Nurburgring: Lamborghini Gallardo vs Mercedes CLK DTM AMG

Not everyone buys a supercar to show-off his or her hooning abilities on crowded street roads. Some extra-extra lucky folks take their precious babies for the ultimate spin at car nut’s heaven: the Nurbugring race track. And by God, hearing that sweat V10 melody is how we imagine heaven. Via: Motorpassion

Technorati: Lamborghini, Mercedes-Benz, Video, Nurburgring, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007

Shaquille O'Neal’s LWB Lamborghini Gallardo!

WTF; a… XLLL Gallardo? Well, if there’s a distance of 7ft and an inch between the tip of your head and the floor, that’s probably the only way you’ll ever fit into one of these Italian beauties. According to Edmunds, the LWB (+12 inches) Gallardo was created for NBA star Shaquille O’Neal by Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters, a supplier for corporations like the Boeing Company and PPG Aerospace Glass. -Continued after the jump

Gaffoglio’s CEO George Gaffoglio noted that, “we relied on our aerospace and coachworks divisions to make sure Shaq could fit in the car, but the naked eye could not detect any differences from the original Gallardo". Umm, sorry but, we can…

Source: Edmunds , Via: Autoblog.nl

Technorati: Lamborghini+Gallardo, , Shaquille+O'Neal, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, images, pictures

Video: Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera

Forget about the pony-tailed Swedish bloke and his mambo-jumbo and get an acoustic load of that Italian black beauty revving up its 530Hp strong V10 at the Phoenix international raceway in Arizona. Via: Germancarscene

Technorati: Lamborghini+Gallardo+Superleggera, Video, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007

Lamborghini Gallardo "Superleggera" official pictures

Well that didn’t take long did. Not even 24 hours past after our Sunday post on the light weight Gallardo and even though Lamborghini hasn’t come out yet with an official press release, the first official images have surfaced all over the net. And what beauty do these pics reveal; a lustful piece of art, so brutal and so sexy at the same time.

If you haven’t read our previous post, in a few words, the “Superleggera” is a sporty or rather sportier version of the Gallardo that lost 100 kg (220,5 pounds) and gained 10Hp (overall output 530Hp) thus bettering 0-100 km/h time by 0,2 sec over the standard model (3,8 sec vs 4,0 sec respectively). -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the official press release & a high-res image gallery

UPDATED - OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

The new Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera

The sportiest and most ‘purist’ Gallardo ever

The new more powerful and lightweight series leader

With the Gallardo Superleggera, to be launched at the 2007 Geneva motor show, Automobili Lamborghini presents an uncompromisingly high-performance sports car. Thanks to increased power (an additional 10 hp) and a 100 kg reduction in weight, 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, putting it in the top lightweights of its class.

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 various 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 (70kg in the USA) using advanced materials and technologies. The engine hood is made of visible carbon fibre 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 fibre. Further reductions in weight were achieved by replacing certain glass surfaces with transparent polycarbonate. For the interior, monocoque carbon fibre 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.

Technorati: Lamborghini+Gallardo+Superleggera, Geneva+motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

Lamborghini Gallardo "Superleggera" Geneva Sneak Preview: 10hp more, 100 kg less

530Hp, 1.330kg and 0-100km/h in 3,8 sec: that’s the Gallardo “Superleggera” is in a nutshell. Unlike our previous post on the Opel Agila, the “Superleggera” is a done deal; this souped-up lightweight Gallardo will make its appearance at the Geneva Show. We had been tipped about this one but we didn’t have any photos to go with it until now that is, thanks to a “paparazzi” at Supercar Forums who posted a scanned image of the car from Quattroruote magazine. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below

The “Superleggera” boasts minor engine upgrades, adding another 10hp to the 5.0 V10 thus, raising output to 530Hp. Even though the ‘Superleggera” (unfortunately) maintains the 4WD system, thanks to the extensive use of carbonfibre and the stripped-down-to-basics interior the Gallardo lost 100kg (220,5 pounds) reducing overall weight to 1.330kg (2.932 pounds).

Expect changes in the brake and suspension departments as well as the obvious aesthetic upgrades that include sexy dark grey rims and a rear diffuser. Apart from promising to offer improved handling over the basic Gallardo the “Superleggera” also boasts a better time for the 0 to 100 km/h sprint as it manages to do the ton in 3,8 sec (normal version 4,2 sec). -UPDATE: OFFICIAL PICS

Pic Via: Supercarnet Forums

Technorati: Lamborghini+Gallardo+Superleggera, Geneva+motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

Paris Show : 2007 Lamborghini Gallardo Nera

EVEN if you have the money, don't get your hopes up high, as this "raging" bull is a special edition with production limited to a mere 185 units. Based on the tweaked 2007 model that gets an extra 20 Hp -thank Audi and it's upcoming R8 for that, the Nera which is exclusively available in the basic colours "Nero Serapis" and "Nero Noctis", features special paintwork in matt black on the side mirrors, rear spoiler, rear body panels, roof section, selected front panels and on the door sills and rear apron.

And that's not all as additional details include matt black rims in the Callisto design with the Lamborghini logo, brake callipers in silver, white side indicator lenses and darkened tail lights complement the martial look of the exterior. The interior is styled in the colours "Nero Perseus" and "Bianco Polar" using the "bicolour sportive" equipment variant. A further Branding Package and the ad personam equipment package provide additional distinctive touches.

As for performance, the 520 Hp 5.0 litre V10 sprints the Gallardo from 0 to 100 km/h in 4 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 315 km/h. via: Motorpasion

Technorati: Lamborghini+Gallardo+Nera, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, Mondial+de+l'Automobile, 2006, cars, automotive, vehicles, Paris+International+Motor+Show

Lamborghini Gallardo protagonist in Mission Impossible III

How do you get 3 Hollywood stars into a two-seater Lamborghini? Mission: Impossible?

In what is sure to become one of this summers big blockbuster hits, the Lamborghini Gallardo makes an on-screen appearance in the highly anticipated Mission: Impossible III (Paramount Pictures). Italian moviegoers were treated to an extra performance, when the cast arrived in 10 Lamborghinis at the movie’s spectacular world premiere in Rome.

Under the direction of J.J. Abrams, of the famous TV series "Lost" and "Alias", super agent Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) returns with a bang in the third installment of the Mission: Impossible franchise. The high-performance Lamborghini Gallardo, styled in a vibrant orange, is just the car to complete the IMF team.

The Gallardo is named after one of the five main breeds of bulls used in Spanish bullfighting. Just like the powerful animal after which it is named (and like the women Ethan Hunt loves and battles!), the car is the most beautiful specimen within the race.

So how do you get Tom Cruise, Maggie Q and this year’s Academy Award winner for best actor, Philip Seymour Hoffman, into the two-seater Lamborghini Gallardo? Go see Mission: Impossible III to find out!

A few facts about the Lamborghini Gallardo:

Permanent 4-wheel drive

Engine: 5 liter, 10 cylinder V90°, DOHC four valves

Power: 520HP at 8000rpm

Torque: 510 Nm at 4250 rpm

0-62 mph in 4.0 sec.

Top speed: 196 mph

Technorati Tags: Lamborghini+Gallardo, autos, auto+news, cars, automotive, press+release, movies, Paramount+pictures, Mission+Impossible+III

Hamann equips the Lamborghini Gallardo with wing-doors

Hamann Motorsport from Laupheim, Germany, is giving the 520 hp Lamborghini a feature that is inextricably linked with the classic Countach and the more recent Diablo and Murcielago models. Without further ado, the Hamann engineers are equipping this Italian supercar with wing doors.

Hamann is relying on an inhouse wing door construction to create a stable system without being too flashy. The hinges of the Hamann wing door conversion can only just be seen, without appearing retrofitted. This ensures that the Gallardo still cuts a fine figure when getting in and out.

As one might expect, these changes call for a number of measures. In view of the end result, however, they can be regarded as extremely minimal. To complete the conversion, all that remains to be done is to blend in the paintwork along the hinges and the internal folding of the doors. The conversion is carried out at Hamann and takes about a week.

The Hamann wing doors are characterised by the fact that they open upwards at an angle. Drivers who opt for this conversion will never want to be without this wow factor! Needless to say, Hamann also offers conversions for the Spyder version and older 500 bhp models.

In addition to the wing doors for the Gallardo, Hamann also offers a whole range of tuning options for this model - in the form of aerodynamic components, light alloy wheels, suspension systems and luxurious interior equipment packages.

By the way, BMW 6 Series or Ferrari F430 owners who are thirsting for wing doors, also have something to look forward to. HAMANN is currently working on a conversion kit for these two models and their soft-top variants Cabrio and Spider.

Technorati Tags: Hamann, Lamborghini, Gallardo, wing+doors, images, pictures, autos, auto+news, car+news

Lamborghini Spyder Official!!

New Gallardo Spyder

Two years after the launch of the Coupé version of the Gallardo, Automobili Lamborghini is presenting the new Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder This latest addition brings the marque’s range of supercars to four models. at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
The Gallardo Spyder is not just an open-top version of the Coupé, but is a completely new model. It has an attractive new design and a unique system for opening and closing the fabric roof that utilises the engine compartment to store the folded roof.
The Lamborghini Centro Stile and engineers from the Research and Development team have worked in close partnership to develop this new design and to bring these clean and sharp lines on the road.
Design
The original design vision for the Gallardo was created in the year 2000 and this vision continues with the ”open” version.
The dimensions of the Gallardo, combined with its competitive performance targets, ensure the car has an athletic compactness. The long wheelbase complemented by short overhangs dynamise its appearance. The Gallardo Spyder features typical and unique mono-volume proportions, which which integrate the Lamborghini design attributes of purism, athleticism and sharpness.
The cab-forward cockpit is integrated in the body by a strongly-slanted front screen and tensed pillars. The complex surfacing is intersected by crisp graphics and its detailing, which is orientated towards optimum cooling, evokes a strong aeronautical influence in its proportions and formal language.