Automobili Lamborghini last Wednesday announced concrete plans to enter the rapidly growing Indian market, with the V10 Gallardo being the first model set to become available, starting from April.

Audi-owned Lamborghini are just the latest prestige carmaker to sense the importance of gaining a presence in this explosive-growth economy. Within the next few months they will roll out their range of highly exclusive sportscars with price tags ranging from Rs 1.5 crore up to Rs 2.5 crore.

The first of the Ranging Bull sportscars to arrive in India will be the 520bhp 5.0-litre V10 Gallardo SE, which will be priced at Rs 1.7 crore when it arrives in April, said Satya Bagla the boss of Exclusive Motors, Automobili Lamborghini's sole distributor in India. This limited-edition version of the Gallardo, just 250 units will be built, was first shown to the public during the Frankfurt IAA last September. It is visually identifiable by its gloss-black roof, engine cover and door mirrors. Just two of these 315km/h top speed sportscars have been earmarked for the Indian market.

The mid-size Gallardo SE will be followed by the base Gallardo version, in Model Year 2006 format, which will cost Rs 1.5 crore, the new Spyder version with its innovative fast-folding canvas roof, and the larger Murciélago supercar, which is set to cost Rs 2.5 crore. "These cars are produced in limited numbers with Lamborghini limiting the production of Gallardo to around 2,000 cars a year," said Bagla.
 

"Though the company is yet to earmark a definite number for the Indian market, we have already booked orders for two Gallardo SE models," he added. The Murciélago is also due to arrive in India during 2006. It is Lamborghini's flagship supercar, with a 580bhp 6.2-litre V12 engine that means it is capable of achieving over 330km/h. This model was the first to be introduced by the Bologna-based marque after Audi took over ownership of the brand at the end of the last decade.

Exclusive Motors expect Lamborghini to be well received on the Indian market, and are targeted sales of 10-12 units by the year end. Lamborghini will be swiftly followed into India by another Audi brand, this time Bugatti, who will offer their Veyron 16.4 - the world's fastest and most powerful supercar - at a price expected to be close to Rs 12 crore. Also taking advantage of the surge in demand for premium sportscars are Ferrari and Maserati, both of which who are both finalising their plans to enter the market, while Ford-owned Aston Martin will also arrive this year.