27 Feb 07 17:58
Two exciting new supercars are set for unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show next week.
Lamborghini is to unveil a lightweight version of the Gallardo, the Superleggera, which is 100kg lighter than the standard Gallardo at 1,330kg, thanks to removal of its carpeting, sound insulation, stereo and air conditioning. Its bonnet, diffuser, rear-view mirrors, door panels, underbody cladding and central transmission tunnel coverings are carbon-fibre. It has lighter carbon-fibre-framed sports seats and some polycarbonate panels in place of window glass.
All this, plus a revised exhaust system and tweaked ECU, giving an extra 10bhp (that's 530bhp from the 5.0 V10), means a 0-60mph time of 3.8 seconds, 0.2 sec faster than the standard car. It retains four-wheel-drive and the e-gear automated-manual paddle-shift gearbox, although Superleggera ('super light') Lambos of the past have been rear-wheel-drive. Options will include a multi-media kit with CD autochanger, rear parking sensors, a fixed rear spoiler, four-point racing harnesses and carbon-ceramic brakes.
The Gallardo Superleggera will go up against the similarly stripped-out Ferrari F430 Challenge Stradale, also to be launched in Geneva.
On an even more rarified note, Pagani is to unveil its Pagani Zonda R. This racer - Pagani's answer to the Ferrari FXX and Maserati MC12 - is longer, lighter and lower than the road-going Zonda, and is powered by a 750bhp-plus Mercedes-AMG V12.
