Lamborghini turn dreams into reality

Lamborghini hope its Estoque sedan will rival the Porsche Panamera, Maserati Quattroporte, Aston Martin Rapide and Ferrari 612 Scaglietti. Photo / Supplied

A four-door Lamborghini first seen at the 2008 Paris motor show as the Estoque concept is set to become production reality to boost the Italian brand's sales.

The Volkswagen-owned marque says the Estoque sedan could join its two-seater-only supercars to help to reverse a decline in sales.

Lamborghini's global year-on-year sales are down nearly 20 per cent despite a recovery in high-end vehicle markets.

The company believes it could attract new customers with a four-door sports sedan that would rival the likes of the Porsche Panamera, Maserati Quattroporte, Aston Martin Rapide and Ferrari 612 Scaglietti.

"A third model would fit Lamborghini very well," said Lamborghini boss Stephan Winkelmann. "A four-door car would be a very feasible approach."

Lamborghini hasn't launched an all-new model since the 2003 Gallardo, a supercar that has helped increase sales 10-fold under VW stewardship.

Its next car due soon is a replacement for the ageing Murcielago.

The Gallardo and Murcielago both position their engines behind the driver, but the sedan can be expected to place its powerplant up front under what would be a relatively long bonnet for a Lamborghini.

The Estoque was powered by a 5.2-litre V10 capable of propelling the four-door to speeds of more than 300km/h.