 |
LP 570-4 SUPERLEGGERA
570 HORSEPOWER0-60 IN 3.2 SECONDS (0-62 IN 3.4 SECONDS)202 MPH TOP SPEEDDIRECTION INJECTION       
Compared with the Gallardo LP 560-4, the weight of the
Gallardo Superleggera has been trimmed by 70 kilograms (154
lb). The super sportscar from Sant’Agata Bolognese boasts a
dry weight of no more than 1340 kilograms (2954 lb) – the
lightest road-going model in Lamborghini’s range, and a new
arrival in one of the most exclusive market niche segments.
One
key factor is the exterior and interior components made from
carbon-fiber. Carbon-fiber is ideal for the manufacture of
sportscars as its use allows for weight reduction and
improved mechanical features. The car’s performance is thus enhanced thanks to a better weight-to-power ratio and
reduced total mass, which means that CO2 emissions are also
lower. Lamborghini has been at the forefront in this
material’s application for many years, and now the brand is
extending its leadership even further.
The
V10 power unit with 5.2 liters (317,6 cu in) of displacement
generates 419 kW (570 CV) in the Gallardo Superleggera. This
puts the weight-to-power ratio of the new top model at only
2.35 kilograms (5.18 lb) per CV and guarantees breathtaking
performance. The Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera handles the
dash from zero to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 3.4 seconds and
flies past the 200 km/h (124 mph) mark only 10.2 seconds
later, ultimately reaching 325 km/h (202 mph). The engine
with "Iniezione Diretta Stratificata" gasoline direct
injection also boasts an impressive degree of efficiency.
Its fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have been reduced by
20,5 percent compared to the previous model.
The
Gallardo Superleggera is an uncompromising driving machine.
Its running gear, with its mighty braking system, has a
dedicated and exceptionally precise set-up, while its
19-inch wheels, Pirelli P Zero Corsa, clad in Pirelli sports
rubber, are extremely light. The Lamborghini Gallardo LP
570-4 Superleggera brings a whole new meaning to the term
"super sportscar".
Design and aerodynamics
The
elegance of every Lamborghini rests on both its extreme
power and precise functionality. The Gallardo LP 570-4
Superleggera’s bodyshell is sculptured and completely free
from stylistic additions. Dimensions define the contours of
a dynamic wedge – 4.39 meters (172,7 in) long, 1.90 meters
(74,8 in) wide, but only 1.17 meters (45,9 in) high.
Exterior modifications are all directed at increasing
aerodynamic effects. Working closely with wind tunnel
experts, the designers from Lamborghini’s Centro Stile
remodeled the front bumper – three-dimensional, deeply
recessed elements form trapezoidal frames for the large air
intakes. Together with the V-shaped, sharply defined nose
and the LED daytime running lights, the black elements give
the front end a razor-sharp look, reminiscent of
Lamborghini’s top model. The new design increases the supply
of cooling air and improves the downforce on the front axle.
The modifications to the fully-covered underbody, which
include new sill elements and a redesigned diffuser
incorporating four large tailpipes, help to achieve better
aerodynamic results. The Gallardo Superleggera sports a
small rear spoiler as standard. A big rear spoiler is
available as an option.
The
bodyshell
The
model on which the Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera is based,
the Gallardo LP 560-4, is already a prime example of
Lamborghini’s lightweight engineering philosophy, with its
dry weight of 1410 kilograms (3108.5 lb). Its bodyshell is
made from aluminum, with moulded node elements and extruded
parts forming an extremely stiff framework into which the
aluminum panels are integrated. The spaceframe structure is
impact-resistant and forms the basis for the super
sportscar’s handling. Against this background, the
task of reducing the weight by a further 70 kilograms (154
lb) presented a huge challenge to Lamborghini engineers –
the target figure, a weight-to-power ratio of 2.35 kilograms
(5.18 lb) per CV, sets a new best among the competition.
Lamborghini engineers handled the task as they usually do –
with hi-tech competence and aesthetic flair.
The
rear windshield and side windows are made from robust and
resistant polycarbonate. The engine cover also includes a
polycarbonate window, beneath which the V10 engine is
displayed like a technical work of art. The long cover
section runs from the roof to the rear of the vehicle and is
made from carbon-fiber. Engineers also selected carbon-fiber
for the rear spoiler, sills, diffuser, parts of the
underbody paneling and the fine exterior mirror casings.
With
its minimal weight and extremely high rigidity, carbon-fiber
is the ideal material for a super sportscar. As far back as
the 1980s, Lamborghini was already gathering experience in
this field with the Countach. Today, some parts of the
Murciélago’s structure are made from carbon-fiber. In order
to secure this leading position even further, the brand from
Sant’Agata Bolognese established a center of excellence for
carbon-fiber materials, where specialists are developing
components, working with efficient manufacturing technologies.
Lamborghini’s carbon-fiber strategy is further proven by its
foundation of the "Automobili Lamborghini Advanced Composite
Structures Laboratory" (ACSL) at the University of
Washington in Seattle, USA. Lamborghini provides support to
the facility and its long-term, co-operative research work
in the fields of aeronautics and astronautics, together with
the composite materials’ application within the automotive
sector. Alongside the University of Washington, aircraft
company Boeing is also among Lamborghini’s partners. The
aircraft manufacturer commands enormous expertise in the
field of composite materials. With the new Type 787
Dreamliner, Boeing has developed the world’s first
commercial aircraft built entirely from carbon-fibre. Thanks
to its superior characteristics, it consumes around 20
percent less fuel than a conventional aeroplane.
The
interior and the use of carbon-fiber
Altogether, carbon-fiber components make up 40 (88 lb) of
the 70 kilograms (154 lb) saved on the Gallardo
Superleggera. In the interior, too, engineers aimed to
reduce weight as much as possible. The center tunnel cover,
the door panels and the surround of the e-gear automated
manual transmission lever are made from carbon-fiber. The
high-end material is also used for the sports seats’ shells.
They make a significant contribution to the overall weight
reduction. Just like the rest of the cockpit, the sports
seats are clad in lightweight Alcantara instead of leather.
At Lamborghini, weight reduction is in no way synonymous
with sacrifice – the Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera is still
equipped with air conditioning and electric powered windows
as standard. Lamborghini has built on this strength – the
interior is crafted with passionate attention to the tiniest
detail; high quality materials indulge both visually and
sensually. The interior, including roof and mats, retains
the Lamborghini Gallardo’s black finish. As a contrasting
color for elements such as seat trims and stitching,
customers can choose among green, yellow, orange and two
shades of gray. They match exterior paint finishes in Verde
Ithaca, Giallo Midas, Arancio Borealis, Grigio Telesto, Nero
Noctis and Bianco Monocerus.
The
engine
In the
Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera, LP stands for "longitudinale
posteriore" and refers to the orientation of the V10 engine
– which is mounted longitudinally behind the driver, just
like every Lamborghini engine. The number 570 refers to the
maximum power output in CV, which equates to 419 kW and is
available at 8,000 rpm. Equally impressive is the pulling
power – the torque curve peaks at 540 Nm (398,3 ft lbs) at
6,500 rpm. The increase of 7 kW (10 CV) is the result of the
new dedicated engine management strategy.
The
V10 has a displacement of 5204 cm3 and achieves a specific
output of 80.5 kW (109.6 CV) per liter. Special features on
this long-stroke engine with an aluminum crankcase include
dry sump lubrication and a cylinder angle of 90 degrees.
Both solutions lower the center of gravity, thus improving
the handling dynamics. To ensure an ideal combustion chamber
fill, the engine has an adjustable intake manifold and
continuous control of the chain-driven camshafts. The
crankshaft is conceived as a dual-plane crank – the
connecting rods of opposing pistons share one bearing. This
configuration delivers alternating ignition intervals of 54
and 90 degrees; a unique sequence that is the reason for the
compelling, racing car-like sound of the V10. As the revs
rise, resounding bass notes are overlaid with razor sharp
harmonics.
The powerful
V10, combined with the model’s weight reduction, gives the
Gallardo Superleggera LP 570-4 breathtaking performance. The
car accelerates zero to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 3,4
seconds, 0 to 200 km/h (0-124 mph) in 10,2 seconds – then
continues relentlessly to its top speed of 325 km/h (202
mph). The Gallardo Superleggera is also more fuel efficient – compared with its predecessor, its fuel
consumption in the EU driving cycle is reduced by 3,5 liters
per 100 kilometer (0,9 gal), or 20,5 percent, to 13,5
liters/100 km (16 MPG). This improvement is partly due to
the gasoline direct
injection, which injects fuel into the combustion chambers
at pressures of up to 100 bar. The tumbling mix cools the
combustion chambers, which enables a very high compression
ratio of 12.5:1 which, in turn, increases efficiency.
Traction without
compromise
The e-gear
control unit has three operating modes, two of which
available in automatic. The "Thrust mode" delivers maximum
off-the-line performance and is programmed to manage
starting revs of around 5000 rpm with minimal wheel slip.
Every single kilometer in the new Superleggera is utterly
thrilling – not least because of the relentless traction in
practically every situation. This is largely attributable to
the four driven wheels, as indicated by the number 4 in the
model name. In 1993, the Diablo VT was the first Italian
super sportscar with an all-wheel drive set-up, and
Lamborghini has been steadily consolidating its leadership
ever since. In fact, thanks to the car’s superior traction,
Lamborghini drivers can accelerate earlier out of a bend
than drivers of rear-wheel drive cars.
Behind the huge
wheels are brakes that serve to deliver uncompromising
stopping power and are managed by the standard-fit ESP
stability control system. The front wheels are served by
aluminum eight-piston calipers, with four-piston units at
the rear. The ventilated brake discs have a diameter of 365
and 356 millimeters (ø 14.37 x 1.34 in and 14.02 x 1.26 in)
respectively. As an optional extra, Lamborghini can fit
extremely fade-resistant and lightweight discs made from
carbon-fiber ceramic with six pistons at the front. The
front ceramic discs have a diameter of 380 millimeters (ø 15
x 1.5 in).
Equipment
The range of special equipment is particularly sporty. It
includes carbon-fiber ceramic brake discs, four-point seat
belts, fire extinguisher and a steel roll cage. Visual
impact can be further increased by a rear spoiler and the
engine bay for the engine compartment – both from
carbon-fiber – as well as colored brake calipers. For the
interior, Lamborghini offers special floor mats and leather
steering wheels, a storage package and an alarm system. An
additional carbon-fiber package includes center console and
instrument panel trim, the parking brake handle, parts of
the steering wheel and the door handles. A LED light package
illuminates the engine compartment, the interior, and the
entry area.
|
|
