Lamborghini to Build Diesel-Powered Gallardo?

Would VW's V10 Diesel Power a Lamborghini Supercar or SUV?

Under the control of the Volkswagen Auto Group, Italian supercar constructor Lamborghini has become a formidable

Lamborghini engineers may be on the verge of creating an entirely new breed of diesel-powered supercar. (Photo: Lamborghini)

and profitable company. In its ongoing battle with arch-rival Ferrari, Lamborghini has revolutionized the supercar scene by conventionalizing the wedge body shape with the Countach, introducing the all-wheel drive powertrain on the Diablo, and successfully producing the first everyday supercar, the Gallardo.

While the raging bull continues to expand its lineup with the availability of convertibles and the new E-Gear sequential

Lamborghini is currently testing the Gallardo with Volkswagen's 5.0 liter V10 turbodiesel powerplant. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

transmission, insiders report that the company's engineers are on the verge of creating an entirely new breed of supercar, fueled by the demand for efficient alternative power in the face of constantly rising gasoline prices.

According to British magazine Autocar, Lamborghini is currently testing the Gallardo with Volkswagen's 5.0 liter V10 turbodiesel as seen in the new Touareg V10 TDi and Phaeton V10 TDi. In stock form, the motor produces 309 horsepower, some ways down from the Gallardo's 500-horsepower gasoline V10, but still a substantial amount for a diesel.