This is how you condense press releases: Lamborghini's Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera-christened Gallardo weighs less and has more power. Now for the details: it's dropped 154 pounds (70kg), which brings it down to 2,954 lbs (1,340kg) dry, and it also picked up 10-horsepower along the way thanks to some computer finagling. Not only is it faster, the Superleggera is said to be ~20% cleaner and more efficient as well.
The new Superleggera's LP engine (it stands for "longitudinale posteriore", meaning the engine is longitudinally placed behind the passenger compartment) drops 570 horsepower and 540 Nm (398 lb-ft) of torque through an e-gear transmission (6-speed optional) and Lamborghini's all-wheel-drive system.
All that provides a 100km/h (62mph) clip at 3.4 seconds on its way to 325 km/h (202 mph). Thanks to direct injection, fuel mileage comes in at a Lamborghini-claimed 13.5L/100km (~17 mpg US).
The restyled front end is there to provide more air to vital components while increasing downforce, much like the rear diffuser and spoilers (that's right, if the small one just doesn't cut it, there's an optional bigger one available).
Helping bring that weight down are a polycarbonate rear windshield, engine cover, windows, and carbon fiber just about everywhere. It even has titanium wheel bolts.
Much like crosstown rival Ferrari, Lamborghini has made use of driver input derived from its Super Trofeo race series in order to fine-tune the Superleggera's race-brediness. 380 mm carbon ceramic 6-piston brakes are optional, but most drivers will probably be fine with the standard 365 mm vented discs (front ; rears measure 356 mm), and the specially developed Pirellis are "closely related to pure race rubber".
Not only that, but hardcore racers who like to thrash Italian exotics can opt for 4-point harnesses, a fire extinguisher, and a roll cage.
Aww, you think it's too racy for you? Don't worry, hombre, it still has air conditioning, power windows, and a multimedia nav-system with rearview camera. Keep the e-gear and you can even let your girlfriend drive it (but I sure as hell wouldn't).
-By Phil Alex
