The Gallardo Superleggera is back and even more dynamic, lighter and more powerful than ever. Donning the full title of Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera, the latest “super-light” packs a healthy 570 horsepower and retains the Gallardo’s all-wheel drive system.
The last Gallardo Superleggera went out of production in 2008 after selling 618 units, leaving a gap for the new car to fill and as expected it has managed to shed even more pounds. Compared with the already lean Gallardo LP 560-4, the weight of the Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera has been trimmed by 154 pounds, allowing it to boast a final ‘dry weight’ of no more than 2,954 pounds. This makes it the lightest road-going model in Lamborghini’s range.
Key to the weight loss is the extensive use of carbon-fiber for both the interior and exterior. This in turn leads to better performance due to an improved weight-to-power ratio. Its V-10 engine, which still displaces 5.2-liters, now develops 570 horsepower and 398.3 pound-feet of torque and sees the weight-to-power ratio come in at 5.18 pounds per horsepower. This is enough to make the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera accelerate from 0-62 mph in just 3.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 202 mph.
Furthermore, thanks to direct injection, the engine's CO2 emissions are down 20.5 percent compared to the previous Superleggera's as well. That works out to fuel economy of about 16 mpg--not hybrid green, but about double the last generation of super sports cars.
Drive is sent to all four wheels via the e-gear transmission operated with steering wheel paddles, as standard (a manual gearbox is also available at no additional cost). The automated system with electronic management shifts through its six gears smoothly and far more quickly than could be achieved by human reflexes, though it’s still slightly slower than a dual clutch set-up.
The e-gear control unit has three operating modes, two of which are 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.
As for the constant all-wheel drive system, it integrates a central viscous coupling and a 45 percent limited slip differential on the rear axle. In normal circumstances, the power delivered by the V-10 is channeled with a ratio of 30:70 to the front and rear axles.
Other specs include a rack and pinion steering system, further reinforced shock absorbers, anti-roll bars and suspension mounts and 19 inch wheels made from forged aluminum. These are wrapped in specially developed Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires and feature wheel bolts made from titanium. The brakes measure in at 14.37 inches up front and 14 inches and come in steel as standard. As an optional extra, Lamborghini can fit fade-resistant and lightweight discs made from carbon-fiber ceramic. The front wheels are served by aluminum eight-piston calipers, with four-piston units at the rear.
[Lamborghini]
