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Feann Torr16 Mar 2015
NEWS

Lambo condemns CO2 fun police

Italy's other supercar maker to continue with 'fun approach' of naturally aspirated engines for as long as possible

From its most senior executives to the janitors that work at its Sant'Agata factory, the Lamborghini faithful are staunchly opposed to anything other than naturally-aspirated supercar engines.

When motoring.com.au asked Andrea Baldi, the General Manager of Automobili Laborghini Asia Pacific, about the chances of the Huracan adopting turbocharged technology, he bristled.

"I use the words of Maurizio Reggiani [board member for research and development at Automobili Lamborghini]. We're proud to have naturally aspirated engines in this generation of cars," he stated.

Lamborghini's now four-year-old Aventador flagship is powered by a naturally aspirated V12, and the more accessible Huracan – which is being launched in Australia over the course of 2015 – retains a naturally aspirated V10 like its predecessor, the Gallardo.

Baldi said that, for now, Lamborghini's 'purist' philosophy remains compatible with tightening global emissions standards, which he said was at odds with his company's "fun approach".

"It's still mostly consistent with regulations worldwide," he said of the Huracan's 448kW 5.2-litre 10-cylinder mill.

"[But] Some countries are punishing this kind of fun approach."

Despite this steadfast belief that only lag-free naturally-aspirated engines can deliver a truly engaging sports car by maximising the connection between man and machine, stricter CO2 regulations in some of the world's most important markets are forcing changes.

Lamborghini's rival over at Modena, Ferrari, continues to release models with more efficient downsized, turbocharged V8 engines, as seen in the 458 Speciale-replacing 488 GTB , and its first turbocharged model of the modern era, the California T.

Whether Lamborghini likes it or not, Baldi admitted CO2 legislation will eventually compel it change. Nevertheless, Lamborghini says it will keep its bloodline 'pure' as long as possible.

"For this generation [Huracan] we made a choice. Turbo is a solution we are considering for the mid-term future and long-term new products because the horsepower you can achieve. We're leaning in that direction.

"But for Huracan we made a very clear choice. We're proud of it and we know that this is a fun engine. We have no regrets," said the Lamborghini executive.

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