The the Geneva Motor Show Automobili Lamborghini are offering for its European public debut the Walter de'Silva penned 'Miura Concept' sportscar which was first unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show back in January. Lamborghini's new design chief wanted to give the famous sportscar a makeover, and offer his modern interpretation to a legendary theme.

Opinion over this high-profile project has been very deeply divided amongst enthusiasts of the historic Bologna-based carmaker, and the 'Miura Concept' is again drawing attention to itself at the prestigious Swiss show. While the new 640bhp 6.5-litre V12 Murciélago LP640 supercar has taken centre stage on Lamborghini's stand, the Miura Concept is being presented on a first floor viewing area that includes a bar and the opportunity for onlookers to relax and study this concept car in detail.

Lamborghini has brought back a legendary name from the company’s past with the Miura Concept. It is the first Lamborghini to be conjured from the talented pen of Walter de’ Silva, the new Head of Lamborghini Design. de’ Silva’s other design responsibilities include serving as Head of Design of Audi Group. The talented designer’s idea for the new concept was simple: a retro-inspired look heralding back to one of the auto world’s most famous icons, the legendary Miura. Currently celebrating its 40th Anniversary, the Miura was originally designed by Marcello Gandini and was first publicly presented at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show by Ferruccio Lamborghini and Nuccio Bertone. To this day, the Miura remains one of the most beautiful sportcars ever created. The new concept model, is of now strictly a concept car with no firm date set for any possible production launch.
 

Walter de’ Silva has redesigned every aspect of the car while remaining absolutely faithful to the original form. The new car aims to retain the extraordinary purity of line characteristic of the original Miura. The designer’s intervention has been defined by refining the contours and eliminating any superfluous detail in order to enhance the clean, simple lines and perfectly-balanced proportions of the original that so impassioned enthusiasts. The restyling of the lower part of the body takes the car’s structural strength and aerodynamic performance to new heights, without disturbing the delicate aesthetic equilibrium. Even the touches of contemporary styling applied to the interior, the lights, and the wheels have been carefully measured to achieve a homogenous design that is both timeless and immediately recognisable.

And so a true design icon is reborn. “Over the last two years,” explains Walter de’ Silva, “I have often dreamt of redesigning the Miura. Now, thanks to my new position at the head of Lamborghini design and the enthusiastic support of the Lamborghini CEO, Stephan Winkelmann, I have been able to turn that dream into a reality.”