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The lightweight speed machine at the Australian International Motor Show has just jumped to the top of the Gallardo line-up, landing in Australia in July at a cool $525,000. The new car is called the LP 570-4 Superleggera and it promises more with less as a diet allows it to set a new standard for Gallardo performance.
Weight is down by more than 50 kilos and its 5.2-litre V10 knocks out 419kW for a 0-100km/h dash of 3.4 seconds, it can pass 200km/h by the time a stopwatch clicks 10.2 seconds, and it can charge all the way to 325km/h at the top end.
It follows the LP 560-4 which has already found 618 buyers since deliveries began after an introduction in 2007. Only 15 Superleggeras are expected this year and nine are sold.
"Production cars arrive in July," says Andrew Smith of Lamborghini Australia. He believes the Superleggera can better the previous model's sales figure as the world economy improves.
"Sales of high-end luxury cars fell away a bit from mid-2008 to late 2009 because of the global financial crisis, the increase in the luxury car tax and buyer sentiment,'' Smith says. "Now the market is coming back. People are more confident about the economy and business in general.''
Compared with the outgoing mode, the LP 570-4 has been trimmed by 70kg to stand 1340kg dry and that whittles its weight-to-power ratio, helped by the aluminium body with an alloy space-frame skeleton. Standard is the e-gear transmission operated via steering wheel paddles. It gets the option of 'Thrust' — effectively launch control — for maximum off-the-line performance and is programed to manage starting revs at around 5000 with minimal wheel slip.
It has permanent all-wheel drive with a central viscous coupling and a 45 per cent limited-slip differential on the rear axle. In normal circumstances, power is delivered 30:70 to the front and rear axles. The weight distribution of the Superleggera is 43/57 per cent front/rear.
Lamborghini says the engine isn't only fast — it's economical. Well, in relative terms. Thanks to direct petrol injection, the V10 has reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 20.5 per cent. It now averages 13.5 litres/100km and emits 319 grams of CO2 per kilometre.
Externally, the Superleggera has subtle remodelling to maximise aerodynamics and accentuate downforce. Wind tunnel work led to a new front bumper design, recessed panels and large air intakes to sharpen up the nose. The modifications to the fully-covered underbody, changes to the sill shape and a redesigned diffuser incorporating four large tailpipes, to improve aerodynamics.
It comes standard with a small rear spoiler but Lamborghini offers a bigger wing as an option. LED daytime running lights accentuate the razor-edged lines. The underbody is fully clad and includes a new diffuser around four tail pipes.
The rear window, side windows and engine cover are made from polycarbonate and the roof section is of carbon-fibre. Carbon-fibre is also used for the rear spoiler, sills, diffuser, parts of the underbody paneling and the exterior mirror casings. Altogether, carbon fibre components make up 40kg of the 70kg saved on the Gallardo Superleggera.
The interior has also had weight reductions. The centre tunnel cover, the door panels and the surround of the transmission lever are made from carbon-fibre, as are the seats shells. The seats are finished in lightweight Alcantara instead of leather, but Lamborghini has retained airconditioning and electric windows.
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