Italian sports car manufacturer Lamborghini plans to add an "everyday" model to its lineup, according to a report from Reuters quoting the firm’s CEO Stephan Winkelmann. The Lamborghini executive believes the luxury super sportscar market will return to the record levels seen in 2007 by 2013-2014. In 2007, some 35,000 super sports cars were sold, compared with around 26,000 in 2010.

And with demand from emerging markets such as China and Russia growing, Lamborghini wants to add a new model to its range to increase sales. "We are going to have a third model. It has to be an everyday car. We want to have a car which is able to be used on a daily basis," said Winkelmann, fueling rumors that a production version of the 2008 Lamborghini Estoque could be in the cards.

However, Winkelmann didn't mention anything about the type of vehicle, simply stating that Lamborghini hasn't reached a decision yet. He also said that once the decision is made, the company will need about four years to launch the car and added that the new model will be developed in-house, with help from the VW Group. “We will use synergies where possible within the (Volkswagen) group", noted Winkelmann.

Given that customers in China and other emerging markets such as Russia, India and Brazil, have a taste for four-door sports saloons, the possibility of Lamborghini producing the Estoque seems very likely.

Lamborghini's sales peaked in 2008 at 2,430 units, but in 2010 sales declined to 1,302 units, with the company expecting to sell around 1,500 cars this year, helped by the launch of its new Aventador LP 700-4 supercar.

By Dan Mihalascu

With its 700 horsepower and jaw-dropping styling, the recently launched Lamborghini Aventador hardly needs a tuning job. However, that's not what the crew over at Oakley Design believe, as the UK-based aftermarket specialist recently unveiled plans for an extensively upgraded Aventador.

As the name LP760-2 indicates, Oakley Design wants to add 60 horsepower to the V12 engine's output and to trade the all-wheel-drive system for a more dramatic Diablo-reminiscent rear-wheel-drive setup. Here's how these ambitious targets will be accomplished. The power increase will come from a re-mapped ECU, larger intake pipe diameter and a titanium exhaust system that will also save over 30 kilograms. The result will be 760 horsepower and 745 Nm (550 lb-ft) of torque, a gain of almost 10 percent compared to factory engine.

In addition to boosting output, Oakley Design wants to send all those ponies exclusively to the rear wheels, for weight saving reasons and increased performance. Oakley Design estimates the removal of the front differential, drive shafts and associated front drivetrain parts will reduce kerb weight by around 85 kilograms. The tuners believe the Aventador's advanced suspension design and very stiff full carbon monocoque should be able to handle 760 horsepower with just rear-wheel-drive. Nonetheless, to improve grip, the rear wheels will be wider. The company is also working on developing several suspension upgrade alternatives with Intrax.

Oakley Design will offer extensive modifications to the car's looks as well. Along with an aero kit, the package will include carbon fiber door mirrors and engine bay covers, plus a black carbon roof.

Even though we’ve yet to see the actual vehicle, Oakley Design claims it has already sold three of the five LP760-2 supercars it plans to build.

By Dan Mihalascu