The new Lamborghini Gallardo seems to be about to set a new sales record for the Italian sports car manufacturer who aims to double car sales this year and increase its turnover by about 60 percent.

Lamborghini chairman Werner Mischke told Germany's Automobilwoche that the company planned to sell 1,000 cars this year. About 600 will be of Lamborghini's new baby sports car, the Gallardo.

Parent company Audi hopes sales could treble by next year.

Last year the company sold 424 cars and posted a turnover of €1m.

"As far as turnover is concerned we will be on a scale of around €150m to €160m at the end of the year," Mischke said.

At a price of €139,000, the Gallardo has surpassed all expectations with 600 advance orders including deposits.

Mischke said the company plans on selling 1,200 of the model next year while retaining sales of the Murcielago model at around 400.

The Car Enthusiast will be attending The 2003 Goodwood Festival of Speed this coming weekend. The Gallardo is expected to make an appearance - hopefully at full pelt up 'the hill'!

Wheels24 - 7 Jul 2003