Does Audi Own Lamborghini? (Their Relationship Explained)

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There has been some speculation over the years about whether Audi actually owns Lamborghini. Some people believe that because Audi is owned by the Volkswagen Group, it must have a stake in Lamborghini.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the relationship between these two car companies and explore who really owns Lamborghini.

So, does Audi own Lamborghini?

Lamborghini is owned by Audi, which is in turn owned by its parent company, the Volkswagen Group. Lamborghini is a wholly owned subsidiary of Audi, which means Audi has full control over Lamborghini and its operations.

Although the answer is a little complicated, the simple answer is yes, Audi does own Lamborghini.

Let’s take a closer look at the relationship between these two companies to see how they ended up under the same umbrella.

Did Audi create Lamborghini?

Audi did not create Lamborghini, but purchased it in 1998. Lamborghini has its own rich history prior to Audi ownership that dates back to 1963 when it was founded by Ferruccio Lamborghini.

The story of how Audi came to own Lamborghini is an interesting one. In the late 1980s, Lamborghini was struggling financially and was bought by Chrysler.

The ’90s was a turbulent time for Lamborghini

By 1994 Chrysler had sold Lamborghini to an Indonesian company called V’Power. V’Power then sold Lamborghini to Audi in 1998 after years of uncertainty.

It has been under the control of Audi ever since, and stability has returned to the company as a result.

Is Lamborghini the same as Audi?

Although Lamborghini is owned by Audi, they each have their own unique identity and are not the same company. Audi is known for its luxurious sedans and SUVs, while Lamborghini is known for its high-performance sports cars.

Both brands are known for their high performance and cutting-edge features. However, there are some key differences between the two companies.

Lamborghinis are typically more expensive than Audis, and they often have more powerful engines.

In addition, they each have their own unique style that sets them apart. Lamborghinis tend to be more flashy and exotic, while Audis have a more understated look.

Lamborghinis tend to be more flashy than Audis

While Lamborghini and Audi may share some similarities, they are definitely two very different companies at heart.

What were the down sides of Audi buying Lamborghini?

Audi has always been seen as the more rational and level-headed company, while Lamborghini has always been known for its wild and exotic cars.

Some commented that Audi’s purchase of Lamborghini resulted in the loss of that well-known and globally loved Lamborghini flair.

Others were concerned that Audi toned down Lamborghini’s cars to make them more mainstream and less extreme.

Despite concerns, Lamborghinis retained suitably mad interiors

Lamborghini is still very much its own company, but there are those who feel that it has lost some of its individuality since being bought by Audi.

Does Lamborghini use Audi engines?

Lamborghini makes its own engines, but it does so under the watchful eye of Audi. Audi decides what engine technology Lamborghini will use in its cars.

Lamborghini engines are made at Audi engine plants. However, Lamborghini is still heavily involved in the development of its engines. This ensures its engines are unique.

So, while Audi may have a large influence over what engines Lamborghini builds, Lamborghini still has its own unique engine development process.

Does Lamborghini use Audi parts?

Lamborghini does use Audi parts in its cars, but it has pledged to keep the number of Audi parts to under 20% to retain its unique Italian identity and character.

Lamborghini cars are still very different from Audi cars, even though they share some parts. It makes economical sense for Lamborghini to use Audi parts to keep the cost of production as low as possible.

The parts sourced from Audi can include everything from sensors and control modules, to infotainment systems and transmissions.

However, Lamborghini still designs and builds its own unique parts, ensuring that each car maintains its signature look and feel.

Does the Audi R8 use Lamborghini engine?

The Audi R8 uses Lamborghini’s V10 engine that is fitted to the Huracan. Older R8 models used Lamborghini’s Gallardo engine.

Audi R8 orange

The two supercars have very different looks, but share some key components.

The R&D teams for both companies work very closely together to ensure that the cars are sufficiently different, despite sharing the most essential part of any car.

Even though they use the same engines, the Lamborghini models are often tuned to be more powerful and produce a greater soundtrack.

Is the Audi S6 V10 a Lamborghini engine?

The V10 engine fitted to the Audi S6 was similar to the Lamborghini V10, but was not the same. It was actually based on Audi’s own 4.2l V8 engine.

Audi S6 5.2l V10
Audi 5.2l V10

Many people often mistake the Audi S6 engine for a Lamborghini one, but Audi and Lamborghini have confirmed that there are a number of differences.

The V10 fitted to the S6 was actually based on one of Audi’s own engines, rather than the engine that was in the Gallardo at the time.

It’s fair to say they were very similar, though. We’ll let S6 owners take credit for that one!

What does the future hold for Audi and Lamborghini?

Audi and Lamborghini are two of the most iconic luxury automakers in the world. With over two decades of experience working together, they have built their brands to be synonymous with style, performance, and sophistication.

Today, they continue to push the envelope, constantly innovating to stay ahead of the competition. So what does the future hold for these two brands?

Audi R8s at a car show

For Audi, the future looks very promising. They have a strong lineup of vehicles, from sedans and SUVs to sports cars and electric vehicles.

They are also investing heavily in new technologies, such as autonomous driving features and connected cars.

In addition, they have a strong financial position, with plenty of cash on hand to invest in future growth. All of these factors suggest that Audi is well positioned for continued success in the years to come.

As for Lamborghini, the future is also looking very bright. They continue to benefit from Volkswagen and Audi’s investments, and have a strong lineup of sports cars that are popular with enthusiasts and collectors alike.

In addition, they have a rich history and heritage that gives them a unique position in the market.

They also continue to push the envelope with new technologies and design, and are reacting to the phasing out of internal combustion engines by investing in hybrid and electric vehicles.

All of these factors suggest that Lamborghini is also well positioned for continued success.

So there you have it – two iconic brands with bright futures ahead of them. We can’t wait to see what they do next!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Adam Chinn writes about the intersecting worlds of classic cars, driving pleasure, and smart investment strategies. Starting his journey at 26, he’s proven that one doesn’t need to be wealthy to begin investing in classic cars.

Adam’s insights have been recognized on platforms such as MoneyInc, Swagger Magazine, and Top Speed.

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