530-HP Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera Debuts

SANT'AGATA BOLOGNESE, Italy — Lamborghini has taken the wraps off its new range-topping Gallardo Superleggera, which kicks up the Gallardo a notch by adding 10 horses and subtracting 220 pounds in weight. Purists will note that the weight reduction of the car for the U.S. is 154 pounds, according to the Italian supercar maker.

The car hits the market in March after debuting at the Geneva auto show, where Lamborghini will start taking orders. Without specifying production numbers, Lamborghini said the Superleggera model will be restricted to lower numbers than the standard Gallardo.

Lamborghini boasts that the Superleggera has the "fastest acceleration in its class." The weight/power ratio of the Gallardo Superleggera is only 5.5 pounds/horsepower. The 530-hp 5.0-liter V10 rockets from zero to 62 mph in 3.8 seconds, 0.2 seconds less than the basic Gallardo. It includes a standard robotized mechanical "e-gear" gearbox that "guarantees shifting without removing hands from the steering wheel."

Lamborghini stripped off the excess weight through such tactics as constructing an engine hood of visible carbon fiber and transparent polycarbonate, which it notes "also shows off the magnificent V10." Weight was also reduced by replacing some glass surfaces with transparent polycarbonate.

Other details include a sport package with shock absorbers and a suede-covered steering wheel. A rear video camera, a carbon accessories kit and a navigation system with CD changer are also on the options list.

© Source: article on insideline
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