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SUVs are has-been, Lambo says


That's Lamborghini's dictum.

Automobili Lamborghini president and CEO Stephan Winkelmann dismisses the trends of competitors such as Porsche with its Cayenne and now Aston Martin which will rebirth the Lagonda name as an SUV.

Winklemann says the future for super sports companies such as the Italian firebrand is with four-wheel-drive sports cars, not four-wheel-drive Toorak tractors.

"SUV has no future anymore," he says.

"We would be killed by the public if we did an SUV.

"It might work in Russia, but not anywhere else.

"For us, four-wheel-drive sports cars are important as a unique selling point."

However, the company is embracing the trend among super luxury sports car companies to add two more doors.

Porsche this year will launch the Panamera, Aston Martin plans to release a four-door Rapide and Lamborghini has debuted its Estoque concept.

But Winklemann is cautious about adding to its two-door Gallardo and Murcielago coupes and convertibles.

"For the moment we will stick with our two-car strategy," he says.

"There is little doubt that it (Estoque) would double the sales volume for Lamborghini.

"However, in this economic situation going to three models would be something that would double our efforts and not necessarily double our profits.

"For the moment it is too much of a risk."

So the Estoque (pronounced Ess-tock) is on hold.

"If we would do a third model it would be a car like the Estoque," Winklemann says.

"It is what our four-door product would look like; a 2+2 with a coupe look.

"But it would have to have a business case, not just a product because we like it."

Winkelmann also rejected following competitors into turbo-diesel, electric or hydrogen power trains, but said they would consider hybrid systems and technologies such as regenerative braking.