Lamborghini Shows Miura Concept

Automobili Lamborghini, the Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy-based supercar unit of Volkswagen AG, pays homage to its high-performance history by unveiling the “Miura Concept” sports car at an elite event at the Museum of Television & Radio in Beverly Hills, CA.

The new M-Concept is a modern day rendition of the company’s iconic Miura supercar of the ’60s, a vehicle many consider to be a founder of the ultra-high performance supercar segment, and is meant to celebrate the original car’s 40^th anniversary, the auto maker says.

The concept, the first of the Italian exotics to be penned by Lamborghini design chief Walter de’Silva, also showcases the auto maker’s desire to expand its product line and differentiate itself from its main competitor, Ferrari SpA.

“Ferruccio Lamborghini (the company’s founder) once said it means very little to produce the best racing cars in the world, people only remember the drivers. But if you can produce the best road cars in the world, no one will ever forget them,” Lamborghini President and CEO Stephan Winkelman says.

Although labeled only as a design concept with no concrete plans for production, the M-Concept comes at a prosperous time for the company. Lamborghini had its best-ever sales year in 2005, with more than 3,000 of its entry-level Gallardo sports cars produced.

The M-Concept’s formal introduction comes Jan. 9, when it will anchor the auto maker’s display at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

In addition to the M-Concept, Lamborghini also will display at Detroit its Murcielago Coupe and Roadster, along with an improved version of the Gallardo Coupe and the all-new Gallardo Roadster.