Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera The Lightest Lamborghini
The fastest Gallardo, Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4  Superleggera is officially presented to us  a night before the official disclosure.
LP570-4 Gallardo Superleggera takes very seriously the reputation that it bears and is the lightest road model that Lamborghini is offering at this time. Dropping 154 pounds  Superleggera LP570-4 weighs just 2954 lbs. The diet’s key factor was the use of carbon fiber at exterior and interior elements. The table is arranged under the 43/57 ratio being a prerequisite  of sportiness.


In addition, all the name reveals that it has 10 extra horsepower, 5.2-liter V10 engine developing 570 horsepower. Thus the  mass / power ratio is spectacular, being about 5 lbs per pound. Power is delivered to 30% on the front axle and 70% at the rear. It’s obvious that the performances are high,  Gallardo Superleggera can reach 62 mph in just 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 202 mph. The new generation is not only faster but also more efficient, say the Italians,  because it reduced consumption and emissions by 20% compared to previous Gallardo Superleggera.  The average consumption of the new Superleggera is 13.5 liters per 62 miles.
In terms of design, everything was done following the specific aerodynamic directives, but also contributed to the appearances. So the new Gallardo gets a very aggressive bumper and would provide more natural air flow . Aerodynamics is improved  in the rear to, by the prominent rear diffuser and the pronounced solid fin  (but not  standard,  only as optional).
The interior is a kind of  carbon fiber paradise, the center console, door panels and seats  being built of this noble material. Contrary to expectations interior isn’t austere and customers still have air conditioning, electric windows and  Alcantara leather, ie all “‘extra” facilities you need to enjoy a Lamborghini Gallardo.
source by mibz

First Pictures Of The Extreme Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 SV
Lamborghini will unveil at Geneva an extreme version of the Gallardo model, named LP570-4 SV, characterized by low weight and increased power.
Last days of 2009 were announcing an important premiere at Lamborghini stand at the Geneva Motor Show. Unofficial sources spoke of a performance version, named LP570-4 SV, of the Gallardo model. It seems that the rumors were true, Italians released today the first two pictures of the new version that will become the star of the Swiss auto salon in March.


Unfortunately for fans of sports brand, the images that appeared in the press today are not accompanied by  the information on power and performances that supercar will be capable of. Unofficial sources say the current 5.2-liter engine unit will provide 10 extra horsepower, power indicated by the name – Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 SV – the previous LP560 featuring 560 HP. The resources will be sent to both axles, which will benefit, among others, from a recalibrated suspension for extreme behavior.
 To control the 570 horsepower beast, the driver will have a new set of ceramic carbon brakes, custom made for this car. On the outside, the SV version will have a new aerodynamic package, which includes a new front bumper and a huge carbon fiber rear spoiler.
source by mibz

Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce

Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce – the new king of the bulls is even more powerful, lighter and faster


The Lamborghini Murciélago is one of the most extraordinary super sports cars of all time. Automobili Lamborghini has now expanded its model range with a new, exceptionally purist and even more extreme top model – the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is even more powerful, lighter and faster than the Murciélago LP 640. With the output of the 6.5 liter V12 increased to 670 hp and a weight reduction of 100 kg (220 lbs), the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce boasts a power-to-weight ratio of 2.3 kg (5.1 lbs) per hp. This catapults it from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a breathtaking 3.2 seconds and powers it on to a top speed of around 342 km/h (212 mph). Distinctive design refinements ensure that each of this 350-unit limited edition series conveys its full potential from the very first glance.

In order to achieve the substantial weight reduction of 100 kilograms (220 lbs), the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce was extensively reworked and redeveloped in virtually every aspect – from chassis to engine and transmission, right through to the interior. The increase in engine output from 640 to 670 hp is the result of optimized valve timing and a reworked intake system. The significantly modified aerodynamics with substantially increased downforce brings considerable improvement to vehicle stability at very high speeds. With the small standard-fit rear spoiler, top speed stands at 342 km/h (212 mph), while the large “Aeropack Wing” and its added downforce gives a top speed of 337 km/h (209 mph).

Design and aerodynamics

The Murciélago is an icon of the Lamborghini brand – a sports machine of menacing character and brutal power. Its unique design radiates a supreme form of highly concentrated sensuality. Wide, low, with its glass area pushed way forward and a long, taut back – the interplay between the soft contours of the basic form and razor sharp edges is the perfect expression of the Lamborghini design language. In the totality of its character, the Murciélago is without comparison on the sports car market.

The modifications are even more apparent around the mighty engine bay of the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce. The twelve-cylinder engine is presented as an engineering masterpiece under a transparent engine bonnet that boasts a completely new architecture. Hexagonal polymer plates made from transparent polycarbonate are set on three levels within a carbon fiber framework. The layers are open towards the rear, playing a key role in the thermodynamics of the high-performance engine.
The impressive rear end of the SuperVeloce is dominated by a veritably noble, flat and extremely wide exhaust tailpipe and, on the underside, by a two-level diffuser system finished entirely in carbon fiber. The rear light clusters display their signals in that distinctive Y-shape that has been a fixed element of Lamborghini design since the Murciélago LP 640, Reventón and Gallardo LP 560-4. The panel between the lights is made from carbon fiber, while the large intake mesh below expands across the full width of the rear end. Made from thick-walled aluminum, the hexagonal pattern is laser-cut and a Teflon coating provides the necessary heat protection.

The aerodynamics of the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce have been completely redeveloped. Alongside the enlarged front spoiler and the twin rear diffuser, the new fixed rear spoiler also plays an important role. Customers can choose between two versions, with the small rear spoiler providing improved downforce at high speeds. As an option, the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce can be supplied with the “Aeropack Wing” – a large, fixed, carbon-fiber wing mounted on two carbon-fiber brackets.
The new aerodynamic set-up provides a significant boost to directional stability at the very highest speeds. The top-speed downforce on the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce with Aeropack is strongly increased.

Bodyshell and lightweight construction

With the construction of the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce, Lamborghini proves its expertise in the manufacture of lightweight materials and in working with hi-tech carbon fiber. The structure of the super sports car is a composite construction of extremely stiff carbon components and a tubular steel frame – as in a race car. The transmission tunnel and the floor are made of carbon fiber, attached to the steel frame using rivets and high-strength adhesives. The roof and the exterior door panels are formed in sheet steel, while the remainder of the outer skin is made from carbon composite material.
For the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce, engineers in Sant’Agata Bolognese recalculated the framework and selected a new, super high-strength sectional steel. This achieved two objectives – on the one hand, they increased the torsional stiffness of the chassis by 12 percent to provide improved handling precision and, on the other, they were able to reduce weight by 20 kg (44 lbs), making a significant contribution to the reduction of overall vehicle weight. And the systematic approach to lightweight design continues throughout the entire bodyshell. The front fenders, the rear side panels/fenders and the casing for the third brake light are made of a modified carbon-fiber material. Combined with the removal of the drive for the moveable spoiler, this brings a further weight reduction of 13 kg (28.6 lbs).

Added to the 33 kg (72.6 lbs) of weight reduction from the chassis and exterior, are 34 kg (74.8 lbs) from the interior, as well as over 33 kg (72.6 lbs) removed from the engine and drive train
Power unit and transmission

The longitudinally mounted 6.5 liter V12 delivers the infernal power for an unparalleled driving experience. With 670 hp (493 kW), the engine in the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is 30 hp more powerful than in the Murciélago LP 640. The twelve-cylinder sends its mighty 660 Nm (487 lb-ft) of torque to the crankshaft at 6,500 rpm; maximum power is reached at 8,000 rpm, with an average piston speed of 23.7 meters per second – a figure almost comparable to race engines.

The V12 is eager to deliver its performance – it brings its menacing power with immediacy and precision to guarantee breathtaking performance – after only 3.2 seconds the SuperVeloce has already reached 100 km/h (62 mph).
The engine block and heads of the V12, positioned at the ideal cylinder angle of 60 degrees, are made from aluminum. The four chain-driven camshafts are variably controlled, while the intake manifold operates in three stages – both technologies add even greater thrust to the merciless pushing power. To increase the performance of the SuperVeloce, the intake system was modified, the valve train optimized and, most importantly, valve travel was increased.

The control electronics for the V12 were developed internally by Lamborghini - each cylinder bank has its own high-performance processor. If the engine needs more cooling air, intake funnels emerge from the rear pillars: when not in operation, they lie flush with the bodyshell. Dry sump lubrication enables the V12 to be mounted extremely low down, benefiting the handling dynamics: this also guarantees oil supply under extremely dynamic driving conditions. With 12 liters of lubricating oil in circulation, the oil cooler is located on the left side of the vehicle and cooled by air flowing through the aperture in the sill.
The weight reduction of more than 26 kg (57 lbs) in the engine area was derived primarily from the completely new exhaust system. The muffler has been redesigned and even the mighty tailpipe of the SuperVeloce manufactured from new materials is lighter than on the Murciélago LP 640. But most of all, the new exhaust system makes for an acoustic experience that is surely equal to the driving performance – from the heavy rumble of a stormy night, through the trumpeting of mighty elephants to the roar of a raging lion, the SuperVeloce performs the grand opera for 12 cylinders, 48 valves and 8,000 revs.

The SuperVeloce is equipped as standard with the sequential, automated manual transmission e.gear, which uses electro-hydraulics to shift gear extremely quickly and smoothly. A cockpit display informs the driver of the gear currently engaged. In addition a special “Corsa” mode and a “Low adherence” mode are available.
As a no-premium option, the SuperVeloce is available with a six-speed manual transmission. Its short metal shift stick runs in an open gate of classic Italian elegance. In both variants, the new lightweight clutch makes its own contribution to the weight loss program.

All-wheel drive and chassis

The Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce delivers its extreme power to the road with great reliability – assured by its permanent all-wheel drive. Before the rear wheels spin, the viscous coupling sends up to 35 percent of driving force via its additional shaft to the front wheels. The front and rear limited-slip differentials are set at 25 and 45 percent. With its four driven wheels and traction, the Murciélago delivers a decisive advantage over rear-wheel drive sports cars when it comes to accelerating out of a corner – and always with maximum stability. The rear axle bears 58 percent of its overall weight – a distribution ratio that is highly beneficial to traction.
Explosive dynamics, tenacious cornering and extreme speeds – the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is a super sports car packed with aggressive power, but by no means a mean-spirited car. Its steering requires very little power support, giving full control of the car to the driver. Those prepared to tackle the beast head on are quickly rewarded with intimate contact and trust – as speed increases, so the Murciélago reveals its strengths, thus exposing a character with no hidden surprises and behavior that can always be anticipated.

The Murciélago is fitted with double wishbone suspension all round. Spring struts – two on each of the rear wheels and one on each of the front – control the loads transferred from the road. The standard-fit lifting system enables the front end of the vehicle to be raised by 45 mm (1.8 inches) to avoid obstacles such as garage entryways. The SuperVeloce is equipped with exclusive “Ares” alloy-forged wheels, bearing the exclusive five twin-spoke design. The front wheels are clad in 245/35 ZR 18 rubber, while the rears sport 335/30 ZR 18. High-grip Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires come as standard.
Four brakes controlled by a hi-tech ABS system are capable of mighty stopping power when required. The Carbon Ceramic (CCB) brakes are fanned by cooling air flowing through enlarged channels in the bodyshell, while openings in the front fenders provide additional ventilation for the SuperVeloce. The ceramic discs are exceptionally lightweight, fade-free and capable of extremely high operational performance.

Interior and equipment

Even stepping into the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is an experience as individual as the vehicle itself. The upward-opening doors – a solution developed by Lamborghini in the early seventies for the Countach – are released via small latches, then swing wide open to reveal a panorama of the exclusive interior of the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce. The dominating materials are Alcantara and carbon fiber, which make for an ambience that is as high-quality as it is sporty
The sports bucket seats come as standard and provide exceptionally firm support around the hip and shoulder areas. The bucket seats are made from lightweight and highly robust carbon fiber and guarantee the driver perfect support, even in the most extreme driving situations. The Murciélago’s standard seats are also available on the SuperVeloce as an option free of charge.

Not only the seats are upholstered in black Alcantara micro-fiber; the cockpit and the roof lining are also finished in this high-quality, lightweight material. The Y-shaped perforations on the seats and roof lining bring additional finesse, with an inlaid backing material in the same color as the exterior paintwork. The Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce can be delivered with the paint finishes Giallo Orion, Arancio Atlas, Bianco Isis, Grigio Telesto and Nero Aldebaran, as well as Bianco Canopus (white matt) and Nero Nemesis (black matt) as an option.

Naturally, the interior also makes its contribution to weight reduction. The door panels are clad in carbon fiber, as is the wide center tunnel. The application of Alcantara instead of leather is another weight-saver, just like the selection of sports bucket seats and the omission of the radio-navigation system (if requested, this is available as an option). At the end of the day, the music in a Murciélago comes from the engine compartment. Overall, modifications to the interior contribute over 34 kg (75 lbs) to the SuperVeloce weight loss program.

But absolutely no corners have been cut when it comes to one characteristic that is a feature of all Lamborghini super sports cars – the exceptionally high quality of the workmanship. The craftsmen in Sant’Agata Bolognese are all masters of their respective trades; the three-year warranty bears testimony to absolute faith in product quality
 source by lomborghinivancouver

Showcasing the benefits of less weight, while delivering more of everything else.

 

The world expected Lamborghini to unveil its Murciélago replacement at this year’s Paris auto show—production of the wildest bull has already ended—but the supercar maker chose instead to tease us with this concept, saving its new flagship for next March’s Geneva auto show. Ah, you must now be thinking, so this smaller car previews a Gallardo replacement! Nope, it’s not that either.
What, then, is the Sesto Elemento? Let's have a look at the exterior first. Despite the mid-engine layout, this concept seems compact, with a very short rear overhang. Wedgy shapes are typical for Lamborghini, but this car is even more extreme than the super-angular Reventón, the ultra-low-volume Murciélago spinoff from a few years ago. A plethora of spoilers, air vents, and triangular elements protrude from or perforate its body. There is a racing-type quick-refueling system. The rear end is open, to give spectators a clear view of the transmission and the exhaust system, the latter of which, remarkably, exits through the engine cover above the taillights.
The front end and roof are marked by sharp, seemingly folded creases, and the rear part of the roof is graced by two intake ducts and two parallel lines of five holes arranged above the cylinder banks. Below the ten openings sits, obviously, a V-10. The hexagonal shape of these elements is a nod to an obsession of former Bertone designer Marcello Gandini, who penned the Miura and Countach.
Seems Familiar and Futuristic
Despite an overt familiarity to its shape, the Sesto Elemento is nevertheless detached from the brand's current styling language. The wild details turn it into something you’d expect only in a video game, or in some crazy tuner's showroom, but not quite from Lamborghini, not after the brand has been working hard to overcome the styling clichés of its past. In fact, we hear there was a considerable amount of discussion within Lamborghini and at parent Audi about showing such an extreme concept car. In the end, the view prevailed that it wouldn't hurt to deviate a bit from the production models' somewhat aloof and architectonic proportions and design—traits that will apply to that Murciélago replacement, by the way.
One of the most striking features of the Sesto Elemento is that its entire body is constructed from visible, matte-finish carbon fiber (the so-called "sixth element” indicated by translating the concept’s name from Italian), as expensive a material as it is light. In fact, the curb weight of the entire car is claimed to be a mere 2200 pounds. That's 1100 fewer than our estimated curb weight for the supposedly “superlight” Gallardo Superleggera.
Wicked Quick
Combine the low weight with the V-10’s 570 hp at 8000 rpm—torque stands at 398 lb-ft at 6500 rpm—and performance should be explosive; Lamborghini says the car is capable of reaching 62 mph in 2.5 seconds. Top speed—only mentioned, says Lambo, "in the interests of completeness,” as top speed has been downgraded to the fourth-highest priority for its products—is said to be “well over 185 mph.” We suspect this modesty belies a terminal velocity north of 200 mph.
The use of carbon fiber extends beyond exterior panels: The passenger-holding monocoque, front subframe, crumple zones, and wheels are made of the material as well. The rear subframe, by contrast, is made of aluminum. Most anything else has simply been omitted. There is no dashtop—the underlying structure itself is laid bare—and the seat cushions are glued to the monocoque. One element we wish had been included is a clutch pedal. The Sesto Elemento is equipped with the e-gear six-speed automated manual transmission; power runs through it to Lambo’s all-wheel-drive system.
Foreshadows Future Lambos
If the sinister design won’t redefine Lamborghini styling, the Sesto Elemento is nevertheless significant as a rolling testament to the brand’s commitment to carbon fiber; all future Lambos will make extensive use of the stuff. AWD systems and heavy, ten- and twelve-cylinder engines take their toll on curb weights, and eliminating hundreds of pounds through the use of carbon fiber will give Lamborghini a potent weapon in the fight to create the most extreme supercars.
It's good politically for the brand within the VW Group, too. With its sales numbers taking a dive, Lamborghini needs another leg to stand on, and carbon-fiber expertise will for the first time make the raging bull a technology leader among VW’s brands. Lamborghini is working with the University of Washington in Seattle to develop its carbon-fiber tech, and aircraft maker Boeing is a partner in the university's Lamborghini Advanced Composite Structures Laboratory, too.
Yes, we were hoping to see the next Murciélago, but we’ll admit the Sesto Elemento is one hell of a substitute, and it further raises our expectations for the next production Lambo. This thing is so over the top, it’s almost too much—just as any proper Lamborghini should be.

The explosive burble from the V10's exhaust coming off the back straight seems powerful enough to vaporize insects in mid-air. The Howitzer-like concussions shock through the firewall and slam into our spines an instant before the combustive dissonance has time to reverberate off the outside wall and into our eardrums. The menacing acoustics force the other cars on the circuit to back off, while trackside spectators crane their necks to look up and cheer as the Lamborghini rockets by.




We're at California Speedway attending the "The Ultimate Lamborghini Experience." This annual event allows owners to play with their exotics in a controlled environment free of driving citations and other pesky... um, slow cars. Since we don't own an Italian exotic, we have to thank Lamborghini of Beverly Hills for graciously bringing along the automaker's latest and greatest. In this case, it's the Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera.
Lamborghini has made thousands of Gallardos over the past eight years – it's the automaker's best-selling model. The various Gallardo iterations have included the all-wheel-drive Gallardo SE, matte black Gallardo Nera, topless Gallardo Spyder, lightweight Gallardo Superleggera, Gallardo LP 560-4, Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder, Gallardo Super Trofeo and the recent limited-production rear-wheel-drive Gallardo 550-2 "Valentino Balboni."

All pale on a race circuit when compared to the all-new 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera.



Metamorphosing into the highest-performing Lamborghini Gallardo model to ever leave the assembly line in Sant'Agata Bolognese wasn't easy. Using a 560-4 as a base, Lamborghini painstakingly made dozens of changes to lighten the chassis, improve aerodynamics, refine the suspension and tune the ten-cylinder engine for more power. When it finally debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in early 2010, the newest Gallardo flagship was nothing short of spectacular.

At a glance, the 570-4 Superleggera is physically differentiated by its reworked front bumper with deep trapezoidal frames around the air intakes, a V-shaped nose and LED daytime running lamps. Lamborghini says the new fascia is functional, as it increases engine cooling and adds downforce to the front axle. The underbody, featuring a full belly pan, has new side sills, new tailpipes and a redesigned diffuser to improve aerodynamics. A small spoiler is standard, but a large wing for even more downforce is optional. There are new graphics on the sides and the ever-important identifying "LP 570-4" emblems in front of each rear wheel.



Under the paint, things are a bit more radical. As mentioned, the 570-4 Superleggera is based on the Gallardo 560-4 (itself a lightweight 3,108-pound platform). The new model retains aluminum spaceframe and body panels, but replaces many of the exterior components with lighter composite structures. Carbon fiber has been used on the rear spoiler, sills, diffuser, exterior mirror casings and underbody panels. Composites are also used extensively in the cabin. The center tunnel cover, door panels, transmission surround and sport seat shells are all carbon fiber (our model had an optional carbon fiber package that adds even more "lightness" to the cockpit). Even the "heavy" natural leather has been replaced by lightweight synthetic Alcantara. Still seeking to save more weight, Lamborghini fitted the 570-4 Superleggera with polycarbonate rear and side windows, and a polycarbonate panel over the engine. While the engineering team went seriously unhinged when it came to weight loss, the air conditioning and power windows were deliberately retained (one must not sacrifice comfort, says Lamborghini).

The aluminum double-wishbone suspension is left in place, but the shock absorbers are firmer, the anti-roll bars are stiffened and the mounting points have been reinforced. Standard brakes are huge iron rotors with aluminum calipers. However, our test car was fitted with Lambo's optional carbon-fiber ceramic brake package with 15-inch discs and six-piston calipers in the front, and four-piston units at the rear. The wheels are 10-spoke forged aluminum beauties secured by featherweight, but very strong, titanium wheel bolts. Special Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires are 235/35ZR19 in the front and 295/30ZR19 at the rear.



Mid-mounted in the 570-4 Superleggera is a direct-injected 5.2-liter V10. The engine features an aluminum crankcase, dry sump lubrication and a cylinder angle of 90 degrees (to help lower the center of gravity). With a compression ratio of 12.5:1, and several new engine software tweaks, the powerplant is now rated at 570 horsepower and 399 pound-feet of torque. The exhaust gasses go out quad pipes that are coated with a matte-black heat-resistant ceramic finish that keeps temps in check to avoid the lower panels from melting. The horsepower is sent through the automaker's six-speed single-clutch "e-gear" sequential automatic transmission connected to a permanent all-wheel-drive system, but if rowing your own is a requirement, a six-speed manual transmission is a no-cost option. The powertrain utilizes a central viscous coupling and a 45-percent limited-slip differential on the rear axle. Under normal conditions, the torque is split 30:70, although the bulk of the power is usually directed at the rear wheels.

Lamborghini says the Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera will crack 62 mph in just 3.4 seconds. Even more astonishing is the fact that 0-124 mph falls in just 10.2 seconds, and this high-powered projectile won't run out of horsepower until it hits a tire disintegrating 202 mph.



Thanks to its very strict diet, the new "superlight" Gallardo is 154 pounds lighter than the Gallardo LP 560-4. That's right kids; the new Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera tips the scales at a mere 2,954 pounds, making it the lightest road-going model in the automaker's range. Lamborghini says there is no other model in its lineup that's as close to a true racecar.

And as you'd expect, none of this comes cheap. The base price of a 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera is $237,600 (plus $2,995 destination and $2,100 in gas-guzzler fees). With a window sticker in hand, our test vehicle was equipped with the following options: Anti-theft system ($800), Superleggera Rear Wing ($6,500), Carbon Ceramic Brakes with black calipers ($15,600), Multimedia/NAV ($3,250), Rear View Camera ($2,600), Superleggera Floor Mats ($750), Carbon Fiber Engine Bay ($4,235), Travel Package ($750) and the Interior Carbon Fiber Package ($4,150). Punched into our solar-powered $3 calculator, the as-tested price is $281,330 (plus tax). You just had to ask.

With that out of the way, it's time to get back down to the business of driving.



The LP 570-4 Superleggera is low – silly low. Standing next to it, with both arms down to our side, it barely comes up to our elbows. With an open-face helmet capping our dome, we drop our six-foot, two-inch frame into the Lamborghini's exquisitely detailed womb. Our rear is firmly planted in the buttery-smooth Alcantara-covered cushion, while the top of our flat-black helmet presses firmly against the Alcantara headliner – we're literally wedged in place (for the record, we fit much better when we take a spin sans helmet later in the day). With our vertical movement apparently secured, we snap the three-point belt firmly to restrain forward movement. There's very little room for our left foot, but since this particular LP 570-4 only has two pedals, it's not a problem for both of our feet to share the tunnel's limited real estate.

The layout of the cabin is familiar to the Gallardo faithful, but the appointments have been upgraded. Snug in the lightweight Lamborghini's cockpit, it takes restraint to not run your fingers over the glass-smooth carbon fiber center console, the suede-like synthetic on the dashboard or the cross-hatch finish on many of the switches. The craftsmanship is stellar. Do not wear driving gloves while piloting the LP 570-4, lest the palms miss out on one of the most exquisite part of the machine: the deliciously shaggy thick suede sport steering wheel.



A traditional key slots into the right side of the steering column. With a twist, the 5.2-liter V10 spins to life. The "e-gear" takes a bit of instruction, but that's why we have Davy Jones sitting in our passenger seat (the 1996 24 Hours of Le Mans winner, not the lead singer for the Monkees).

As mentioned, we are sharing the track today with "The Ultimate Lamborghini Experience." As a result, there are dozens of Lamborghinis (mostly Gallardo and Murcielago models) in the paddock waiting for their turn at the circuit. The organizers are kind enough to let us out before the masses.

Without hesitating further, we press the "S" button on the center console and pull the right column-mounted paddle back to engage first gear (there's an "R" button to the left of the wheel, but since we are in the hot pits at California Speedway, we only need to go forward). The 570-horsepower engine, sitting about a foot behind our ears, resonates smoothly as we rumble past the observers and make our way to the hot track.



Our first few laps are under yellow as the corner workers get into place. We are familiar with the "Roval" at Cal Speedway, but or path today is awkwardly restricted by bright orange cones mid-point on the banked oval to keep everyone's speed down. Wisely, we use the first five minutes orienting ourselves with the Lambo's basic mannerisms. Except for a lack of outward visibility, it seems surprisingly docile and easy to drive at low speeds.

Green flag up. Accelerator pedal down. Responding to our right foot, the sequential automatic abruptly drops a gear and a deep roar emanates from behind our backsides. We are pressed and molded into our seatbacks like warm Play-Doh as the tachometer spins towards its 8,500 rpm redline. The second-to-third upshift is harsh and not particularly quick when compared to the best dual-clutch gearboxes, but it keeps us pinned in our seat grinning ear-to-ear as our velocity increases.

No more than 20 seconds later, we run out of banked oval as Turn 1 starts to fill our windshield. Strong on the brakes and the speed bleeds much faster than we anticipate (the huge ceramic discs like very firm pressure – the feel of the pedal perfectly mimics a race car). The 90-degree left is easy, as we are now going too slowly. We need to increase velocity for the upcoming right so we get back on the throttle. Caught off guard by our right foot again, the e-gear drops abruptly down to second gear and the back wheels momentarily break loose under the sudden increase in torque. The LP 570-4 Superleggera squirms a few times, and then briefly drops a wheel into the grass as we input corrective steering. This requires serious concentration.



Fed up with the e-gear's abrupt "logic," we find manually shifting via paddles to be much more effective, even if they are small and a bit hard to find in the heat of battle. Downshifts are accompanied by a super-sexy ten-cylinder throttle blip that takes your breath away (the lightweight acrylic windows let all the right sensations in), while upshifts are instantly delivered on command. Thanks to a center of gravity that requires a spatula to get under, the LP 570-4 lacks anything even remotely resembling body roll. Corner transitions are completely flat and quite mechanical, but the Lamborghini gives very palpable and welcomed feedback through its controls. Nothing is artificially overboosted.

It takes about five laps before we are comfortable. By then, we think we've figured it out.

The LP 570-4 Superleggera prefers to go in hot and take advantage of its huge brakes to bleed speed just before turn-in. It rewards light throttle in the corners, to keep the rear wheels at the limit of their adhesion, then generous power in the exits to utilize cat-like all-wheel-drive grip to pull hard out of the corners. There is plenty of available power. Oversteer is just a quarter-inch of throttle travel away at nearly any velocity. This is bloody fun.

And 45 minutes later it's over. They pry the keys from our hands. We weep.



Back in the pits, two impressions have stuck. First, the lack of mass helps immeasurably during initial high-speed turn-in. Whistling past the start/finish line at 150+ mph, we needed to drop down to 60 mph and make a tricky off-camber turn to get through the cone "barricade." Nearly every car we've ever had on this track needs to be handled with kid gloves when shuffled at those speeds. If not, the back end continues in its original trajectory. Not so in the LP570-4 Superleggera. We could grab the brakes and initialize our turn without worrying that the rest of the machine wasn't going to follow. Credit its low mass, low center of gravity, sticky tires and a wide stance. Second, it drives much smaller than it appears. We've had big cars on road circuits that seem to swell up when flogged (the Dodge Viper and Challenger SRT8 come to mind). The Lamborghini seemed to shrink. While it's no Lotus Exige, the Lambo's girth never prevented us from putting the tires exactly where they needed to go.

Lamborghini owners will scoff at this, but we half-expected the Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera to drive like an Audi R8 5.2 V10 (no hiding the truth that they are heavy DNA-sharing cousins). In fact, most cynics will say that you can put the aforementioned Audi in your driveway for $100,000 less with nearly the same performance. Not so fast. The Audi R8 is damn near perfect, but it's no Lamborghini. The 570-4 Superleggera is lighter (by a staggering 761 pounds), shorter in height (by 3.4 inches) and in length (by 1.9 inches). The R8 5.2 is also down 45 horsepower (costing the Audi two full seconds in a timed race to 124 mph against the Lamborghini).



In all fairness, the R8 5.2 is a trophy-toting beauty queen while the LP 570-4 is an international supermodel – but let's ignore the ocular comparisons for now. The Audi is amazingly easy to drive fast, and just as easy to drive slowly. The German is comfortable, roomy and well-mannered. The Lamborghini is harder to drive, but faster and more rewarding at speed. The Italian is impeccably finished, but raw by design. To be more concise: The Audi can waltz, but the Lamborghini grabs you and does an R-rated Rio tango.

The Audi doesn't really compete with the LP 570-4 Superleggera, nor does the Aston Martin DBS or Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, for that matter. However, the upcoming Porsche GT2 RS may put up a good fight. We didn't check with Animal Planet, but our current research says the only true natural enemy of the LP 570-4 Superleggera could be the stunning Ferrari 458 Italia. Owners need not worry, as this Lamborghini will most likely never cross paths with any worthy adversary.

The 570-4 Superleggera is unquestionably the most talented Lamborghini on the road today. Fusing a highly-tuned powerplant and a sophisticated drive system to a lightweight chassis is what real sports cars are all about. Unlike its predecessors that seemed to possess more panache than event-winning medals, the all-new 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera delivers astronomical performance that will not only land the coupe on the red carpet, but more often than not, on the top of the podium.

1995 Lamborghini Cala
Talk about déjà-vu. Eight years before Italdesign was hired to design the Lamborghini Gallardo, a smaller, more affordable Lamborghini, it was hired to design the Cala -- a smaller, more affordable Lamborghini.

Lamborghini's portfolio was bolstered with the 1990 launch of the Diablo, but the company had no replacement for the less-expensive Jalpa, which died in 1988. At the time, parent firm Chrysler saw no need to replace it, but that mentality shifted once the Indonesian Megatech consortium took over in 1994. A less-expensive Lamborghini -- perhaps one utilizing a V-10 -- was seen as key to introducing new customers to the brand and expanding the company's marketshare.



Megatech wasted little time -- the L140 program was launched soon after it bought the company, and early prototypes (which closely resembled Diablos) were shown to dealers that November. The public would have its first look at the car come March of 1995, when Italdesign unveiled the Cala at the 1995 Geneva motor show. Lamborghini executives hinted the car was a preview of the new "baby Lambo," and even let some journalists drive the functioning show car on the open road.

Sadly, the project never came to fruition. After the Indonesian owners ran into a number of legal, fiscal, and political troubles, Lamborghini was sold to Audi, and the Cala was shelved. Executives, however, still saw value in a smaller Lamborghini, and ultimately pushed for the addition of the Gallardo to the portfolio. A wise decision, as it's now the brand's most popular product.
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source by automobi

Europe is home to some of the finest racing series in the world and the Lamborghini Super Trofeo spec series is gearing up for its second season.

Never heard of the Super Trofeo? These racecars are lightened versions of the Gallardo LP 560-4 dressed in Blancpain livery and prepped for race duty. The Gallardo’s 5.2-liter V-10 puts out 570 horsepower while a retuned six-speed e.gear sends power to the all-wheel-drive system. High-friction steel brakes, “racing” ABS, a special aero package, and 18-inch competition wheels wrapped in Pirelli slicks complement the Super Trofeo’s 2900-pound weight. The chassis has been reworked and launch control has also been eliminated.



This year, the six-round season starts the weekend of April 24-25 at the Hockenheimring in Germany. The first round will support the DTM touring-car series; the remaining events will be paired with venues from FIA GT1 World, Le Mans Series, and Campionato Italiano di Gran Turismo. Each round contains 30 minutes of free practice, a 30-minute qualifying session, and three 40-minute races.

“The second Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo season is highly anticipated,” said Manfred Fitzgerald, Lamborghini’s director of brand and design. “We’re excited to see new teams join the Super Trofeo family for 2010, while competitors from last season will return to defend their honours. The on-track battles were extremely close in 2009, and we’re set for another thrilling season ahead.”

2010 Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Calendar

April 24-25 -- Hockenheim -- DTM

May 22-23 -- Brno -- GT1 World

July 3-4 -- Paul Ricard -- GT1 World

July 29-31 -- Spa-Francorchamps -- GT1 World

August 21-22 -- Hungaroring -- Le Mans Series

September 24-26 -- Vallelunga -- Campionato Italiano di Gran Turismo (Italian GT Championship)

Source: Lamborghini