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The Beauty of Power
The elegance of every Lamborghini rests on
both its extreme power and precise functionality. The Gallardo LP 570-4
Superleggera's bodyshell is sculptured and completely free from stylistic
additions. Dimensions define the contours of a dynamic wedge - 172.7 inches
long, 74.8 inches wide, but only 45.9 inches high.
Exterior modifications
are all directed at increasing aerodynamic effects. Working closely with wind
tunnel experts, the designers from Lamborghini's Centro Stile remodeled the
front bumper - three-dimensional, deeply recessed elements form trapezoidal
frames for the large air intakes. Together with the V-shaped, sharply defined
nose and the LED daytime running lights, the black elements give the front end a
razor-sharp look, reminiscent of Lamborghini's top model. The new design
increases the supply of cooling air and improves the downforce on the front
axle.
The modifications to the fully-covered underbody, which include new
sill elements and a redesigned diffuser incorporating four large tailpipes, help
to achieve better aerodynamic results. The Gallardo Superleggera sports a small
rear spoiler as standard. A big rear spoiler is available as an option.
Intelligent Lightweight Engineering
The model on which the
Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera is based, the Gallardo LP 560-4, is already a
prime example of Lamborghini's lightweight engineering philosophy, with its dry
weight of 3108.5 lbs (1410 kilograms). Its bodyshell is made from aluminum, with
moulded node elements and extruded parts forming an extremely stiff framework
into which the aluminum panels are integrated. The spaceframe structure is
impact-resistant and forms the basis for the super sportscar's precise handling.
Against this background, the task of reducing the weight by a further 154
lbs (70 kilograms) presented a huge challenge to Lamborghini engineers - the
target figure, a weight-to-power ratio of 5.18 lbs (2.35 kilograms) per hp, sets
a new best among the competition. Lamborghini engineers handled the task as they
usually do - with hi-tech competence and aesthetic flair.
The rear
windshield and side windows are made from robust and resistant polycarbonate.
The engine cover also includes a polycarbonate window, beneath which the V10
engine is displayed like a technical work of art. The long cover section runs
from the roof to the rear of the vehicle and is made from carbon-fiber.
Engineers also selected carbon-fiber for the rear spoiler, sills, diffuser,
parts of the underbody paneling and the fine exterior mirror casings.
With its minimal weight and extremely high rigidity, carbon-fiber is the ideal
material for a super sportscar. As far back as the 1980s, Lamborghini was
already gathering experience in this field with the Countach. Today, some parts
of the Murciélago's structure are made from carbon-fiber. In order to secure
this leading position even further, the brand from Sant'Agata Bolognese
established a center of excellence for carbon-fiber materials, where specialists
are developing components, working with efficient manufacturing technologies.
Lamborghini's carbon-fiber strategy is further proven by its foundation of
the "Automobili Lamborghini Advanced Composite Structures Laboratory" (ACSL) at
the University of Washington in Seattle, USA. Lamborghini provides support to
the facility and its long-term, co-operative research work in the fields of
aeronautics and astronautics, together with the composite materials' application
within the automotive sector. Alongside the University of Washington, aircraft
company Boeing is also among Lamborghini's partners.
The aircraft
manufacturer commands enormous expertise in the field of composite materials.
With the new Type 787 Dreamliner, Boeing has developed the world's first
commercial aircraft built entirely from carbon-fiber. Thanks to its superior
characteristics, it consumes around 20 percent less fuel than a conventional
aeroplane.
The Interior and the Use of Carbon-Fiber
Altogether, carbon-fiber components make up 88 lbs of the 154 lbs saved on the
Gallardo Superleggera. In the interior, too, engineers aimed to reduce weight as
much as possible. The center tunnel cover, the door panels and the surround of
the e-gear automated manual transmission lever are made from carbon-fiber. The
high-end material is also used for the sports seats' shells. They make a
significant contribution to the overall weight reduction.
Just like the
rest of the cockpit, the sports seats are clad in lightweight Alcantara instead
of leather. At Lamborghini, weight reduction is in no way synonymous with
sacrifice - the Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera is still equipped with air
conditioning and electric powered windows as standard.
Lamborghini has
built on this strength - the interior is crafted with passionate attention to
the tiniest detail; high quality materials indulge both visually and sensually.
The interior, including roof and mats, retains the Lamborghini Gallardo's
black finish. As a contrasting color for elements such as seat trims and
stitching, customers can choose among green, yellow, orange and two shades of
gray. They match exterior paint finishes in Verde Ithaca, Giallo Midas, Arancio
Borealis, Grigio Telesto, Nero Noctis and Bianco Monocerus.
The
Engine: 10.2 Seconds from Zero to 124 mph
In the Gallardo LP 570-4
Superleggera, LP stands for "longitudinale posteriore" and refers to the
orientation of the V10 engine - which is mounted longitudinally behind the
driver, just like every Lamborghini engine. The number 570 refers to the maximum
power output in hp, which is available at 8,000 rpm. Equally impressive is the
pulling power - the torque curve peaks at 398.3 lb-ft at 6,500 rpm. The increase
of 10 hp is the result of the new dedicated engine management strategy.
The V10 has a displacement of 5204 cc and achieves a specific output of 109.6 hp
per liter. Special features on this long-stroke engine with an aluminum
crankcase include dry sump lubrication and a cylinder angle of 90 degrees. Both
solutions lower the center of gravity, thus improving the handling dynamics. To
ensure an ideal combustion chamber fill, the engine has an adjustable intake
manifold and continuous control of the chain-driven camshafts.
The
crankshaft is conceived as a dual-plane crank - the connecting rods of opposing
pistons share one bearing. This configuration delivers alternating ignition
intervals of 54 and 90 degrees; a unique sequence that is the reason for the
compelling, racing car-like sound of the V10. As the revs rise, resounding bass
notes are overlaid with razor sharp harmonics.
The powerful V10, combined
with the model's weight reduction, gives the Gallardo Superleggera LP 570-4
breathtaking performance. The car accelerates zero to 60 mph in just 3.2
seconds, 0 to 124 mph in 10.2 seconds - then continues relentlessly to its top
speed of 202 mph.
The Gallardo Superleggera is also considerably more
efficient - compared with its predecessor, its fuel consumption in the EU
driving cycle is reduced by 3.5 liters per 100 kilometer (0.9 gal), or 20,5
percent, to 13.5 liters/100 km (16 mpg). This improvement is partly due to the "Iniezione
Diretta Stratificata" gasoline direct injection, which injects fuel into the
combustion chambers at pressures of up to 100 bar. The tumbling mix cools the
combustion chambers, which enables a very high compression ratio of 12.5:1
which, in turn, increases efficiency.
Power Transmission
The Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera comes with the e-gear transmission operated
via steering wheel paddles, as standard. The automated system with electronic
management shifts through its six gears extremely smoothly and far more quickly
than could be achieved by human reflexes.
The e-gear control unit has
three operating modes, two of which available in automatic. The "Thrust mode"
delivers maximum off-the-line performance and is programmed to manage starting
revs of around 5000 rpm with minimal wheel slip.
Every single kilometer
in the new Superleggera is utterly thrilling - not least because of the
relentless traction in practically every situation. This is largely attributable
to the four driven wheels, as indicated by the number 4 in the model name.
The permanent all-wheel drive integrates a central viscous coupling and a 45
percent limited slip differential on the rear axle. In normal circumstances, the
power delivered by the V10 is channeled with a ratio of 30:70 to the front and
rear axles. The weight distribution of the superlight Gallardo is 43/57 percent
front/rear.
In 1993, the Diablo VT was the first Italian super sportscar
with an all-wheel drive set-up, and Lamborghini has been steadily consolidating
its leadership ever since. In fact, thanks to the car's superior traction,
Lamborghini drivers can accelerate earlier out of a bend than drivers of
rear-wheel drive cars.
The Running Gear is Even Firmer
The running gear layout is derived directly from Lamborghini's motorsport
experience. The suspension is aluminum double wishbones. The precise rack and
pinion steering keeps the driver very closely connected with the road. The shock
absorbers are extremely firm, and the anti-roll bars and suspension mounts have
been further reinforced: these features enable the running gear to reach its
full dynamic potential. No other model in the Gallardo range is as close to a
race car as this one. The development of the Superleggera was heavily influenced
by experiences gained from the world's fastest single-brand race series, the
Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo.
Another special feature of the
Gallardo Superleggera is the wheels. The 19-inch units are aluminum forged and
are therefore extremely lightweight - saving 28.6 lbs (13 kilograms). The wheel
bolts are made from titanium and are also incredibly light and rigid. The tires
are 235/35 ZR19 at the front and 295/30 ZR19 at the rear and come from the
Pirelli P Zero Corsa series. Developed specifically for the new top model in the
Gallardo range, they are closely related to pure race rubber.
Behind the
huge wheels are brakes that serve to deliver uncompromising stopping power and
are managed by the standard-fit ESP stability control system. The front wheels
are served by aluminum eight-piston calipers, with four-piston units at the
rear. The ventilated brake discs have a diameter of 365 and 356 millimeters (o
14.37 x 1.34 in and 14.02 x 1.26 in) respectively. As an optional extra,
Lamborghini can fit extremely fade-resistant and lightweight discs made from
carbon-fiber ceramic with six pistons at the front. The front ceramic discs have
a diameter of 380 millimeters (o 15 x 1.5 in).
Hi-Tech Equipment for
Road and Track
Alongside its specialized carbon-fiber lightweight
components, the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera is delivered ex-works
with an array of other high-end features. Highlights include the e-gear
transmission - a manual gearbox is also available at no additional cost - the
dedicated set-up, the Pirelli sports tires and the sports seats. Alcantara
upholstery and a hand-stitched steering wheel also set the interior ambiance.
The range of special equipment is particularly sporty. It includes
carbon-fiber ceramic brake discs, four-point seat belts, fire extinguisher and a
steel roll cage. Visual impact can be further increased by a rear spoiler and
the engine bay for the engine compartment - both from carbon-fiber - as well as
colored brake calipers.
For the interior, Lamborghini offers special
floor mats and leather steering wheels, a storage package and an alarm system.
An additional carbon-fiber package includes center console and instrument panel
trim, the parking brake handle, parts of the steering wheel and the door
handles. A LED light package illuminates the engine compartment, the interior,
and the entry area.
Additional features of special equipment increase
comfort, such as the multimedia navigation system, the lifting system which
raises the front of the car to enable driving over obstacles, a remote control
for opening garage doors and a rear view camera mounted beneath the rear
spoiler. Customers who want to personalize their Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera,
can use Lamborghini's wide-ranging options of the "Ad Personam"
individualization program.
Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications