Lamborghini Will Never Meet Emissions Standards. Sorry
The latest from Lambo's CEO Stephan Winkelmann is both a breath of fresh air, and it isn't. Automotive News reports Lamborghini won't be meeting the strict emissions standards laid out by the EU and the USA. Not this year. Not next. They just won't. Why? Well for one, it's against the brand's DNA. When asked if they'll be dropping their V10 and V12 engines in favor of turbo-V8's, the CEO replied, "No." Two, while 2007 was the very best year ever for the raging bull, they only sold 2,604 cars. Toyota's sold more than that since you sipped this morning's coffee. Also, people who buy Lamborghinis don't drive very much. Winkelmann points to an average of just 5,000 miles per car per year. Finally, all things being equal, his cars don't pollute that much. The new Gallardo LP560-4 with its 560 horsepower (though "only" 552hp according to American metrics) 5.2-liter V10 gets 17 mpg. Well, that's according to Winkelmann. We're sure that pushed off a cliff the newest Gallardo will average at least that. Back on point, while ceding that greenhouse gasses are "an emotional issue," Winkelmann proclaims that Lamborghini, "[W]ill never reach the emissions that are asked for." What's the bet that Porsche and their 100k annual sales would love to say the same?
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Exactly, greenhouse gasses are "an emotional issue." I suspect that the taxing authorities are not all that bothered at the thought of collecting more taxes and fines from anyone that doesn't meet emissions standards.
And since these cars are bought exclusively by "everyone's favorite enemy" i.e. the rich, basically they are, in a roundabout way, taxing the rich, which few have a problem with.
Good. I'm sick of being beaten over the head with all this green nonsense everywhere.
Well, they are the raging bull, not the raging steer. I wonder if Ferrari will feel the need to make a similar statement now.