Lamborghini’s Light Fantastic

Gallardo Superleggera sheds weight and adds power.

Who said going on a diet wasn't fun? For the automotive enthusiast, a car on a diet is the ultimate feast. Lamborghini proves this with the special edition Gallardo Superleggera it will unveil at the Geneva motor show next week.

The Superleggera (meaning super light in Italian) weighs in at a scant 1330kg – shedding 100kg off the already lightweight Gallardo frame. These weight reductions were achieved through extensive use of carbon fibre, aluminium and polycarbonate.

The series of lightweight carbon fibre elements include the rear diffuser and underbody covering, rearview mirrors, door panels and the central transmission tunnel covering. A carbon fibre bonnet has been fitted with transparent polycarbonate instead of glass to show off the V10 powerplant, and some steel components within the chassis are now made from aluminium. The cabin also features monocoque carbon fibre sports seats swathed in Alcantara.

Lamborghini’s five-litre V10 engine is the same unit found in the Gallardo, but the intake and exhaust systems have been tweaked to moderately boost power. The engine’s improved volumetric efficiency through reduced intake load losses and exhaust backpressures has enabled engineers to squeeze a further 10bhp from the unit, raising output to 530bhp. Torque is still rated at a healthy 376lb.ft, but revised engine performance and decreased weight allow the Superleggera to shed two-tenths off a 0-62mph run, to 3.8 seconds.

As with the standard Gallardo, drive is channelled to all four wheels via Lamborghini’s six-speed electro-manual gearbox (a standard feature) and viscous coupling four wheel drive system. Rolling stock includes all-new alloy wheels shod with 19-inch Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tyres.

A carbon accessories kit for the interior, fixed rear spoiler, four-point seatbelt, tubular rear frame, and carbon-ceramic brake discs can be ticked off the options list.

Lamborghini will begin taking orders for the Gallardo Superleggera March 7th at the Geneva show. Be prepared to stand in a cue with other rich folk...