Car of the Day - Lamborghini Gallardo 570-4 Superleggera

Car of the Day - Lamborghini Gallardo 570-4 Superleggera

Lamborghini have released their new incarnation of the Superleggera formula with the 2011 Gallardo 570-4. This 2nd generation Superlight receives the new 5.2 litre V10 tuned to 419 kW (570 hp) for this range topping model, were as the first iteration of 2007 used the 5.0 litre version rated at 395 (530 hp).

Visually the biggest change over other models in the Gallardo line is the almighty cow catcher of a front spoiler, it is so large it wouldn’t look out of place on an 1800’s Central Pacific’s “America” class train.

The weight reduction program continues with a dry weight of 1340 kilograms (2954 lb) This is 70 kilograms (154 lb). lighter than the current LP 560-4 Gallardo The Lamborghini engineers targeted a power to weight ratio of 2.35 kilograms (5.18 lb) per hp. To achieve this figure the weight reduction requirements saw further use of carbon fibre with the already stiff and lightweight aluminium spaceframe. Additionally the rear windshield and side windows are now made from a tough polycarbonate. The engine cover also gets a window made from the same polycarbonate material. This window is surrounded by a large carbon-fiber bonnet panel. Carbon-fiber is also the material of choice for the rear spoiler, sills, diffuser, various underbody paneling and the exterior mirrors.

The power increase and weight reduction see Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera accelerating from zero to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 3.4 seconds (the first version Gallardo SuperLeggera was 3.7) The acceleration to 200 km/h (124 mph) comes in at 10.2 seconds and the top speed is 325 km/h (202 mph).

Stopping the beast is handled by eight-piston aluminum calipers at front and four-piston units at the rear. The ventilated brake discs are 365 and 356 millimeters respectively (14.37 x 1.34 in and 14.02 x 1.26 in). Optional are even lighter discs made from carbon-fiber ceramic with six pistons at the front. The front ceramic discs have a diameter of 380 millimeters (15 x 1.5 in).

Unsprung weight is also reduced with new 19 inch forged aluminum wheels – saving 13 kilograms (28.6 lb). The wheel bolts are made from incredibly light and strong titanium. Tyres are Pirelli P Zero Corsa series 235/35 ZR19 at the front and 295/30 ZR19 at the rear.

As is the case these days for every exotic car manufacturer there needs to be efficiency improvements to go along with the performance improvements and this is certainly the case with the LP570-4. The “Iniezione Diretta Stratificata” direct injection aids fuel consumption and CO2 emissions reductions of 20.5 percent compared to the previous model. The IDS tumbling mix cools the combustion chambers, which enables a very high compression ratio of 12.5:1 which helps increases efficiency. Fuel consumption is now 13.5 liters/100 km (16 mpg). an improvement of 3.5 liters per 100 kilometer

Rod Halligan