Lamboghini Gallardo hybrid planned by 2015

Lamborghini seems to be next in line to launch a  hybrid model. In an interview with German magazine Automobilewoche, Lamborghini’s CEO Stephan Winkelmann said that Lamborghini will unveil a hybrid model in 2015.

Photo: Lamborghini Gallardo

Reports say that the Lamborghini Gallardo hybrid will use the Gallardo’s electric motor for city driving.

At higher speeds, the hybrid’s 10 or 12-cylinder engine will come into play.

Winkelmann also said that, unlike Audi or Mercedes-Benz, Lamborghini does not plan to enter the all-electric segment.

Lamborghini’s Gallardo model would come in handy as a test bed for the first iteration of the hybrid vehicle the company is planning to launch.

Lamborghini has enjoyed a great amount of success with its Gallardo model. The sports car is one of the most produced models in the world with over 5000 units built in the first three years of production, that started in 2003.

The Lamborghini Gallardo, priced at $180,000 to $210,000, comes with an H-box six-speed manual transmission, and an advanced six-speed electro-
hydraulically-controlled semi-automatic single-clutch sequential manual.

In 2008, the Lamborghini Gallardo was equipped with a computer, iPod connectivity with USB, and heated mirrors.

Most of the cars launched by the company have been based on the Gallardo concept. Even the Audi R8 that has given the company extra ordinary sales was based on the Gallardo model.

Winkelmann said that Lamborghini plans to pump in AU$59 million till 2015, to reduce emissions in its vehicles and production facilities, by 35 per cent.

To do so, Lamborghini will work on reducing vehicle mass, mechanical friction and improving combustion efficiency of its vehicles.

The company expects the Lamborghini hybrid to help meet its target to reduce emissions.

In the first week of August 2009, rival Ferrari too had unveiled its plans to bring out a hybrid in the markets by 2015. There are speculations that Lamborghini’s announcement of a hybrid model may be an attempt, on the automaker’s part, to steal Ferrari’s thunder.