The 1998 Lamborghini Pregunta, a striking concept car unveiled just before Audi's full acquisition of the Italian marque, is poised to be a star attraction at an upcoming auction in Belgium. This unique vehicle, developed during a transitional period for Lamborghini, embodies a blend of radical design inspired by fighter jets and the robust mechanical foundation of the Diablo. Its impending sale, with an estimated value soaring into the millions, highlights its significance as a historical artifact, marking the end of an era of independent design exploration for Lamborghini before the influence of its new German ownership.
Before its integration into the Volkswagen Group under Audi's stewardship in 1998, Lamborghini operated with considerable autonomy, even under Chrysler's ownership. This independence allowed for the creation of distinctive projects like the Pregunta, whose development unfolded during a pivotal moment for the brand. The concept, Spanish for “question,” was a collaboration with French coachbuilder Carrosserie Heuliez. It was officially presented at the 1998 Paris Motor Show, coinciding with the completion of Lamborghini's sale to the VW Group, thus cementing its status as the final concept vehicle of its kind from the pre-Audi era.
Heuliez's design chief, Marc Deschamps, who also had a hand in the Lamborghini Jalpa, drew inspiration from the Dassault Rafale fighter jet for the Pregunta. This influence is evident in its aggressive side air intakes, designed to mimic those of a jet engine, and its distinctive canopy-style wraparound windshield, giving the car a futuristic and aerodynamic silhouette. Beneath its innovative carbon-fiber bodywork, the Pregunta shares its mechanical lineage with the Lamborghini Diablo, featuring a 5.7-liter V12 engine. This powerhouse delivers an impressive 530 horsepower and 448 pound-feet of torque, enabling the car to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 209 mph, according to auction records.
Following its public debut, Heuliez maintained ownership of the Pregunta, frequently lending it to Lamborghini for display until 2007. In 2008, it was acquired by a private collector. Its historical importance was further recognized in 2014 when it received an official Lamborghini Polo Storico certificate. In 2021, Lamborghini's heritage division conducted a thorough inspection and servicing of the vehicle, subsequently showcasing it in the company's museum, underscoring its valuable place in the marque's legacy.
This exceptionally rare and drivable concept car is projected to achieve between 2.5 million and 3.5 million euros, equating to approximately $2.9 million to $4.1 million at current exchange rates. Such a valuation reflects not only its scarcity but also its unique position as a significant piece of automotive history. The Pregunta's distinction as a precursor to Lamborghini's Audi era guarantees its prominence, even among collections rich with more contemporary one-off models and exclusive editions.