Geneva show: Lambo strips Gallardo again

LAMBORGHINI’S entry-level Gallardo coupe has a new range-topper in the form of another lightweight ‘Superleggera’ derivative that sheds even more weight to deliver even more performance.

Due in Australia in June, the LP570-4 is the lightest road car in Lamborghini’s range at just 1340kg (dry) – 70kg less than the (1410kg) all-wheel drive Gallardo LP560-4 upon which it is based, and also lighter than the rear-drive LP550-2.

Combined with a 419kW (562hp – hence the 570 model nomenclature) 5.2-litre dry-sump V10, the house of the raging bull says the new Superleggera can sprint to 100km/h in 3.4 seconds, 200km/h in 10.2 seconds and a 325km/h top speed.

Thanks to a dedicated new engine management strategy, the revised V10 is 7kW more powerful (at 8000rpm) than the standard LP570-4’s 412kW/552hp engine, equating to a specific power output of 80.5kW per litre, although it offers the same 540Nm torque peak (at 6500rpm).

Matched with Lamborghini’s E-Gear transmissions as standard (a manual gearbox will be a no-cost option in Europe), the extra-light Gallardo is also claimed to offer improved response and in-gear acceleration, as well as lower average fuel consumption (13.5L/100km) and CO2 emissions – the latter quoted at 319 grams per kilometre (344g/km for the manual).

Lamborghini’s says its lightest ever Gallardo road car is 20.5 per cent or 3.5L/100km more efficient than the previous (190kW) Superleggera, thanks in part to direct fuel-injection.

The latest superlight-badged Gallardo coupe, revealed in lime-green paint on the eve of its world debut at the Geneva motor show on March 2, follows the first Superleggera version in 2007, when the Italian supercar maker sold no fewer than 618 examples globally.

Priced at $489,243 in Australia, the previous Gallardo Superleggera was more expensive than both the standard Gallardo LP560-4 (currently $475,000) and rear-drive LP550-2 ($489,000), so expect its replacement to command an even greater premium when it becomes available in Australia in June.

Most of the new Superleggera’s weight reduction comes from the use of carbon-fibre exterior and interior components, including the centre console, door panels and seat shells, plus exterior sill covers, mirror casings, rear diffuser, underbody panels and the standard rear spoiler.

The rear windscreen, side windows and engine cover are made from polycarbonate, while the forged aluminium wheels with titanium wheel bolts help to cut 13kg.

Apart from cutting weight and increasing power, improved aerodynamics – including a more pronounced V-shaped nose with daytime running lights designed with wind tunnel assistance by Lamborghini’s Centro Stile – are said to increase the Superleggera’s front downforce, while reinforced mounts for the dampers and anti-roll bars should make handling even sharper.

Standard running gear includes 19-inch alloy wheels with Pirelli P-Zero Corsa ‘race’ tyres (235/35 ZR19 front, 295/30 ZR19 rear) and a bespoke braking package comprising 365mm front rotors with eight-piston aluminium callipers and 356mm rear discs with four-piston callipers.

Inside, the regular Gallardo’s leather interior is swapped for Alcantara seat trim – available in green, yellow, orange and two shades of grey to match the Verde Ithaca, Giallo Midas, Arancio Borealis, Grigio Telesto, Nero Noctis and Bianco Monocerus exterior paint colours.

For the most serious customers, the Sant’Agata Bolognese factory will also offer racetrack-oriented options, including a rollcage, four-point seat harness, fire extinguisher, larger rear spoiler and carbon-ceramic brakes.

A total of 15 units have been earmarked for Australian customers – the same volume as the last Gallardo Super.