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Walter de'Silva (re)designs the Lamborghini Miura

Walter de'Silva - head of Audi design - took over as head of Lamborghini design on 1st December last year, replacing Luc Donckerwolke, designer of the Murcielago and Gallardo models. Donckerwolke has moved to head up design at SEAT. De'Silva remains head of design for the Audi group, which comprises Audi, SEAT and Lamborghini.

De'Silva has wasted no time in getting his first design out - a new take on the famous Lamborghini Miura. His idea for the new concept was simple: a retro-inspired look heralding back to one of the car world's most famous icons, the legendary Miura - Michael Caine's car that unfortunately got destroyed in the opening scenes of the 1960s original Italian Job. The Miura - currently celebrating its 40th Anniversary - 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 cars ever created.

The new concept model is strictly a concept and has no firm date set for its production launch. He has redesigned every aspect of the car while remaining absolutely faithful to the original form. The new car aims to retain the purity of line of the original Miura: the designer's intention has been to refine the contours and eliminate any "superfluous" detail in order to enhance the clean, simple lines and perfectly-balanced proportions of the original that so impassioned enthusiasts.

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 instantly recognisable.

"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."

The "Lamborghini Miura Concept" is currently on show at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Walter de'Silva (with Ferruccio Lamborghini in the background!)

© italiancar.com.au 08/01/06