Wednesday, March 3, 2010

White Lamborghini Toro LA 690-4 Concept

Lamborghini Toro Concept

Another Lamborghini Concept is out in the open, this one designed to compete with the long-awaited Lexus LFA and Aston Martin One-77 supercars.

The Lamborghini Toro LA 690-4 Concept is a sort of throwback to the Lambo

Espada, but special attention was paid to ensure it did not have the same modern-retro feel as many of the new muscle cars do, such as the 2010 Chevy Camaro, Ford Mustang, and Dodge Challenger.

The Toro Concept holds the designation as all new Lamborghini’s (LP560-4, LP550-2, etc,) but instead of the typical “LP” (which means “longitudinale posteriore” - referencing the position of the engine,) the Toro is given the “LA” badge, meaning “longitudinale anteriore,” or front longitudinal - designating that the engine is instead placed in the front. The “690-4″ simply means that the Toro produces 690 horsepower and is all-wheel-drive.

Lamborghini Toro Concept rear

The design of the Toro Concept has more than a hint of modern Lambo design, taking inspiration from jet fighters, much like the Lamborghini Reventon. I also see some design aspects from the Lamborghini Estoque sedan, especially in the front.

The Toro LA 690-4 Concept would be powered by a 690 horsepower V12 sitting in front, as I already explained, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The body, made from carbon fiber and magnesium would help the front-engined Lambo shed weight down to only 3,300 lbs. According to the creator of the Toro, this Lambo would also employ “Eco” fuel-saving techniques such as a direct injection engine capable of running both gasoline and biofuel, as well as a cylinder deactivation feature.

Lamborghini Toro Concept side

I, for one don’t think the words “Lamborghini” and “Eco” or “fuel-saving” should be uttered in the same sentence, but with the way automotive trends are heading we can expect to see these techniques in our supercars within the next few years. What a shame.

The Lamboghini Toro LA 690-4 would start at around 500,000 Euros ($731,600,) and would face the Lexus LFA, Aston Martin One-77, and Mercedes SLS AMG head-to-head.

This is all in theory, of course, as it is only a concept. It may not be far from an upcoming model, however, since Lambo is already looking for a front-mounted engine setup, and this concept does illustrate Lamborghini’s modern design very well.

Head over to SeriousWheels for more images and info. Hats off to Carzi for the tip.