SANT'AGATA BOLOGNESE, Italy — Not long ago, the phrase "Lamborghini quality" was as laughable as the phrase "monogamous Berlusconi."

The Italian automaker founded in 1963 by feisty Ferrari hater Ferruccio Lamborghini built a long line of swoopy exotics that demanded passionate, dedicated drivers — with an equally passionate and dedicated mechanic on speed dial. Several ownership changes over the years, including an ill-fated union with Chrysler in the 1980s didn't help the cause. Lamborghinis inspired lust, but consistency of build and reliability proved elusive.

Until the Germans got involved.

Audi's takeover of the company in 1998 instigated dramatic changes in how the famed cars from Sant'Agata Bolognese were conceived, developed and constructed. Eager to retain the brand's "Italianness," the Germans kept company headquarters in Sant'Agata, much like how Bugatti remained stationed in Molsheim, France, and Bentley didn't stray from Crewe, England, once Volkswagen took over.

The German influence not only resulted in shared platforms (like the Audi R8/Lamborghini Gallardo aluminum spaceframe), it also brought a sea change in how emerging technologies are researched, developed and incorporated into the ever-evolving world of supercars.

Lamborghini hit a landmark when it sold its 10,000th Gallardo in 2010, a figure that represents more than all other models produced since the company's founding. As a replacement for the mighty Murcielago approached the zenith of its three-year development, camouflaged mules were spotted darting through Italian countrysides and along the famed Nürburgring Nordschliefe, and the 691-horsepower flagship was being "fine optimized" in preparation for production.

Above: The Aventador's carbon fiber monocoque roof section is mated to the passenger compartment tub. Photo: Lamborghini

Above: Lamborghini’s headquarters in Sant’Agata Bolognese are sleek steel and glass structures, and the original office opened by Ferruccio Lamborghini can be seen to the right, in white. Photo: Basem Wasef