LP (2011)

The V10 power unit with 5.2 liters (317,6 cu in) of displacement generates 419 kW (570 CV) in the Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera. This puts the weight-to-power ratio of the new top model at only 2.35 kilograms (5.18 lb) per CV and guarantees breathtaking performance. The Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera handles the dash from zero to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 3.4 seconds and flies past the 200 km/h (124 mph) mark only 10.2 seconds later, ultimately reaching 325 km/h (202 mph). The engine with "Iniezione Diretta Stratificata" gasoline direct injection also boasts an impressive degree of efficiency. Its fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have been reduced by 20,5 percent compared to the previous model.

The Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera is an uncompromising driving machine. Its running gear, with its mighty braking system, has a dedicated and exceptionally precise set-up, while its 19-inch wheels, Pirelli P Zero Chttp://img1.netcarshow.com/Lamborghini-Gallardo_LP570-4_Superleggera_2011_thumbnail_02.jpgorsa, clad in Pirelli sports rubber, are extremely light. The Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera brings a whole new meaning to the term "super sportscar".

Design and aerodynamics - The beauty of power

The elegance of every Lamborghini rests on both its extreme power and precise functionality. The Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera's bodyshell is sculptured and completely free from stylistic additions. Dimensions define the contours of a dynamic wedge - 4.39 meters (172,7 in) long, 1.90 meters (74,8 in) wide, but only 1.17 meters (45,9 in) 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 Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera sports a small rear spoiler as standard. A big rear spoiler is available as an option.

The bodyshell - Intelligent lightweight engineering

The model on which the Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera is based, the Gallardo LP560-4, is already a prime example of Lamborghini's lightweight engineering philosophy, with its dry weight of 1410 kilograms (3108.5 lb). 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 70 kilograms (154 lb) presented a huge challenge to Lamborghini engineers - the target figure, a weight-to-power ratio of 2.35 kilograms (5.18 lb) per CV, 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-fibre. 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 40 (88 lb) of the 70 kilograms (154 lb) saved on the Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 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 Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 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.