differentiate them?