WarrantyWise data reveals the real cost of repairs for exotic cars from the likes of Lamborghini and Aston Martin

• WarrantyWise data reveals the real cost of repairs for exotic cars from the likes of Lamborghini, Maserati, Aston Martin and Porsche
• WarrantyWise’s biggest pay-out is for £15,000 to a Lamborghini Murcielago owner for major engine repairs – WarrantyWise cover is just £166 per month on average for a Murcielago
• A Porsche 911 and Maserati 4200 are the second and third largest pay-outs, of around £10,000 each for engine repairs
• Also in the top 10 is a £9,500 gearbox replacement for a Nissan GT-R and £8,057-worth of gearbox repairs on an Aston Martin Vanquish
• For more sensible warranty cover, WarrantyWise.co.uk offers plans for popular models like the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Golf from just £19 per month

WarrantyWise.co.uk has revealed the true cost of exotic car repairs, with data detailing its largest ever payouts. A Lamborghini Murcielago tops the list, with a major engine mechanical repair bill of £15,000 fully covered by WarrantyWise. By contrast, covering your Murcielago at WarrantyWise’s highest level of service will set you back just £166 per month.

The top ten list and beyond is full of some of the world’s most famous performance cars, with the top three largest payouts covering major engine mechanical repairs.  Following the Lamborghini in WarrantyWise’s second and third largest payouts were a Porsche 911 and a Maserati 4200 with bills of around £10,000 each. The average monthly cost of WarrantyWise cover for each of the cars is £82 and £146 respectively.

Gearbox issues can leave owners with a hefty bill, too, with big repair costs of just under £10,000 for Aston Martin’s Vanquish and DB9 models needing major repairs to their automatic gearboxes.

Away from the largest repair payouts, WarrantyWise’s data reveal just how expensive relatively minor issues can be in complex, exotic cars. Repairing the ECU in a Ferrari 360, for example, came with a bill of nearly £2,000, with a similar amount required for wheel bearing repairs in a Ferrari 355.

An air-conditioning fix in a Maserati GranTurismo resulted in a £1,885 payout from WarrantyWise and replacing the water pump in a GranTurismo Spider commanded a repair payout of £2,278.

Even the more run of the mill cars aren’t immune to a crippling bill, though, with payouts of more than £5,000 each for family favourites, the Renault Grand Espace and Volkswagen Passat.

Warranties at this more sensible end of the scale, including for popular models like the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Golf, start from just £19 per month.

Lawrence Whittaker, CEO of WarrantyWise, said: “When you lay out all the repair payouts WarrantyWise makes, you can see why so many of our customers swear by our service – especially on an exotic car where the bills are rarely cheap. But the fact that we also have the likes of Renault and Volkswagen in our largest ever payouts just goes to show that all cars have the potential to go very badly wrong – and the resulting repair bill can be large enough to really disrupt your life.”

WarrantyWise Top 10 Most Expensive Authorised Repairs

Make	Model	Issue	Amount Paid
Lamborghini	Murcielago	Engine (Major Mechanical)	£15,000
Porsche	911	Engine (Major Mechanical)	£10,051.63
Maserati	4200	Engine (Major Mechanical)	£10,000
Ferrari	550	Electrical (major)	£9996.52
Nissan	GT-R	Replace Gearbox	£9,500
Nissan	GT-R	Gearbox (selector)	£9,500
Aston Martin	Vanquish	Gearbox Auto	£8,057.56
Aston Martin	DB9	Gearbox (auto)	£7315.45
Lamborghini	Gallardo	F1 Actuator	£6437.27
Ferrari	575	Gearbox (selector)	£6161.21

Lamborghini posts exceptional result at year end.

• Total turnover increased from 469 to 508 million euros
• Worldwide deliveries up from 2,083 to 2,121 cars
• Continuing profitability despite ongoing high investments in R&D and factory premises
• More than 20% of total turnover invested in research and development
• All-time high in V12 sales with a record for the Lamborghini
• Aventador (1,001 deliveries)
• All new Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4 receives strong market response

In the Fiscal Year 2013 (31.12.2013), Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. improved its key financial figures once more and marked another successful step in its brand history of more than 50 years.

With worldwide deliveries to customers increasing from 2,083 to 2,121 units, the Italian super sports car manufacturer improved its sales for the third consecutive year. These sales figures are outperforming the market trends in the super sports car segment.

The turnover shows a solid growth by 8 % from 469 million euros to 508 million euros. This overproportional increase compared to deliveries is due to an improved model mix; in 2013, 1,001 units of the top model, the V12 powered Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 were sold. This is a record for V12 powered Lamborghini models and represents a 9% increase from 922 units sold in 2012. Two and a half years after its market introduction the order bank for both Coupé and Roadster still covers the next 12 months' production. Overall, 2013 was another positive year in terms of profitability.

In its final year of production, the evergreen Lamborghini Gallardo recorded remarkably stable deliveries of 1,120 units following 2012 when 1,161 Gallardo were sold. With 14,022 units sold over its entire lifecycle, this makes the Gallardo the bestselling Lamborghini of all time to date.

"In the year of our 50th anniversary, Lamborghini has delivered a very satisfying performance, confirming the strength of our product and commercial strategy. Today the company is driving towards the future from a very solid economic base. With our very attractive and new model mix, ongoing high investments of more than 20% of our total turnover into R&D as well as continuous investments into factory premises and the recovery of the markets we anticipate a new phase of solid global growth into new dimensions in the short and long term" said Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.

Lamborghini is a global brand, and sales distribution has been well balanced among the three regions: EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) 34%, America 36% and Asia Pacific 30%.This enables the company to respond flexibly to fluctuations in single markets should they occur.

In 2013, the company continued its path of sustainable development: enlarging its facilities and hiring 100 highly qualified professionals in Sant'Agata Bolognese to address both production demand and new projects, with 1,029 employees at the end of the year. As for human resources and ethical commitment Lamborghini has just been awarded two important prizes: the prestigious accolade "Top Employers Italia 2014", the first Italian car producer to be selected for this award, and the "Ethical Company" award.

The successor of the Gallardo, the new Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4, made its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2014 and is currently receiving overwhelming reactions from markets and customers all over the world. This is also mirrored in the positive media coverage of the new car emanating from the show. Even before the official launch of the Huracán LP 610-4, Lamborghini registered more than 1,000 orders for the highly innovative new super sports car designed to set a new benchmark in its segment.

Lamborghini Huracan - Candidate for 'star of the show' at Geneva Motor Show

The Lamborghini Huracán has already obtained 700 orders during a, as yet unfinished, month-long private preview tour worldwide for VIP clients. An excellent start for the heir to the best selling Lamborghini to date, the Gallardo.

The Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4 is powered by a 610-horsepower 5.2-litre normally-aspirated V10 engine, which allows it to reach a top speed of 325 km/h and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, placing it at the top of its segment.

A candidate for 'star of the show' at Geneva Motor Show, it will be the first vehicle to be revealed at the exhibition, during a press conference given by President and CEO Stephan Winkelmann, scheduled for 8 a.m. on Tuesday March 4th, 2014.

The presentation will contain innovative elements -- not just the video of the supercar shot over the last few days in Los Angeles, but also the reveal.

Lamborghini finished 1013 on a high, with bigger hopes for 2014.

• All-time high in V12 sales with the record of the
• Lamborghini Aventador (1,001 deliveries)
• USA largest single market followed by China
• Balanced presence across the three regions EMEA, America and APAC

Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. looks back on 2013 as a year with great importance for the brand, the products and the sales.

''In the year of our 50th anniversary, Lamborghini has delivered a very satisfying performance, confirming the strength of our product and commercial strategy'', said Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. ''Even in its last year of production the Lamborghini Gallardo has shown strong sales, whereas the Aventador has beaten all records of V12 model sales in our history. The USA and China are our biggest single markets, the Middle East and Japan are very strong and Europe is in line with the trend in our market segment.''

With 129 dealers serving 46 countries, in 2013 worldwide deliveries to customers have been increased from 2,083 to 2,121 units. This development is out santperforming the trend of the market in the super sports car segment.Lamborghini is a global brand and sales distribution is well balanced among the three regions: EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) 34%, America 36% and Asia Pacific 30%.

Thanks to the Lamborghini Aventador, 2013 has been the most successful year of V12 model sales in the history of Lamborghini. 1,001 units have been delivered to customers (922 in 2012, +9%). Two and a half years after its market introduction the order bank for both, Coupé and Roadster version, still covers the next 12 months.

Although in its last year of production, the Lamborghini Gallardo confirms to be an evergreen super sports car with an excellent performance of 1,120 units sold in 2013 (1,161 in 2012). With a total of 14,022 units the Gallardo is by far the most-built Lamborghini ever.

In 2013 the company continued its path of sustainable development, enlarging its facilities and hiring 100 high qualified professionals in Sant'Agata Bolognese to sustain both, production demand and new projects, ending up with 1,029 employees by the end of the year.

Early in 2013 Lamborghini introduced the Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster, the ultimate open-air luxury super sports car, while the Gallardo Squadra Corse,presented at the end of the year, celebrated also the end of the Gallardo range with a best-in-class version, able to break many lap time records.

Limited edition one-offs like the Egoista, the Veneno and the Veneno Roadster were presented as an homage to the 50th anniversary of Automobili Lamborghini, alongside special anniversary editions of the Gallardo, the Aventador and the Aventador Roadster.

Celebrations for the 50th anniversary involved customers and fans with many events worldwide and the greatest reunion ever, held in May 2013 in Italy with more than 350 supercars, proving that the Lamborghini global community is stronger than ever.

Stunning new Huracán from Lamborghini, a worthy Gallardo successor.

• Innovative technology and absolute performance redefine the super sports car experience
• Pure and powerfully dynamic design language
• New V10 with 610 hp, acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, top speed of over 325 km/h
• From January 2014: private preview events for qualified prospects

A new era is beginning for Automobili Lamborghini and the luxury super sports car segment: with the brand new Huracán Lamborghini is not only presenting the successor to the iconic Gallardo, but is also redefining the benchmark for luxury super sports cars in this segment.

With its pure and unique design, an innovative technology package, outstanding dynamics and excellent quality, the Huracán offers a super sports car experience on a whole new level. The Huracán combines absolute performance with easy-to drive road behaviour and both luxurious and sport-oriented finish. With the Huracán, Lamborghini is taking a big step into the future, and enhancing the brand's illustrious history with the next automotive legend.

Starting from January 2014 the Huracán will be the protagonist of over 130 private preview events in more than 60 cities throughout the world.

The Lamborghini Huracán will make its world public debut at the Geneva Motorshow 2014.

Name
With a total volume of 14,022 cars produced, the Lamborghini Gallardo has been the most successful Lamborghini ever and, in its ten-year lifecycle, lifted the Lamborghini marque to a whole new level. Its successor, the new Huracán, has been developed from scratch down to the very last detail and, like the Gallardo and most other Lamborghini models, derives its name from the world of
bullfighting. The fighting bull Huracán of the Spanish Conte de la Patilla breed was known for his outstanding courage and strong sense of attack. He fought in Alicante in August 1879, showing his unrelenting character and remaining defiant and invincible, thus entering into the legend of fighting bulls' history.

Design
The new Huracán revolutionizes the design language of the Gallardo and is pure in its lines: precise technology and top level craftsmanship meet an audacious design with sharp edges, monolithic and sculptured volumes and precise surfaces. The starting point is the silhouette of the Huracán, born out of the desire of creating an automobile, whose profile is defined by only one line that merges the front with the cockpit and the rear of the car. The lateral windows come together to create a hexagonal form inserted like a glass jewel in the car's profile.

Also by night is the Huracán unmistakably a Lamborghini. Not only are the main headlamps equipped with full LED illumination, but all other light functions also feature state-of-the-art LED technology as a standard feature for the first time in the segment.

Interior
The interior is dominated by an innovative cockpit. A 12.3 inch full-color TFT instrument panel delivers all car information to the driver, from rev counter to navigation maps and infotainment functions, and can be configured by the driver in different setups. Fine Nappa leather and Alcantara distinguish the interior, with several color combinations offered to ensure broad individualization options. The design of dashboard and central tunnel underline a new lightness in the interior. Superb craftsmanship guarantees the highest quality and sense of luxury throughout.

Chassis and powertrain
Systematic lightweight design and Automobili Lamborghini's extensive expertise in carbon fiber come together in the Huracán's new hybrid chassis -- an integrated structure of carbon and aluminum elements. With a dry weight of 1,422 kg it enables not only the excellent power-to-weight ratio of just 2.33 kilograms per horse power, but also guarantees race-car precision with
outstanding stiffness.

The new 5.2 liter V10 engine delivers a maximum power of 448 kW / 610 HP at 8,250 rpm and a maximum torque of 560 Nm at 6.500 rpm. In the new ''Iniezione Diretta Stratificata'' (IDS), direct and indirect gasoline injections are smartly combined. This results in more power and torque with lower fuel consumption and emissions compared with the Gallardo V10 engine. The top speed of over 325km/h and the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and to 200 km/h in 9.9 seconds only partially describe the dynamic experience at the wheel of the Huracán. Also thanks to the Stop & Start technology, the combined EU consumption figure has been further reduced to 12.5 liters per 100 km (290 g/km CO2 emissions). The engine complies with EU6 emissions regulation.

Driving dynamics
The power of the V10 engine is brought to the road via the new 7-speed dual clutch transmission ''Lamborghini Doppia Frizione'' (LDF) and fully electronically controlled four-wheel drive system. The different driving modes of the Huracán can be selected via a driving dynamics selector switch in the steering wheel -- from traction-oriented on the road to extreme performance on the race track, with three setups of the dynamics system: STRADA, SPORT and CORSA. The different modes ensure extensive modification in road behavior of the Huracán. In particular they influence the set-ups of several systems, such as the gearbox and engine behavior, the sound, the four-wheel-drive system and electronic stability control. The Huracán's carbon-ceramic brakes are a standard feature for consistently superb braking performance. The ''Lamborghini Dynamic Steering'' variable steering ratio system and magneto-rheologic suspension damper control are both available as options for further customization of the Huracán's dynamic behavior. They are also calibrated via the three different dynamic set-ups.

The Huracán is produced at the Automobili Lamborghini headquarters in Sant'Agata Bolognese on an entirely newly-equipped production line. Delivery to the first customers is planned for spring 2014.

Lamborghini produces the final Gallado which has become its most popular ever.

• Ten years of an Italian Icon
• The 'most sold' Lamborghini super sports car
• Still best in class with record lap times

In the historic factory buildings of Sant'Agata Bolognese, the last Lamborghini Gallardo has left the production line. The final model is a Gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder Performante in Rosso Mars (red) and it is destined for a private collector. With a total of 14,022 units the Gallardo is not only by far the most-built Lamborghini, it ranks among the most successful super sports cars -- and has long since established itself as an icon of Italian design and the art of automotive engineering.

With its appearance ten years ago in the year of the company's 40th anniversary, the Gallardo marked a fundamental watershed in the history of Automobili Lamborghini. In Lamborghini's first four decades, an average of just 250 Lamborghinis were built per year. In the decade of the Gallardo, production grew to a whole new dimension with volumes of around 2,000 cars per year on average -- while, in global terms, retaining the highly exclusive nature of vehicles bearing the badge of the bull. In keeping with the Lamborghini tradition, the name of the Gallardo too was derived from the world of bullfighting. Bred in the 18th century, the Gallardo bloodline was known for its exceptional courage and undaunted nature.

The great career of the Lamborghini Gallardo began in 2003 at the Geneva Motor Show. Its unique, extreme design, created by the Centro Stile Lamborghini, phenomenal dynamics and outstanding quality formed the basis for its enormous and enduring success over a whole decade. The Gallardo's technical concept was compelling from day one: systematic lightweight design through an aluminium space frame; the combined power and high revving characteristics of the ten-cylinder naturally aspirated engine; the Lamborghini e-gear, a completely new robotized sequential gear shifting system; and, finally, the amazing handling and safety provided by permanent all-wheel drive.

This notwithstanding, an enhancement in the driving experience was already in the pipeline - the open-air driving thrill of the Gallardo Spyder, which joined the lineup in 2005. The Gallardo Superleggera came along in 2007. With its reduced weight, thanks to a large number of carbon fiber components, its output increased to 530 hp and with its purist design, pushed the performance benchmark yet another notch higher.

The second generation of the Gallardo arrived in 2008. With a redesigned front and rear, a new engine with gasoline direct injection and 560 hp, plus further-enhanced equipment, the Gallardo LP 560-4 proved that even an excellent product can be improved. The second-generation Spyder was also delivered to its first customers in 2008. The new version of the Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera followed in 2010 with an increase in output to 570 hp, this time also as the open-top Gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder Performante. Occupying another niche in the broad spectrum of Gallardo versions were the LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni limited edition and the LP 550-2 Spyder: with their rear wheel drive, they appealed to a particularly purist group of sports car fans.

The pinnacle of sporting performance among the total of 32 Gallardo variants was marked by the Super Trofeo Stradale and, finally, the Gallardo Squadra Corse. They draw a direct line from the competition version in the world's fasted single-brand race series, the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo, to the road. The LP 570-4 Squadra Corse, in particular, demonstrated in several comparison tests just how outstanding the Gallardo still is. In specialist magazines from Quattroruote in Italy, through Car in the United Kingdom to
Sport Auto in Germany, the Gallardo continued to prove right up to the end of its career that it was still the clear frontrunner in terms of performance, handling and driving pleasure, setting a best-in-class lap time in Hockenheim (Germany) and record lap times in Balocco and Vairano (Italy).

The Gallardo LP 570-4 Squadra Corse boasts a dry weight of 1340 kilograms, 70 less than the already lean Gallardo LP 560-4. With a stunning power-toweight ratio of 2.35 kilograms per hp it delivers breathtaking performance: from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds, from 0 to 200 km/h in just 10.4 seconds.

Top speed is 320 km/h. The carbon ceramic brake system guarantees unmatched stopping power.

The Lamborghini Gallardo was sold in more than 45 countries across the globe. In true Italian style, the Gallardo offered an exceptionally high range of choices for individualization. Via the ''Ad Personam'' program, each and every customer was able to have his Lamborghini V10 super sports car perfectly
tailored to suit his own preferences. A whole decade of production also brought with it a wide array of special editions, often exclusive to specific markets, like the Singapore, Malaysia, China and India Editions. One particularly exclusive version of the super sports car gained global prominence through its very special service record: several units were built of the Gallardo Polizia Stradale with blue lights, special paintwork and dedicated equipment. Two are currently in service with the Italian State Police.

The Gallardo continues to prove its motorsport competence, racing in the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo. Alongside European race tracks, this fascinating one make series has now also conquered the circuits of Asia and North America with its own series in those regions. The Gallardo GT3 has also
celebrated numerous successes at sports car races around the globe.

In the year of Automobili Lamborghini's 50th anniversary, the Gallardo success story has now come to an end with car number 14,022. Almost half of all 30,000 Lamborghinis built since the company was first founded in 1963, are Gallardos.

FRANKFURT - Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4

The Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Squadra Corse will be presented for the first time at the 2013 Frankfurt auto show. The Squadra Corse delivers high levels of performance while bringing the thrills associated with motorsport to the street-legal world. This new and most extreme model in the Gallardo line-up is based on the Gallardo Super Trofeo, the race car that features in the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo - the world’s fastest one-make series. The Squadra Corse will be a limited production model, priced at € 191.100, plus tax.

The name Squadra Corse refers to the recently-founded department within Automobili Lamborghini, which manages all motorsport activities from GT3 to the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo championships in Europe, Asia and America, where gentlemen drivers participate in fiercly contested battles on the most challenging racetracks in the world.

The new Gallardo Squadra Corse is derived directly from the race car. Both share the same V10 engine, which is used in the racing version with no modifications. Likewise, the Squadra Corse has the same rear wing for greater aerodynamic load – achieving, under the best aerodynamic conditions, three times the load of the Gallardo LP 560-4 – for increased dynamic stability during tight high-speed cornering. Another element taken directly from the racing version is the removable engine hood equipped with a quick-release system. Both the rear wing and the hood are made from carbon composite material, as are a host of other components on the Squadra Corse.

Lightweight construction through consistent use of carbon fiber
Together with aluminum, carbon fiber forms the basis for construction of the new, extremely lightweight, top-of-the-range Gallardo.
The Gallardo LP 570-4 Squadra Corse boasts a dry weight of 1340 kilograms, 70 less than the already lean Gallardo LP 560-4, which gives the Squadra Corse a stunning power-to-weight ratio of 2.35 kilograms per hp. Different delivering breathtaking performance, it sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 3.4 seconds and reaches 200 km/h in just 10.4 seconds. Its forward thrust finally tops out at 320 km/h. The production-standard carbon-ceramic brake system guarantees unmatched stopping power.

The technology and the powertrain
Like the Super Trofeo competition version, the new Squadra Corse is based on the technical underpinnings of the Gallardo Superleggera. The V10 engine generates 570 hp, the equivalent of 419 kW, which is fully available at 8,000 rpm. The V10’s unique firing order delivers the striking sound heard from its motor racing equivalent. Like the race car, the Gallardo Squadra Corse comes as standard with the robotized e-gear six-speed transmission operated by steering wheel paddles. This electronically controlled system shifts through its six gears smoothly and much faster than any professional racing driver could. Every kilometer driven in the Gallardo LP 570-4 Squadra Corse is packed with sheer excitement, in part due to its unrelenting grip in virtually all situations thanks to its all-wheel drive concept.

The Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo is the only single-brand racing series in the world that features all-wheel drive race cars. The Gallardo Squadra Corse is a highly concentrated driving machine that offers an unrivaled driving experience with breathtaking cornering speeds and fast, immediate response.

Respresenting Italian racing
The Gallardo Squadra Corse’s ultimate racing performance is also reflected in its exterior design – clearly attesting its commitment to its Italian heritage. A decal strip along the flanks displays green, white and red, the colors of the Italian flag. The Squadra Corse is available in Giallo Midas (yellow), Bianco Monocerus (white), Grigio Thalasso (grey) and Rosso Mars (red). The exterior look of the Gallardo Squadra Corse is perfectly accented with a matte black finish on the large rear wing, which contrasts with the body paint work. The hood, front air intakes, rear diffuser and 19-inch forged wheels are painted in high-gloss black, while the brake callipers are available in red, black or yellow.

Minimalist sporty interior
Extremely lightweight carbon fiber and Alcantara®, the perfect combination of sporty minimalism, are the dominant materials inside the Squadra Corse. Alcantara graces the underside of the dashboard, the central panel of the seat cushion and the backrest. The door panels, the racing seats and the center console cover are made from carbon fiber, a technology in which Lamborghini has achieved world-leading expertise. Carbon is also used for the handbrake frame; the middle of the center console; the lower rim of the steering wheel; the trim around the main and secondary instrument panels; the door handles; and the handle for opening the glove box. Standard seats can also be ordered in place of racing bucket seats.

Squadra Corse offers a new series of driving events
“Esperienza” events by the Squadra Corse deparment provide enthusiasts and prospects with the opportunity of a first test-drive and a glimpse inside the world of Lamborghini. The Lamborghini Academies provide, on both track and ice, driver training and the initial steps toward real-life racing. The Super Trofeo series offers the perfect first race experience for young and gentlemen drivers, with the Lamborghini GT3 for more seasoned racers wishing to compete in the Lamborghini marque worldwide.

Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.
Founded in 1963, Automobili Lamborghini is headquartered in Sant’Agata Bolognese, in Northeastern Italy. With the introduction of the Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster in 2013, joining the coupé presented in 2011, Lamborghini has established yet another landmark in the history of luxury super sports cars. And with more than 120 dealerships worldwide, Automobili Lamborghini has successfully created an uninterrupted series of extraordinary, exclusive super sports cars that include the 350 GT, Miura, Espada, Countach, Diablo, Murciélago, Reventón Coupé, Reventón Roadster, Gallardo LP 560-4 Coupé and Spyder, and the Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera and the open-top LP 570-4 Spyder Performante.

Lambo to celebrate 50th birthday at Chomondeley

• Pageant to celebrate the 50th birthday of famous Italian car manufacturer
• Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera returns to reclaim lap record
• Display of Lamborghini models, classic and modern
• Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster will make its UK public debut

Lamborghini is to celebrate its 50th anniversary – ‘100 years of innovation in half the time’ – at the 2013 Cholmondeley Pageant of Power (14-16 June, www.cpop.co.uk), giving visitors the chance to experience the heart and soul of the brand as classic and modern Lamborghinis take to the event’s 1.2-mile race circuit for full-bore timed runs. There will also be a display of classic vehicles, showing visitors the colourful evolution of the iconic Italian marque.

Lamborghini will showcase its latest models, including the all-new Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster, which has a 6.5-litre V12 engine producing 700 hp that powers the car from 0-to-62 mph in just 3 seconds.  This is the first time the car will be on public display in the UK.

Favoured to reclaim the lap record for Lamborghini on the Pageant’s tight and twisty circuit will be the Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera Edizione Tecnica, the very latest version of the brand’s lightweight model.  Until 2012, a previous version of the Gallardo Superleggera held the lap record around Cholmondeley, completing the course in just 62.68 seconds.

Marking five decades of production for Lamborghini, there will also be a display of some of the brand’s most famous models from its history, including a rare 1988 25th Anniversary Countach, a Diablo, the first model from the brand to top 200 mph, and the Jalpa, one of only 410 ever manufactured by Lamborghini in the 1980s.

Members of the Lamborghini Owners’ Club will also be present at Cholmondeley to display their cherished cars to the attending public.

James Hall, Event Director for the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power, said: “Lamborghini has produced some of the world’s most beautiful and powerful cars, and the brand is the first that springs to mind of many when the word ‘supercar’ is mentioned. While the Gallardo Superleggera will once again be contesting to reprise its lap record, the backdrop of the Pageant, with fast and beautiful cars from all eras of motoring and motorsport, will ensure Lamborghini enjoys a loud and typically flamboyant celebration of its first five decades in business.”

Now in its sixth year, the 2013 Pageant will take place on the Cholmondeley Estate in Cheshire from 14 to 16 June, celebrating power and performance in its many forms.  Until 13 June, adult tickets start at just £24 for the Friday Preview Day, and £32 to see all the action on Saturday or Sunday.  Under-16 tickets are currently available from just £5 for the Friday Preview Day and £7 for Saturday and Sunday tickets.

To buy tickets or find further information, visit www.cpop.co.uk.

Lamborghini readies Ferrari F12 rival as reported by Autocar

Our friends over at AUTOCAR magazine have posted this online today, feel free to click on any AUTOCAR name to go to the post.

Lamborghini looks set to steal the Geneva motor show headlines with a front-engined V12 GT that’s designed to rival the Ferrari F12.

Company chairman Stephan Winkelmann has told Autocar that Lamborghini will reveal “something truly extraordinary that’s based on the V12" at Geneva next month. The concept will form part of the company’s ongoing 50th anniversary celebrations.

According to Winkelmann, the car will have two doors, two seats and a V12 engine — but its underpinnings will not be based on those of the Aventador. This means that it will be a front/mid-engined car, just like the Ferrari F12, but featuring Lamborghini’s staple of four-wheel drive and forged carbon construction.

Autocar understands that the new Lambo will be a concept for future consideration, not a model that is confirmed for production.

Winkelmann has admitted that his main focus right now is persuading the board of the Volkswagen Group, which owns Lamborghini, to green-light the Urus SUV. “Everyone at Lamborghini wants this car to happen,” he told Autocar. “But now the decision is largely out of our hands.

“We would need to sell between 3000 and 4000 examples a year for the Urus to justify its financial investment, and I'm confident that we could do that. It’s a decision they [the VW board] will, I hope, make very soon.”

If given the go-ahead by VW, the Urus will sell for “approximately the same amount as a Gallardo” so expect £140k-£160k.

Although Winkelmann told Autocar that naturally aspirated engines remain key to Lamborghini when it comes to sports and supersports cars (like the Aventador and next-generation Gallardo, due in 2014), the situation would be different with an SUV. “In a car like that, a hybrid turbo would make more sense,” he said. 

It remains to be seen if the Volkswagen Group will allow Lamborghini to bolster its 50th anniversary celebrations at Geneva by announcing that a new third model will indeed be added to the range.

 Steve Sutcliffe