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A Closer Look16 February 2024 by Andreas 211 Viewed

The Lamborghini Calà: a Digital Icon

lamborghini cala

In the illustrious history of Italdesign, the Lamborghini Calà emerges as a captivating chapter, blending avant-garde design, cutting-edge technology, and unexpected digital fame through the Need for Speed video game series. Born from the creative minds at Italdesign under the watchful eye of Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Lamborghini Calà, unveiled at the 1995 Geneva Motor Show, not only embodied the spirit of automotive innovation but also laid the groundwork for a future Lamborghini icon – the Gallardo.

Genesis and Design

The Lamborghini Calà name derived from the Piedmontese expression meaning “down or down,” signaled a departure from Lamborghini’s renowned angular design. Unveiled as a 2+2-seater coupé featuring a targa roof, the Calà aimed to redefine Lamborghini’s image, drawing inspiration from the legacy of the Lamborghini Jalpa. Emerging from the remnants of the LP140 Project, the Calà adopted the V10 engine from one of the LP140 prototypes designed by Marcello Gandini. This fusion of innovative design and powerful performance showcased Lamborghini’s commitment to pushing boundaries and creating a unique identity within the realm of luxury sports cars.

Breaking away from the angular design language prevalent at the time, the Calà featured a rounded and modern body, challenging the norms of its era. The distinctive aesthetic elements included numerous air intakes, a large rear wing, and four chrome-plated exhaust tailpipes, creating a visually striking silhouette. The height of the car, over 1.2 meters, was carefully justified to enhance comfort, allowing for a spacious, well-lit passenger compartment that could comfortably accommodate two adults and two children.

Underpinning the Calà’s captivating exterior was a carbon fiber body affixed to an aluminum chassis, employing a revolutionary technology of folded and bonded panels. Inside the cockpit, a symphony of luxury unfolded, with claret-colored leather and suede trimming, Recaro sport seats, and an array of easily readable white-faced dials. The gated shift lever was positioned within easy reach, emphasizing Lamborghini’s commitment to a seamless and thrilling driving experience.

lamborghini cala

A Targa for the Streets

One of the most notable features of the Calà was its removable roof above the front seats, transforming the car into a true Targa. This innovative design allowed enthusiasts to experience the exhilaration of open-air driving, amplified by a glass extension of the windshield that continued over the seats, providing additional lighting for passengers.

Powering the Calà was a mid-mounted V10 engine with a displacement of 3.9 liters, churning out an impressive 408 horsepower at 7200 rpm. This powerhouse, originally created for the 1988 P 140 prototype, translated into remarkable performance figures, with the car accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in around 5 seconds and achieving a top speed of approximately 290 km/h. The six-speed manual transmission ensured a dynamic and engaging driving experience, aligning seamlessly with Lamborghini’s commitment to performance-oriented design.

The Digital Rise

Despite its remarkable design and performance credentials, the Lamborghini Calà took an unexpected turn toward digital fame. In the 1997 computer game Need for Speed II, players were granted the virtual keys to the Calà, navigating its sleek curves alongside other iconic Italdesign models like the BMW Nazca C12. This digital exposure propelled the Calà into the spotlight, introducing a new generation of enthusiasts to its unique charm.

The Calá in Need for Speed II video game

A Glimpse into the Gallardo's Future

While the Calà itself never saw production due to changing ownership and shifting priorities within Lamborghini, its legacy endured. It played an integral role in shaping the vision for Lamborghini’s future, particularly influencing the design ethos of the Lamborghini Gallardo.

The Gallardo, Lamborghini’s successor to the Jalpa, eventually made its debut in 2003, sharing some design cues and performance DNA with the earlier Calà concept. The rounded body, mid-mounted engine, and commitment to a thrilling driving experience were hallmarks inherited from the Calà, showcasing how this visionary concept contributed to the evolution of Lamborghini’s lineup.

Conclusion

The Lamborghini Calà, with its blend of innovative design and unexpected digital fame, transcended the realm of concept cars to leave an enduring impact on the automotive world. As a precursor to the Gallardo and an unexpected star in the virtual landscape of Need for Speed, the Calà serves as a bridge between the tangible and the digital, reminding enthusiasts that automotive dreams can materialize not only on the roads but also within the pixels of a virtual reality. It stands as a testament to Lamborghini’s ability to captivate hearts, break conventions, and inspire the next generation of automotive enthusiasts.

the author

Andreas

Italian classic car enthusiast with German roots. Renowned as a respected figure in the classic car community, he serves as a jury member at various international concours d'elegance, including the Classic Gala Schwetzingen and Mantova. As a content creator, Andreas passionately shares his profound knowledge and appreciation for vintage automobiles. His heart beats for cars designed by Giovanni Michelotti, showcasing his discerning taste and dedication to preserving the timeless elegance of automotive history.

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Madsteve
Madsteve
11 months ago

Cala was a missed opportunity.

Imagine the Audi 4.2 Litre V8, as used in the Gumpert Apollo powering it.

Love the Gallardo’s design, though.

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Andreas
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Andreas
11 months ago
Reply to  Madsteve

Absolutely, the Lamborghini Calà was indeed a missed opportunity. Its potential paired with the Audi 4.2 Litre V8, akin to the Gumpert Apollo, would have been phenomenal. I love the Calà’s design; I fell in love with it when playing the Need for Speed game 🙂

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Prince Skyline Sport Allemano

The end of World War II left Japan in a difficult position, having to transition its industries from military production to civilian use. This challenge was particularly tough since Japan, like Germany and Italy, was a defeated nation. However, Japan’s ability to adapt would set the stage for one of the most exciting collaborations in automotive history.

Among the companies responsible for this transformation were Tachikawa and Nakajima, two of Japan’s leading aviation companies. Tasked with shifting to civilian production, Tachikawa (later known as Tokyo Electric Cars) began building electric cars in 1947. Their first model, the Tama, was followed by a slightly larger Junior, and eventually, the Senior.

In the early 1950s, Japan’s evolving automotive landscape saw a shift from electric-powered cars to gasoline engines. By the end of 1951, the Tama Senior was fitted with a 1.5-liter petrol engine, a shift that led to the creation of the Prince Sedan in 1952. This was the beginning of Prince Motor Company, which was named in honor of the official investiture of Crown Prince Akihito.

In 1954, Fuji Precision Machinery (formerly Nakajima) acquired Prince Motor Company and embarked on producing automobiles under the Prince brand. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in Japan’s automotive history.

The Birth of the Skyline and the Search for European Inspiration

By the late 1950s, Prince Motor Company had gained recognition in Japan for its innovative vehicles, such as the Prince Sedan and the Skyline (introduced in 1957). However, the company sought to take their vehicles to a new level—focusing on luxury, performance, and innovation. To do so, they looked westward, to Europe, for inspiration.

Europe was home to some of the most prestigious automotive brands, and Fuji Precision Machinery executives wanted a vehicle that could rival the best of Europe. This aspiration led them to Italy, where they arranged a pivotal meeting at the Salone dell’Automobile (Turin Motor Show) with Carrozzeria Allemano, a respected coachbuilder with ties to Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti.

The collaboration between Japan and Italy led to the creation of the Prince Skyline Sport, a car that would redefine the trajectory of Japan’s automotive design. This groundbreaking partnership merged Japanese engineering with Italian artistry, setting a new standard for style and innovation. The success of this collaboration inspired other Japanese manufacturers to partner with Italy’s legendary design houses, creating some of the most iconic vehicles of the 1960s.

Mazda, for example, worked with Bertone, enlisting the renowned Giorgetto Giugiaro to design the Familia, a compact car that skillfully blended European elegance with Japanese practicality. In 1963, Daihatsu teamed up with Vignale to produce the Compagno, along with its sporty variants: the Sport Spider and Coupé; which reflected a uniquely Italian flair. The following year, Pininfarina collaborated with Datsun to craft a sleek new look for the Bluebird, a move that helped the car gain global recognition. By 1965, Isuzu joined forces with Ghia to design the Bellett II, a concept car that showcased bold and forward-thinking design elements.

These partnerships went beyond aesthetics; they helped establish a global identity for Japanese automakers. By working with Italy’s most respected design houses, Japanese manufacturers gained fresh perspectives on styling while enhancing their reputation for innovation and quality. These collaborations not only transformed the appearance of Japanese cars but also elevated their appeal to international markets, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.

A Handcrafted Masterpiece

Under the direction of Giovanni Michelotti, one of Italy’s most respected automotive designers, the Skyline Sport would be an example of high-end craftsmanship. Initially, the first series of prototypes were built by Carrozzeria Allemano, known for its hand-built bodies. Later, a second series of production would be completed by Carrozzeria Michelotti, adding the final touch to this luxury vehicle.

The Skyline Sport was designed as a two-door coupe with sleek, flowing lines and a sporty yet elegant appearance. Michelotti’s design incorporated canted headlights, angled downward at the inside corners—a feature seen in other high-end vehicles like the Lincoln Continental and Buick during the late 1950s and early 1960s.

At the heart of the Skyline Sport was a 1.9-liter GB-4 engine that generated 94 horsepower, giving it a top speed of 150 km/h. Despite weighing in at 1,350 kg, the car’s handling was remarkably smooth, thanks to a double-wishbone front suspension and a De Dion rear axle, technologies that were innovative for its time.

The Prince Skyline Sport: A Bold Statement

The Skyline Sport debuted at the 1960 Turin Motor Show, where it garnered international attention for its bold design and luxury features. Available in both a coupe and a convertible version, it was a striking example of Italian design combined with Japanese engineering. Its clean lines, striking front grille, and eye-catching details made it a standout at the show.

But its beauty was more than skin deep. The Skyline Sport was a car that delivered in terms of both aesthetics and performance. With its meticulously crafted body, luxurious interior, and advanced suspension, the car offered an exceptional driving experience that rivaled the finest European vehicles of the era.

The Prince Skyline Sport made its official appearance in Japan at the 1962 Tokyo Motor Show, where it was met with great enthusiasm due to its elegant lines and striking design. With its sleek coupe and convertible versions, the car showcased a perfect blend of Italian craftsmanship and Japanese engineering, captivating the crowd with its sophisticated aesthetic. However, the Skyline Sport came with a hefty price tag of 1.85 million yen, more than twice the cost of a standard sedan. This steep price limited its appeal in Japan’s domestic market, making it a rare and exclusive collector’s item. Despite its high price, the car gained significant exposure through its prominent feature in Toho films, strategically marketed to heighten its status as a luxury icon.

A Historic Collaboration and Legacy

The Prince Skyline Sport is historically significant as the first collaboration between an Italian designer and a Japanese automaker, setting a precedent for future cross-cultural partnerships in the automotive world. It was a testament to the universal appeal of Italian design and the skill of Michelotti and Carrozzeria Allemano. The Skyline Sport bridged cultural and geographical boundaries, bringing together the best of both worlds to create a truly exceptional car.

Though the Skyline Sport never achieved high sales numbers, with only 60 to 200 units produced, its impact on the automotive industry cannot be overstated. It paved the way for later models like the Skyline GT-R and helped establish the Prince Laurel, another model that would become iconic in Japan.

The Skyline Sport also marked the beginning of Prince Motor Company’s shift toward luxury vehicles. This emphasis on quality and refinement would continue after Nissan’s acquisition of Prince Motors in 1966, with the Skyline Sport serving as a precursor to future generations of luxury cars from Japan.

The Prince Skyline Sport was more than just a car—it was a statement of innovation, craftsmanship, and the power of international collaboration. The partnership between Giovanni Michelotti, Carrozzeria Allemano, and Prince Motor Company created a vehicle that showcased the best of both Italian design and Japanese engineering.

Though limited in production and availability, the Skyline Sport remains an important part of automotive history. It stands as a symbol of the potential for global partnerships to create groundbreaking designs, and its legacy continues to inspire the automotive world today.

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