News Info : Lamborghini Sponsors Laboratory at University of Washington

Is Lamborghini sponsoring your collegiate program? If you’re studying mechanical engineering at the University of Washington, then the answer is quite possibly "yes."

Along with the Boeing Company and the FAA, Lamborghini is helping to fund a program at the university dedicated to developing lightweight composite materials. While Boeing and the FAA will likely be interested in the use of carbon fiber and other lithe materials in allowing larger aircraft to take to the skies, Lamborghini will use the material to create lighter, faster cars -- and, perhaps, the occasional interior trim piece.

“Lamborghini remains committed to investing in its future,” said CEO Stephan Winkelmann, “and advancing carbon fiber composite technologies is the key to advancing many of our goals. The University of Washington’s collaboration with The Boeing Company and the FAA is the complimentary fit to furthering our research and development programs."

Update Lamborghini Plans Hybrid Model by 2015

Ferrari isn’t the only exotic car manufacturer rumored to be wrenching on hybrids--Lamborghini seems to be interested in launching one itself, possibly as early as 2015.

“ I can easily see a hybrid vehicle with a small electric motor,” said Stephan Winkelmann, Lamborghini’s CEO, in an interview with Financial Times Germany. “We will probably offer one by 2015.” Although Mercedes-Benz is crafting an electric-powered SLS AMG, Winkelmann doesn’t see a future for an electric Lamborghini either now “or in the future.”

Lamborghini is reportedly aiming to help reduce carbon dioxide emissions from its models, and plans to invest €35 million ($50.3 million) over the next five in the process.

Lamborghini's Pictures

Profile : Lamborghini Company

Audi-owned Automobili-Lamborghini S.p.A., or Lamborghini, was founded in 1963 by Ferruccio Lamborghini. Originally a tractor manufacturer, Lamborghini started the company that bears his name due to his lifelong love of car-racing and his disenchantment in Ferraris.

The first Lamborghini, the 350GT, debuted in 1963. Three years later, the automaker debuted its most famous car, the Miura.

Other famous Lamborghinis developed during that time include the Countach, Espada, and the Jarama. The Seventies proved to be a death knell to the company: financial problems, cancelled orders, and reliability problems forced the company into bankruptcy. The Mimran family, who were food tycoons and car enthusiasts, purchased the company and brought it back to solvency.

In 1987, Chrysler purchased Lamborghini. The American automaker would later sell it to Megatech. Audi, a subsidiary of Volkswagen, would take over the exotic car maker in 1998.

Besides the best-selling Countach, other well-known Lamborghinis include the Diablo, Murcielago, and the Gallardo. Lamborghini unveiled the new Murciélago LP640 Roadster at the Orange County Auto Show last year.