On the 1995 Geneva Auto Show, the new Lamborghini Cala was shown, designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro for ItalDesign and powered by a V-10 engine with a power rating over 400 bhp, mounted in a rear central position, in an all-aluminum chassis.
At this time, Automobili Lamborghini SpA officially announced the Cala as the prototype for the Jalpa successor, including the proposed Targa roof configuration.
This roof panel used two small clear glass parts at the front to have additional light into the interior of the car, the roof panel could be stored behind the seats inside the car.
The cockpit was upholstered in a very nice combination of claret colour leather and suede, the dashboard used white-faced dials in wrap around configuration, and the gearshift lever was put in a chromed, open gate. The sport seats were made by Recaro, behind them was a small space for children or some more luggage space, a glove box was not available, but a driver and passenger airbag would be standard issue.
The Cala was in fact fully drivable and the car was nearly ready to go into production, but the Far Eastern owners encountered severe financial problems and the project had to be frozen.
Several journalists were actually able to test drive this V-10 prototype for their publications, and most of them stated the Cala was worthy of the Lamborghini name, excellent road holding and acceleration were sustained through most speeds and interior ergonomics were very good too, compared to the Jalpa it was to succeed.
But with the Audi takeover the Cala prototype was completely buried inside the Sant'Agata factory, the new German management contacted Bertone again to design two new smaller-engined Baby-Lamborghini's using a brand new twin-turbo charged Audi V-8 derived engine.
At this time the Cala prototype still exists, it has not been crashed but is in great condition and can be seen at the ItalDesign's Company museum in Italy.
Cala specifications :
Length : 4389 mm
Width : 1900 mm
Height : 1222 mm
Wheelbase : 2520 mm
Front / Rear overhang: 840 mm / 1290 mm
Front / Rear track: 1592 mm / 1020 mm
Weight : 1293 Kg
Distribution : 37.7 % / 62.3 % front / rear
Chassis : Bonded aluminium Monocoque
Bodywork : Carbon Fibre
Engine type: 90 degrees V-10 40 valves, mid/rear mounted, rear wheel drive
Displacement : 3900 cc
Max. power: 400 Bhp at 7200 rpm
Drive Train: Manual 6-speed
Brakes : All-wheel ventilated disc brakes, diameter 12.2 inch
Tires front: 225/40 ZR 18 Rear :295/40 ZR 18
Rims: 18 inch polished magnesium
Top speed: 289 Km/h.
0 - 100 Km/h: 5 sec
