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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #323 LIVE!

We're set to record Autoblog Podcast #323 tonight, and you can drop us your questions and comments regarding the rest of the week's news via our Q&A module below. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.
Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #323
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Volkswagen may 'carve out' Lamborghini to list on the stock exchange

FRANKFURT — Volkswagen is drawing up plans to set up Lamborghini as a more independent unit, and is discussing long-term supply deals that could make it easier to list it on the stock exchange, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. "Volkswagen is in the process of carving out Lamborghini, and to organize future supply and technology transfer deals," one of the sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. The Italian sportscar brand, which is currently a division of Audi, could be partially listed, with Volkswagen retaining a controlling stake, the first person familiar with the talks said. There is no formal decision to divest Lamborghini, a second source said, adding that the timetable of any deal remained unclear. "This is a first step which gives VW the option to list the unit further down the line," the second source told Reuters. A third source familiar with the discussions said the future of Bugatti, Lamborghini and Ducati was discussed during a supervisory board meeting last Friday. The possibilities for how to electrify the Lamborghini and Bugatti brands through partnerships and investors was discussed, the third source said. Bankers and potential cornerstone investors in an IPO have been approached by the carmaker, the sources said. Volkswagen declined to comment. Volkswagen Group's Chief Executive Herbert Diess on Wednesday said the carmaker will announce "important steps" about the company's future before the close of the year. Volkswagen is reviewing what role its high-performance brands Lamborghini, Bugatti and Ducati will play within the multi-brand carmaker as part of broader quest for more economies of scale, senior executives told Reuters. A global clampdown on combustion-engined vehicles has forced carmakers to accelerate development of low-emission technology for mainstream models, leaving Volkswagen managers struggling to find resources to electrify low volume sportscar models. Related Video:

Lamborghini begins Urus marketing push with terrain mode videos

The Lamborghini Urus SUV is coming. It's a done deal, so now the marketing push begins before its December 4th debut. Lamborghini is highlighting the Urus' off-road capabilities in the videos we're going to share with you, and that's not a bad way to start, since every other Lamborghini around has strada, sport, and corsa down pat. (That's street, sport, and track for those of you who don't speak Italian.) It's the sabbia, terra, and neve (sand, off-road, and snow) bona fides that need to be nailed down for the Urus to sell, so it's a smart play to highlight them right off the bat. Especially since its predecessor, the LM002, had fairly legendary capabilities – and prodigious fuel consumption. Expect that to be better in the Urus, whose twin-turbo V8 of about 650 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque should be civilized enough to guzzle fuel at a more measured pace. After that, a plug-in hybrid will reduce fuel consumption even further. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Lamborghini's also smart to push the reveal back past the noise of the LA Auto Show, so the Urus can stand on its own four tires. We expect to see more of these drive mode videos released as we get closer to the reveal, so stay tuned. Lamborghini Crossover SUV Luxury Off-Road Vehicles Performance Videos