Lamborghini's plans for the future

Some would call it cheapening the brand, others would call it advertising, others still would note that it's a revenue stream. What are we talking about? We're talking about the coming preponderance of Lamborghini-branded trinkums. Okay, we're not really sure how much exactly there will be, but Lamborghini is slowing down its vehicular business a little for 2007 and picking up its activity in the knick-knack sector. The reasoning for the growth shrinkage is to improve the efficiency of the organization, as well as popularize the brand through the aforementioned things other than cars. Hey, there are Ferarri branded laptops, and F.A. Porsche has designed all sorts of stuff, so why not? We'd love to see what Lamborghini could do to the simple commode, forinstance. In all seriousness, the brand is coming off a sales growth spurt of over 25 percent between '05 and '06. They're playing Ben Bernanke so that they can maximize profits and take a breath as they prepare for future growth.

Lamborghini boss Stephan Winkelmann played it close to the vest when talking to Winding Road about upcoming developments from Sant A'gata. There will be new Lambos coming soon, though. Keep an eye out for a V10 powered, Porsche Cayenne based SUV sometime in 2009. Following on the heels of what will be one of the world's most expensive and high performance SUVs will be a 2+2 inspired by the Espada. The Espada was a four-place GT that looked like the result of a tryst between a 400GT and a Plymouth Belvedere. We think a real car that you could use would be a great addition to the stable of Trattori. The Gallardo and Murcielago are all well and good, but you're not going to get dressed up in your finery and try to wriggle in and out of those things in front of your favorite restaurant's plate glass window. An SUV and GT make perfect sense -- they'll broaden the appeal of the Lamborghini brand and offer exclusive-car buyers something a little more mainstream while still offering outstanding performance. Perhaps they won't be quite as capable as the big-dogs, but they'll certainly help pull the financial sled.