Lamborghini Bringing Front-Engine GT Concept to Geneva

LONDON — Lamborghini is looking to steal the 2013 Geneva Auto Show with a front-engine V12 GT that's designed to rival the Ferrari F12 head on.

Company Chairman Stephan Winkelmann said 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 it will likely be a front-midengine car, just like the Ferrari F12, but featuring Lamborghini's staple of four-wheel drive and forged carbon construction.

The new Lamborghini 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 Volkswagen Group board to green-light the much-vaunted Urus SUV. "Everyone at Lamborghini wants it to happen," he told us. "But now the decision is largely out of our hands.

"We would need to sell between 3,000-4,000 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 green light by VW, the Urus will sell for "approximately the same amount as a Gallardo" so expect a price between $190 and $250K.

Although Winkelmann said 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), with an SUV the situation would be different. "In a car like that a hybrid turbo would make more sense," he said.

Edmunds says: Although the Urus makes the most financial sense for Lamborghini, a proper V12 GT would certainly fit the brand better.

by Edmunds

1966 Lamborghini 400GT Monza Pictured