The fabulous Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster was quite an eye-catcher at the recent Los Angeles and San Diego auto shows.
The 2007 LP640 was there to show off extensive bodywork modification and super strength. No longer a concept dream; it’s maybe not for your everyday customer, but a beauty to behold.
You wonder, whose ideas generated these stylish innovations ” the designer or the computer? Ah, such freedom. It’s a wonderful Land of Utopia.
Lamborghini Centro says it has maintained the original style principles of purism, sportiness and functionality with a more aggressive appearance.
The asymmetrical design of the sides is particularly striking. The area behind the air inlet on the right is almost closed and on the left there is a large opening for the ventilation of the oil cooler. This, in addition to the aerodynamic form of the front and rear, is an illustration of how functionality dictates the shape.
For power, it has a 6.5 liter, 12-cylinder, 60-degree V engine that will get all the speed anyone would want.
***
In this dream world era, the auto industry is parading all its newest concept cars, lining them up for shows taking place throughout the country.
Honda and Mazda, for instance, have unveiled a pair of road huggers, recently featured in Car and Driver magazine. For show, though, they are non-running foam and clay models.
Honda’s Remix concept is a new two-plus-two sports coupe made for extensive front-drive bits. Mazda designer Franz von Holzhausen calls the Nagare the company’s new surface design language. That’s how far ahead these dreamers think.
Others in the lineup are the Nissan 350 ZZ, Lotus Esprit and Toyota’s Supra targeted for 2008, a Mustang and Audi’s Exotic R8 Cabrio for 2009, a BMW ZZ Roadster and Pontiac’s GTO for 2010 and, finally, the Porsche 928 and Bugati’s Roadster down for 2011.
It’s important in these days of uncertainty to show the world the pure exercises in style that interpret key models. Somehow it reflects historic trends and the image of important brands.
Noteworthy ” General Motors is seriously considering building a V-6 version of its Stingray sports car … Honda is rumored to be testing a new aluminum-block V-8 in the Ridgeline pickup truck … Mercedes-Benz E Class will improve aerodynamics with a new front bumper and lower air dam, a restyled front grille and headlights … The national Horseless Carriage convention will be held at the Town and Country Hotel in Mission Valley, Feb. 19-23. They anticipate 200 members attending from throughout the country, and I’ve been asked to be the keynote speaker.
