1995 Lamborghini Cala (ItalDesign)

The Calà, introduced at the Geneva motor show in 1995, is a research prototype for a 2+2 coupé that can be converted to an open-topped car similar to the Targa.

In stylistic terms, the car clearly displays the influence of conventional Lamborghini traits, namely Miura-derived front headlights and a windscreen reminiscent of the Countach.

The Calà is, however, significantly higher for reasons of comfort. The well-lit passenger compartment can in fact easily accommodate two adults and two children. The carbon fibre body is anchored to an aluminium chassis with the adoption of a brand-new technology involving folded, bonded panels.

The mechanical layout was designed by Lamborghini, with a new V10, 3961 cc, 372 HP, 7200 rpm engine fitted in a mid-rear position, combined with rear-wheel drive.

www.italdesign.it

Geneva ’95 saw the introduction of the first new Lamborghini concept in 5 years. Codenamed the L140 and designed by Ital Design, the Cala was another successful Giorgetto Giugaro design, this time based on the running gear of the prototype P140.

Originally planned as the replacement for the 3.5 litre V8 Jalpa in the early nineties, the P140 was powered by a normally aspirated 4.0 litre, 90-degree V10 engine. With 4 valves per cyclinder, the engine produces in excess of 400bhp at 7,200 rpm taking it to a top speed of 181 mph.

The stunning cockpit is beautifully trimmed in claret colored leather and suede. Instruments are traditional, easy to read white-faced dials. The instrument pod wraps around the driver making controls more easily accessible. The polished chrome gated shift lever lies within easy reach. The sporty seats are Recaros with extra space behind for two children or additional luggage. The interior lacks any glove box as the Cala is equiped with driver and passenger side airbags. The passenger’s door is also equiped with a grab handle for those tight corners.

The 6 speed gearbox was jointly developed by Lamborghini in conjunction with the new V10 providing exceptional performance in a very drivable package. Watch for this transmission in the upcoming Daiblo replacement that will debut in 1999.

The roof above the front seats is removable making the Cala a true Targa. One interesting feature of the removable panel is the glass extension of the windshield that continues over the seats to provide additional lighting for the passengers.

The chassis was a Lamborghini design, utilizing a monocoque of bonded aluminum which provides enormous structural rigidity with light weight. The new all carbon fibre body panels are fixed right to it.

Очередным владельцем Lamborghini в 1993 году стала финансовая группа Mega-Tech с Бермудских островов, принадлежащая малазийскому нефтяному гиганту. Вследствие этого на свет появилась концепция компактного Lamborghini Cala, реализовать которую было поручено Джуджаро. Маэстро сохранил среднемоторную компоновку и посадочную формулу 2+2, но отказался от угловатого стиля и убирающихся фар в пользу мягких сопряжений углепластиковых панелей и закрытой обтекателями светотехники. А данью моде стали внушительное антикрыло и целых девять воздухозаборников. На Lamborghini же трансформировали V12 в 400-сильный 3,9-литровый V10, который на ItalDesign так грамотно вписали в кузов размерами 4,39х1,9х1,22 м, что в нем удалось выкроить место под довольно емкий багажник. Увы, Cala, появившаяся в 1995 году и получившая прекрасную прессу после Женевского салона, так и осталась вещью в себе – между «хотеть» и «мочь» дистанция огромная даже при наличии немереных нефтедолларов.

Сорок лет корриды (Григорий Pаллис), Журнал "Мотор" Март 2004 года