Lamborghini is looking at expanding its range with a 2+2 as a fourth model line, according to chairman and CEO Stefano Domenicali. At present, the brand's range includes the Urus SUV, Aventador and the Huracan - which recently got a mid-life cycle upgrade. Domenicali is confident that there is a market for a Lamborghini 2+2, thanks to a positive response from customer clinics and focus groups. He hopes to launch it by 2025.
The Sant’Agata-based performance carmaker, who's fresh from the launch of the Urus, does not simply want to rush with the new 2+2 as it first wants to strengthen its position in terms of sales and also prepare its service network to meet the unique needs of customers of four-seaters.
“It’s already a big step (with the Urus) and we need to make sure all the people that are working with us are at the same level. One key thing to remember is the level of service and the attention that you have to give to super-sportscar owners is different. We need to make sure that at all levels, all our departments need to be growing at the same rate because we cannot afford to have one area grow and have another area lag behind. That’s the reason why I believe that before 2025, we won’t have a fourth model,” Domenicali said.
When asked if the new model line could have an electrified powertrain, Domenicali said, “The reason why we don’t have to rush into a decision is because we see how things are changing so quickly and to take an adverse decision on that (powertrain) would be totally wrong. What we need to make sure is that we need to be flexible enough to decide at the last moment. While today, there is a lot of push towards electrification, so far the response from the market is very jeopardised.” Lamborghini is getting ready to replace the Aventador in 2020 and is set to adopt a hybrid variant of its iconic V12 engine. The next-gen Aventador replacement will be one of two 2020 series-production Lamborghinis expected to use electrification; the second will be a plug-in hybrid Urus SUV.
Lamborghini also wants to stabilise sales over the next few years before introducing the new model. In the calendar year 2018, deliveries to customers grew 51 percent to 5,750 units.
Now Lamborghini isn't new to four seaters. Its first proper 2+2 GT four-seater was a restyled and roomier version of the 400GT, which sold between 1966 and 1968. It also had the Espada GT, which was on sale from 1968 to 1978. With 1,300 units produced, the Espada was Lamborghini's second-bestselling model among its classic cars. The Lamborghini Islero, launched in 1968 with just over 220 units built until 1970, was the model that succeeded the 400 GT.
Then in 2008, Lamborghini previewed a four-door four-seat model with the Estoque concept. The front-engined model was being evaluated for production but was put on hold in favor of the Urus.
Interestingly, Domenicali mentioned a "2+2 GT" and not a four-door, which means the model could be a two-door.