Introduction / Lineup
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Fast Facts

Base MSRP: $220,300 (USD)

Category: Sports Cars

Fuel Economy:  11/17 city/Highway

Assembled In:  Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy

Horsepower:  522 @ 8000 (hp @ rpm)

Torque:  376 @ 4250 (ft-lbs @ rpm)

Warranty:  3 years/36,000 miles

As Tested

MSRP: $220,300 (USD)

Engine: 5.0-liter dohc 40-valve V10

Transmission: 6-speed automatic egear

Drivetrain Layout: rear-engine, four-wheel drive

Equipment Options: N/A

Safety Options: frontal airbags, side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, traction control, ABS, all-wheel drive

N/A = Data Not Available

Fast, beautiful, and Italian.

By Jim McCraw
© 2008 NewCarTestDrive.com Fast, beautiful, and Italian.
Jim McCraw, New Car Test Drive.com

Introduction

Now that it has been bought by the Volkswagen Group and put under the direct supervision of Audi, Italian sports car manufacturer Lamborghini, passed from owner to owner for the last 35 years, finally has a stable platform from which to operate, and a group of companies that can offer high-technology and manufacturing synergies while it goes about designing and building breathtakingly beautiful sports cars.

The new, 2007 Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera is proof that the partnership is working.

Superleggera means super light, in Italian. The Lamborghini designers took the existing Gallardo coupe, added still more power and more torque to the V10 engine, and then took 220 pounds out of the car by substituting lightweight carbon fiber and titanium throughout the car to make it quicker and faster than it was before.

This thing is so quick, so fast, so loud, and sounds so angry at full-throttle that it may scare kids, old people, pets, and livestock. But that's just part of its charm.

This is one of the most exciting, easy-to-drive sports cars ever built, a very special car for the few who can afford it.

Model Lineup

The Lamborghini Gallardo is available in coupe and roadster versions.

The Superleggera is intended for drivers who may want to take it to the race track on weekends, so it comes only as a coupe, safer and more structurally rigid than a superlight roadster would be.

Options for the Superleggera include a stationary rear wing instead of the standard articulated wing that rises and falls with the speed of the car. Also on the options list are eight-piston carbon disc brakes ($10,000), as well as a window net, fire extinguisher, and a bar for competition seat belts.

The six-speed manual transmission is a no-cost option.

A navigation system and an entertainment system is available for the Gallardo, but not on the Superleggera version because it would add weight. You can listen to the AM/FM radio, or just listen to the music from the V10 engine.

Safety features include seat-mounted side air bags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic stability control, and all-wheel drive.
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