Lamborghini has created a dazzling, new-aged Miura concept in the mold of the original, which celebrates its 40th birthday this year. The notion is similar to that of the Ford GT: maintain the classic's design ethos while modernizing the details and increasing the overall package size. The first Miura was bodied by Bertone, but this one is the work of the Lamborghini's Centro Stile studio's Walter de' Silva, newly appointed design director (who also retains design responsibility for Audi).
Billed as "strictly a concept" by President and CEO Stephan Winkleman, the Miura could be put into limited production if there's enough demand, say insiders. If built, the Miura would use elements of the Gallardo's space frame and the 512-horse, 5.0-liter V-10, mounted longitudinally, cutting both cost and development time. Emulating the original Miura's transverse engine layout would require a prohibitively expensive new transmission, says Audi concept development chief, Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg.
Hackenberg hints there may be less technology aboard, positioning the Miura as a more focused, raw-edged sports car. It's likely the car wouldn't get the Gallardo's all-wheel drive-system, with the additional benefits of saving weight and cost. Lamborghini will likely shop the car around potential customers, as Porsche did with the Carrera GT. If it can garner enough commitments--around 1000--then this nouveau Miura could get the green light.