Lamborghini prepares for a new era

Automobili Lamborghini announces a luxury SUV as a third model to join its product range. The market introduction of the series model is planned for 2018. A concept of the car was first presented as the Lamborghini Urus in 2012 at the Beijing auto show.

The new vehicle will be produced in Sant’Agata Bolognese and will herald additional growth and significant opportunities across the marque with the expansion of the product range. It will also determine a substantial increase in the production capacity of the factory. Over the lifecycle of the new vehicle the company will invest hundreds of millions of Euros.

The project will be realized due to the joint commitment of several parties involved, including Volkswagen Group with AUDI  AG as Lamborghini shareholder, the Italian Ministry of Economic Development, Invitalia (Italian national agency for inward investments and economic development), Emilia Romagna Region, the Union Representatives and the entire Automobili Lamborghini team.

Automobili Lamborghini President and CEO Stephan Winkelmann declares: “This is a proud moment for everybody in Lamborghini. The introduction of a third model line endorses the stable and sustainable growth of the company and signifies for us the beginning of a new era.”

He adds: “The new SUV will be made in Sant’Agata Bolognese, demonstrating our commitment to safeguarding the values of ‘Made in Italy’ worldwide.”

Production of the new Lamborghini SUV in Sant’Agata Bolognese will see significant development of the factory site, increasing from the current 80,000 square meters to an area covering ca. 150,000 square meters. The project will include the construction of new facilities, such as a new production line, warehousing and enlargement of the R&D department. The addition of a third model line will also provide important opportunities for the supplier network in Italy and internationally, and have a strong impact on human resources: Lamborghini intends to hire 500 new employees.

Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management Audi AG states: “Lamborghini, Italdesign Giugiaro and Ducati have developed very successfully under Audi parentage, and kept their Italian identity. With the decision to produce the Lamborghini SUV in Sant’ Agata Bolognese we have proven once more our commitment to Italy as an important automotive industrial nation.”

Luca de Meo, Board Member for Sales and Marketing Audi AG underlines: “Lamborghini is today one of the world’s most exclusive brands. We at Audi are very proud of all our Italian subsidiaries. I am delighted at this outcome for both Lamborghini and Italy, and thank the Italian government for their collaboration in helping to make this possible.”

A luxury SUV sees Lamborghini challenging an unexploited, fast-growing and fascinating car segment, and expanding its clientele significantly. These will include Lamborghini super sports car customers who to date have driven SUV models from other brands, as well as families and customers new to the Lamborghini marque. Distribution of volumes will be well balanced among the three major sales regions: EMEA, the Americas and Asia Pacific. Target markets will be primarily the USA, China, the Middle East, United Kingdom, Germany and Russia. The annual volumes will be around 3,000 vehicles and will double the company’s current sales performance.

Lamborghini

Toyota GT86: Happy New Gear

The Toyota GT86 isn’t a car for standing still, so it’s no surprise that it’s raced ahead to mark a “new year” with a refreshed line-up and style detail changes. At heart it remains every inch the best driver’s car to be had for the money – and now for even less cash, thanks to a price reduction.

New wheels and new colours lead the features list, with the range-topping Aero model running on gloss black 18-inch rims and available with a hot GT86 Orange paint finish. In line with customer preference, Aero is now exclusively available with six-speed manual transmission. The larger alloys are also newly available as an option on the core GT86 model.

The Primo model, entry point to the range, moves on to 16-inch alloys and comes with a £300 lower price tag. An on-going customer offer is available, adding a further £505 saving to deliver an on-the-road price of £22,195. Pricing for other models in the range is unchanged.

What has not changed is the fundamentally brilliant GT86 dynamic package: its proven

Toyota 2000GT (1967-1970)

combination of a normally aspirated 2.0-litre boxer engine, low centre of gravity, rear-wheel drive and a beautifully balanced chassis continues to deliver the exhilarating and rewarding driving experience that earned it Top Gear magazine’s Car of the Year title. The engine now complies with Euro 6 emissions standards, with no change to its fuel economy and CO2 performance.

This is not the end of the GT86 story for 2015: a new special edition model will be joining the range this summer, details to be announced soon.

The 2016 GT86 is available to order now with first deliveries to customers in mid-July.

Toyota

Toyota’s New RAV4 Hybrid

Toyota wrought a decisive change in the motoring landscape 20 years ago with the launch of the original RAV4, a new kind of recreational vehicle that pioneered today’s valuable and highly popular compact SUV market. Today it has opened a new chapter in RAV4’s enduring success story with the unveiling of the first RAV4 Hybrid at the New York International Auto Show.

The new RAV4 Hybrid AWD represents the next dimension in Toyota’s application of full hybrid technology. Its smooth and efficient powertrain combines a 2.5-litre petrol engine and an electric motor, with an additional motor powering the rear axle to deliver electronic all-wheel drive.

The AWD capability provides greater safety and stability when negotiating low-grip surfaces, It also provides a towing capacity of 1,650kg, with Toyota’s Trailer Sway Control system providing added security and peace of mind.

The unveiling of the hybrid coincides with the announcement of the new RAV4 range which features new exterior styling, improved cabin quality and further deployment of advanced technology and safety features.

RAV4’s new frontal design generates a stronger road presence and includes full LED headlights for the first time. To the side, there is a new rocker panel that creates a more flowing look, and at the rear the combination lamps and bumper have been reworked, adding yet more emphasis to the car’s road stance.

The sensory quality of the cabin has been raised significantly with the adoption of new combination meters, a full colour TFT screen and soft-touch materials.

New technology features include Toyota’s 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor, which gives the driver sight of obstacles that would remain hidden in blind spots when using conventional front and rear cameras, making for safer and easier manoeuvring.

RAV4’s safety specification is significantly improved with the addition of the new Toyota Safety Sense suite of features. In addition to the Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beam and Road Sign Assist features that will also be included in the package for new Avensis and Auris this summer, RAV4 will further benefit from Adaptive Cruise Control and two significant enhancements to the basic Pre-Collision System functions.

Firstly, the PCS will operate at an extend relative speed range – from 6 mph up to the vehicle’s maximum speed – and will be able to reduce speed through automated braking by about 24 mph.

Secondly, the system will be able to detect potential collisions with pedestrians, in the event of which automated braking will operate at relative speeds between 6 mph and 50 mph and be able to reduce vehicle speed by about 19 mph.

New RAV4 will go on sale in December, with the RAV4 Hybrid AWD model arriving in the UK and Europe early in 2016. UK specifications and further details will be announced nearer on the on-sale date.

Toyota