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Italian supercar bull boys at Lamborghini offered Gallardo as an entry level supercar, but this has had a very serious work-over and the result is the lighter, more powerful and much faster Superleggera.
The Superleggera was launched at the Geneva Roadshow in 2007 and is expected to be available in far more limited numbers than the Gallardo.
Using carbon fiber for the engine bay cover, door panels and as much of the rest of the car as possible to provide a weight saving of 154 pounds on the regular Gallardo so when you find that the engine produces 10bhp more as well at 530bhp you get 0-62 in 3.8 seconds, a whole two-tenths of a second faster than it's bigger, more butch brother. The 15 spoke wheels are too feminine for some tastes, but all Superleggera come with e-gear transmission and optional carbon ceramic brakes.
The Superleggera's engine is Lamborghini's latest engine, and only the third they have built, the 5 liter V10. The 10bhp power increase has been achieved by increasing the volumetric efficiency together with reduced intakes and exhaust backpressure coupled with electronic control. The weight to power ratio is only 5.5 pounds/hp which puts it at the top and provides the fastest acceleration in its' class. Notwithstanding the power generation the engine still meets all US and European emission standards.
The weight reduction has been accomplished by a radical diet of carbon fiber being used extensively while stripping out as much of the Gallardo as possible including the central duct tunnel and producing a hood made of transparent polycarbonate that shows off the V10 engine. Transmission is by the e-gear robotic system which the Superleggera has as standard and allows gear changing without the need to take your hands off the wheel.
The interior houses the Alcantara covered seats, chosen to provide driver and passenger support during the intense forces that the Superleggera pulls when taking curves. The driving experience is what you would expect from the Lamborghini stable, with the acceleration in a straight line really exerting it's effect, but to get a true feel for the automobile, take it on a few twists and turns. This is where the seats and restraints really do come into their own and you realize that they are not just their for show, the Superleggera really does pull some g-force even on a slight bend.
The Superleggera is available in four colors, Midas Yellow, Borealis Orange, Noctis Black and Telesto Grey and additional extras include a multimedia package with satellite navigation together with a rear view camera for reversing into those tight spots. There is also a sports options pack, fixed rear spoiler and an interior carbon fiber kit, but with a car like this, you're really going to be getting your driving pleasure from taking the machine out on the track or road and putting it through it's paces rather than worrying about the gadgets it is packing.