Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera
The special version of the Lamborghini Gallardo was unveiled at the 2007 Geneva Auto Show supposedly in preparation for the next Ferrari 430 Scuderia. The Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera presented an uncompromisingly high-performance sports car.
Style
The Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera is lighter than the base Gallardo by around 154 lbs, which is down to about 3,000 lbs. thanks to the use of carbon fiber panels for the rear diffuser, undertray, the rearview-mirror housings, the interior door panels, the central tunnel, and the engine cover. Even the wheel nuts are made of titanium instead of steel to save even more unsprung weight at each corner of the car.
A comprehensive specification and extensive range of options will be available, with some exclusive to the Superleggera. The Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera comes with robotized mechanical e-gear as standard; a sports package including shock absorbers; and special suede-covered steering wheel. The car is available in four colors: Midas Yellow, Borealis Orange, Telesto Gray and Noctis Black. Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires on new Scorpius forged rims accentuate the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera powerful stance.
A few exterior styling cues are also extras if the customer wants them, such as a Carbon accessories kit for the interior; a fixed rear spoiler; a four-point seatbelt (not for USA); tubular rear frame or fitting points for later inclusion (not for USA, Japan or Middle East); and carbon-ceramic brakes.
Mechanics
The Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera's engine is the latest version of Lamborghini's well-known 4,961 cm3 V10. Now 530 horsepower is reached at 8,000 rpm. The increase in power was made possible by the engine's improved volumetric efficiency through reduced intake load losses and by exhaust backpressures, together with optimized electronic control. Naturally, emission levels observe the strict EURO 4 and LEV II standards.
Hitting the Tarmac
The intake, exhaust and ECU have been upgraded to release an extra 10 horsepower for a total of 530 horsepower. The lightening and extra power result in a 0-62 mph in a time of 3.8 seconds, which 0.1 seconds faster than the base Gallardo. The 6-speed e-gear transmission, usually a $10,000 option, now comes as a standard.
Interior
For the interior, monocoque carbon fiber sports seats covered in Alcantara were chosen to ensure restraint of the driver and passenger during the intense lateral accelerations that the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera is capable of achieving around curves.
A few of the options that can be requested inside the sports car include the multimedia system with navigator and CD-changer; and a rear video camera to make parking easier (with optional rear wing only).
The full price for a Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera with everything on it runs for over $200,000. Lamborghini began offering the Gallardo Superleggera in June 2007. But, in March 2008, Lamborghini announced that they had ceased production of the Gallardo Superleggera hot on the heels of the introduction of the new LP560-4 and makes room for a new stripped out Gallardo. Its limited production run yielded just 172 examples - 10 in white, 34 in gray, 37 in black, 45 in yellow and 46 in orange (each of whose owners thought they were being original) - ensuring that the Superleggera will become a collector's item years from now.