If some accused the Urus SUV of being a sacrilege within the range of Lamborghini, it must be said that, like Porsche with the very first Cayenne, it has been very beneficial for the manufacturer. Its popularity with well-heeled consumers has certainly helped the famed Italian automaker gain a foothold when it comes to taxes.
The presence of theUrus, combined with an increase in the number of transactions for the purchase of ultra-luxury vehicles over the past 5 years, has contributed to giving Lamborghini very good financial health. In fact, the company is doing so well that Mr. Francesco Scardaoni, brand director for the Asia and Pacific regions, recently announced that the next generation of its entry-level car will be, for the first time in 20 years, developed exclusively by the manufacturer.
Goodbye Audi R8
Indeed, if the Lamborghini Gallardo and Huracán were in fact mechanical clones of the Audi R8, the third generation of the racing car – whose name has still not been confirmed – will be entirely developed in-house. Recall that Audi has announced that it does not intend to renew its R8 after the current generation.
Lamborghini’s next car will therefore be based on its own platform, entirely designed by the manufacturer. However, it is not impossible that it will eventually be shared by other models within the Volkswagen group.
Regarding Lamborghini’s profitability, it should be noted that the year 2022 was its most lucrative since its birth. Its turnover was estimated at 2.38 billion euros, while its operating margin was 25.9%. Revenues, meanwhile, amounted to 614 million euros. Out of 9,233 vehicles sold worldwide, a record figure for the manufacturer, Lamborghini sold 5,367 Urus. Indeed, this model proves to be very lucrative for the company.
A V8 rather than a V10
Although Lamborghini remains silent about its next little bomb, everything suggests that it would abandon its naturally aspirated V12 engine and replace it with a twin-turbo V8, paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Just like in the Revuelto, this engine could be paired with some form of hybridization, most likely plug-in hybrid technology.
As for the Huracán, it is no longer possible to order one, but its production continues in order to satisfy the last orders. The 2024 model year will be its last official marketing year. Lamborghini could therefore lift the veil on its replacement by the end of 2023.
