SANT'AGATA BOLOGNESE, Italy — The Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera, as its name implies, is a superlight version of the Gallardo LP560-4, with lots of carbon-fiber bits inside and out and a tad more power. It will debut at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show.
The Superleggera borrows the Gallardo's 5.2-liter V10 and adds direct injection, nudging output from 552 to 562 horsepower. The last numeral in the 570-4 designation marks the vehicle's permanent all-wheel drive, which incorporates a central viscous coupling and a rear limited-slip differential.
The engine, which makes 398 pound-feet of torque, drives the wheels through Lamborghini's e-gear six-speed automated manual gearbox with paddle shifters.
Lambo quotes a top speed of 202 mph for the Gallardo Superleggera and says it will rocket from rest to 60 mph in less than 3.5 seconds, thanks to its lighter weight.
The chassis has been retuned for a firmer ride, and the car sits on unique 19-inch forged aluminum wheels with Pirelli P Zero Corsa rubber — 235/35ZR19 front and 295/30ZR19 rear.
Aero modifications include a redesigned front bumper and rear diffuser. Buyers can choose from a standard small rear spoiler or a larger version at extra cost.
To reduce weight, Lamborghini has made the side windows and backlight from polycarbonate. The carbon-fiber engine cover incorporates a polycarbonate window. The rear spoiler, sills, diffuser and parts of the underbody also are made of carbon-fiber.
The engineers have applied carbon-fiber inside the car, too, for the door panels, center tunnel cover and seat shells. The seats are clad in Alcantara, and buyers can select stitching in a contrasting color.
The Gallardo Superleggera will come with a wide variety of options, including carbon-ceramic brakes, colored brake calipers, a manual gearbox, a rearview camera, a multimedia navigation system, a carbon-fiber interior trim package and an LED light package that illuminates the engine compartment, cabin and entry area.
Inside Line says: Superlight, superfast and, no doubt, super expensive. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
