Gallardo Superleggera rumors

[Talus]

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/02/gallardo-gt3.jpg

The battle between the Prancing Horse and the Raging Bull is the most epic in the automotive industry, with Maranello and Sant'Agata always searching for ways to one-up eachother. (Which one is Borat and which one is his neighbor with the iPod mini depends on your perspective.) So with Ferrari preparing to release the F430 Challenge Stradale, Lamborghini wasn't going to be left holding its fedora. That's why reports are surfacing that Lamborghini is working on a new, lightweight version of the Gallardo loosely based on the race ready Gallardo GT3.

Reviving the classic Superleggera name from Italian automotive history, the Gallardo Superleggera will shed "frills" from the cabin (for example sound insulation, thick glass, carpeting, power features, stereo, air conditioning and leather) and replace body panels with carbon fiber, a targeted weight savings of 220 lbs, bringing the total curb weight to less than 3000 lbs. However, unlike pre-Audi lightweight special Lambos, the Gallardo is expected to retain its all-wheel-drive.

Reports also suggest a slight increase in power (likely from a revised exhaust), adding an extra 10 hp that should help the leaner Lambo drop a good half-second off its 0-60 sprint.

[pdisme]

They should make a Gallardo GTR with full cage and more power, that would be sweet. I'd love to see this come out; there was some debate on the existence of this vehicle on fchat yesterday and today, some said no evidence to support it but someone else said their dealer already has an allocation, so I'm definitely curious. Maybe SuperVixen will know more about this.

[pdisme]

Well that settles that, Superleggera rumors are true, Lambo Boston press release attached but try it from their site first. :)

http://www.lamborghiniboston.com/gallardo/gallardoproduct.pdf

[RIE921]

So from what I can tell this thing is still AWD, and only comes with E-gear? Only a 220lbs weight loss?

[pdisme]

No, manual is available:

1.6 Specific options available without extracharge
• Manual gearbox
• Scorpius Rims titanium coloured on normal tyres
• Standard Setup
• Tyre repair kit
• Tools set

[RIE921]

Ok, thanks. now if they could do something about the AWD from the factory. I am getting tired of "having to" take my nearly new cars apart to get RWD.

[Ragin Bull]

Thanks for sharing, I have found out about 2 new models from this site now!!!!!

[pdisme]

Thanks for sharing, I have found out about 2 new models from this site now!!!!!

I've found out I suck at photography. :lol2:

[Mr. Vroom]

So from what I can tell this thing is still AWD, and only comes with E-gear? Only a 220lbs weight loss?

The brochure says 70kg or 150 lbs.... I saved 50 lbs off the back of the car just by swapping exhausts and a cat delete.

[pdisme]

Ok, thanks. now if they could do something about the AWD from the factory. I am getting tired of "having to" take my nearly new cars apart to get RWD.

I've always wondered about that; it's not like it would be extra work for them, just flag it on the line to not install a front diff, shaft and half shafts. Probably other reasons though, maybe engine computer, traction control, etc. all not set up to expect RWD.

The brochure says 70kg or 150 lbs.... I saved 50 lbs off the back of the car just by swapping exhausts and a cat delete.

You've created a Vroomleggera!

[Mr. Vroom]

You've created a Vroomleggera!

In English that would be a Vroomlegup. I am also a skinny guy, 30 lbs lighter than the average guy, so there you go, total of 80 lbs savings, think I will stick to the SE.

[Matt]

Nice, so they add a tow hitch, a spoiler, and an extra vent in the front, lose 150lbs and call it a new car... lame.

[RIE921]

Its really not that hard to shave quite a bit of weight off of the car. I have saved 300lbs easy right now(exhaust,2wd,battery,etc.). If the car is 20k more than the standard coupe, I would have a hard time parting with the difference. Its a lot easier to change the seats,exhaust, and take the front drive system out. I understand part of what makes it unique is the fact that they lost the weight while retaining AWD.Maybe I am getting old, but I just don't get it, they could have taken it further.

[Matt]

Maybe I am getting old, but I just don't get it, they could have taken it further.

No, its not you, i totally agree... :tdown:

[tomf-1]

Wow....that looks like a serious contender. Does anyone know date of availability? Might need to rethink my acquisition plan.

[pdisme]

Wow....that looks like a serious contender. Does anyone know date of availability? Might need to rethink my acquisition plan.

It does come in e-gear so that would still meet your two-pedal requirement. :)

[RIE921]

I've always wondered about that; it's not like it would be extra work for them, just flag it on the line to not install a front diff, shaft and half shafts. Probably other reasons though, maybe engine computer, traction control, etc. all not set up to expect RWD.

Actually the car does quite well when converted. No system related issues. I love mine. I think that it is more an issue of parent company engineering logic and liability limitation than anything else. AWD is safer with these kinds of HP levels.

[pdisme]

Actually the car does quite well when converted. No system related issues. I love mine. I think that it is more an issue of parent company engineering logic and liability limitation than anything else. AWD is safer with these kinds of HP levels.

Have you taken it to the track at all to see how it performs in that environment? How's the oversteer?

[RIE921]

Have you taken it to the track at all to see how it performs in that environment? How's the oversteer?

This isn't my track car. I have another toy for that duty. This is just my street toy. As to oversteer, it has increased quite a bit. I am an old school driver, I would much rather have a car prone to throttle induced steering. There was quite a bit of fettling to get the suspension set up the way that I like it. My car is kind of a guinea pig for develpoment. I will not be converting the car back. I love it this way. If a standard Gallardo is like a 996, a properly converted 2wd Gallardo is like a GT-3.

[lambo_freak]

would be nicer minus the 4wd and the sticker on the side. maybe the wing as well. low profile to really torch that f-flamer.

[duc749r]

More info and pics.

http://i12.tinypic.com/2wp31vn.jpg

http://i9.tinypic.com/2uqzok7.jpg

Weight Watchers: The Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera


The high priests of Sant'Agata have dispatched a messenger with their latest proclamation. We'll paraphrase. "And shall it be so, that the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera will be one sporty MF. It shall be 150 pounds or so lighter and its engine computer will be remapped. Further, improved volumetric efficiency will be achieved through reduced intake load losses and by exhaust backpressures [better exhaust - ed.], such that it will produce 530 hp." See you in Geneva, my liege. – Mike Spinelli


Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Press Release:

Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera

- The sportiest and most 'purist' Gallardo ever
- The new more powerful and lightweight series leader

Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy -- With the Gallardo Superleggera, Automobili Lamborghini presents an uncompromisingly high-performance sports car. Thanks to increased power (an additional 10 hp) and a 100 kg reduction in weight (USA 70 kg), the new range-leading Gallardo Superleggera is even more dynamic than the already very sporty Gallardo. The weight/power ratio of the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera is only 2.5 kg/hp, which puts it unquestionably at the top.

The Superleggera also has the fastest acceleration in its class. It needs only 3.8 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph); 0.2 seconds less than the basic model, and boasting speed and grit under other driving conditions.

The Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera is an extremely high-performance car: it includes a standard robotized mechanical 'e-gear' gearbox that guarantees shifting without removing hands from the steering wheel. The new Gallardo Superleggera can be ordered through the dealer network starting March 2007: production volumes will be restricted to lower numbers than the standard Gallardo.

More power thanks to technological developments

The Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera's engine is the latest version of Lamborghini's well-known 4,961 cm3 V10. Now 530 hp is reached in 8,000 min-1. 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.

Higher power thanks to lighter construction

Lamborghini engineers decreased the Lamborghini Gallardo's already low weight when empty (1,430 kg) by another 100 kg using advanced materials and technologies. The engine hood is made of visible carbon fiber and transparent polycarbonate, a type of material that guarantees lightness and also shows off the magnificent V10. The rear diffuser and underbody covering, the rearview mirrors, door panels and the central tunnel's covering are also made of carbon fiber. Further reductions in weight were achieved by replacing certain glass surfaces with transparent polycarbonate. 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 Gallardo Superleggera is capable of achieving around curves.

Exclusive specification and options range

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 (standard) on new Scorpius forged rims accentuate the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera. A few of the options that can be requested include the multimedia system with navigator and CD-changer; a rear video camera to make parking easier (with optional rear wing only); 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.

[duc749r]

http://i12.tinypic.com/2mpajop.jpg

[pdisme]

Interior looks sweet. Yeah feelings are mixed on the wing; if it's actually functional then I'm okay with it, but it does kind of make me want to say :gotrice:

[duc749r]

I agree about the wing, from the rear view it kind of looks like a diablo wing from 91-92. I prefer the real race wing if I had to choose.

[lambo_freak]

nice interior. i like the new pipes too.

[Monarchy]

the interior is hot but the rest is disapointing especially the performance and the fact that it is egear.

the pic of the Cf glass bonnet is exactly what i am making minus the gay ass wing.

i will agree with RIE, 2wd is the best thing i did to the car. it is a night and day difference. but it is alot of power for just 2wd for the average guy.

[pdisme]

the interior is hot but the rest is disapointing especially the performance and the fact that it is egear.


6-speed is a no-cost option.

[SuperVixen]

Wow....that looks like a serious contender. Does anyone know date of availability? Might need to rethink my acquisition plan.

Should be available in July. I like it, but it's too bad I won't be able to drive one. There is no seat adjustment as part of the weight savings. I wouldn't be able to see over the steering wheel.

[pdisme]

Nothing at all? i.e. one size fits all?!

[SuperVixen]

The back doesn't tilt. In my Lotus it's no big deal, but because I'm a shorty I'm hearing this mostly likely will not be a good fit for me. It's too bad because I think it's hot.

[RIE921]

the interior is hot but the rest is disapointing especially the performance and the fact that it is egear.

the pic of the Cf glass bonnet is exactly what i am making minus the gay ass wing.

i will agree with RIE, 2wd is the best thing i did to the car. it is a night and day difference. but it is alot of power for just 2wd for the average guy.

Monarchy is right. Car is a little much for a lot of drivers, but by the same token so is a C6 Z06 with all of the nannies turned off.It is part of what make the car fun to drive, adds to its "character". Some time faster lap times and more technology are just that, more and faster, but not more fun. I just revamped the car to meet my wants for fun driving. Not better, not worse, just different.

[pdisme]

The back doesn't tilt. In my Lotus it's no big deal, but because I'm a shorty I'm hearing this mostly likely will not be a good fit for me. It's too bad because I think it's hot.

Oh, the seat back is at a fixed angle? That would get annoying if it's not at the angle you like.

[Matt]

If they're going to do seats that arent adjustable, they really need to think about doing what saleen and mclaren do and have clients test fitted for the seat, then make it custom.