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  • CEO hints at 2015 launch date for first Lamborghini hybrid

    CEO hints at 2015 launch date for first Lamborghini hybrid August 4th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, August 4th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 6 Comments

    CEO hints at 2015 launch date for first Lamborghini hybrid It wasn't long ago that supercar manufacturers were scoffing at the idea of introducing hybrid variants of their models, but with Porsche and even the usually traditionalist Ferrari hard at work on their own respective hybrid drivetrains, it wasn't going to be long before other supercar manufacturers cottoned on to the idea - including Lamborghini.

    Speaking with Automobilwoche, Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann said that he could easily imagine Lamborghini models adopting a small electric motor in conjunction with gasoline power - in other words, a mild hybrid that should help the Lamborghini models of the future cut down on their fuel... It wasn't long ago that supercar manufacturers were scoffing at the idea of introducing hybrid variants of their models, but with Porsche and even the usually traditionalist Ferrari hard at work on their own respective hybrid drivetrains, it wasn't going to be long before other supercar manufacturers cottoned on to the idea - including Lamborghini. Speaking with Automobilwoche, Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann said that he could easily imagine Lamborghini models adopting a small electric motor in conjunction with gasoline power - in other words, a mild hybrid that should help the Lamborghini models of the future cut down on their fuel consumption in urban areas, but not rob them of too much performance when it comes time to let loose. The timetable for such a powertrain points to a possible 2015 debut for a mild hybrid Lamborghini, but as for a completely electric Lamborghini even Winkelmann acknowledges that building such a model is something the company is not too interested in at the moment. 2015 is, coincidentally, the date Ferrari has very tentatively offered as a reasonable time to expect one of its own hybrid models, giving both manufacturers a fairly well-matched schedule - even though Ferrari has already confirmed that hybrid prototypes of the 599 are undergoing testing at the moment. Lamborghini's plan to offer hybrids in the future is part of a larger plan to reduce costs and emissions, and according to Winkelmann the company will be spending around €35 million ($50.3 million) over the next 5 years to bring emissions levels down. Lamborghini will also be hoping to cut costs in production in order to remain profitable - the first half of the year has already seen pre-tax profits drop by over 80% to €5.4 million ($7.8 million). In other hybrid supercar news, a strange looking Porsche 911 prototype has been photographed recently with an odd bump in the bonnet featuring a lightning-bolt motif and a 'Batman' badge on the front--either a clever joke from the usually straight-faced Porsche engineers or a hint at what may actually lie under the sheet-metal. Read More

  • Video: Valentino Balboni discusses Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2

    Video: Valentino Balboni discusses Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 July 31st, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, July 31st, 2009 Nelson Ireson 3 Comments

    Video: Valentino Balboni discusses Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 The RWD Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni was just officially revealed a month ago, and now the company has released a video documenting Balboni's involvement with and influence on the car's design process, and how it reflects his 40 years of test-driving experience.

    At just shy of five minutes long, the video doesn't go into tremendous depth but with cut scenes of the car in serious sideways action and Valentino Balboni himself explaining the car, it adds a level of authenticity and perspective that might otherwise be lacking in the two-wheel drive Gallardo's image.

    But enough talk. Watch it for yourself, and... The RWD Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni was just officially revealed a month ago, and now the company has released a video documenting Balboni's involvement with and influence on the car's design process, and how it reflects his 40 years of test-driving experience. At just shy of five minutes long, the video doesn't go into tremendous depth but with cut scenes of the car in serious sideways action and Valentino Balboni himself explaining the car, it adds a level of authenticity and perspective that might otherwise be lacking in the two-wheel drive Gallardo's image. But enough talk. Watch it for yourself, and enjoy.Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Read More

  • Reiter Engineering updates the Gallardo GT3 for 2010

    Reiter Engineering updates the Gallardo GT3 for 2010 July 20th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, July 20th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 0 Comments

    Reiter Engineering updates the Gallardo GT3 for 2010 Late last year we brought you Reiter Engineering's Lamborghini Gallardo GT3 Strada. Based around the Reiter Engineering factory-backed GT3 entry, the Strada is a street legal version of that car. Now Reiter has updated the GT3 to 2010 FIA specifications and with it has opened up the possibility for a new roadgoing version as well.

    The race car is interesting enough on its own, however. Rated at 570hp and 399lb-ft of torque, the race car's 5.2L V10 isn't far off the stock LP560-4's 560hp, but weight has been slashed to 2,627lb. For handling, the weight balance has been set at 43% front and 57% rear, ensuring strong straight-line performance... Late last year we brought you Reiter Engineering's Lamborghini Gallardo GT3 Strada. Based around the Reiter Engineering factory-backed GT3 entry, the Strada is a street legal version of that car. Now Reiter has updated the GT3 to 2010 FIA specifications and with it has opened up the possibility for a new roadgoing version as well. The race car is interesting enough on its own, however. Rated at 570hp and 399lb-ft of torque, the race car's 5.2L V10 isn't far off the stock LP560-4's 560hp, but weight has been slashed to 2,627lb. For handling, the weight balance has been set at 43% front and 57% rear, ensuring strong straight-line performance as well as competence in the corners. Pricing for the GT3 version is expected to top €265,000 ($376,800) in Europe, a healthy bump up from the standard car's price of about €160,000 ($227,000). In the U.S., the Gallardo LP560-4 road car starts at $201,000, but don't expect that discount to translate into the motorsports version of the car. Don't expect it to apply to a potential Strada edition either, should Reiter decide to follow up on this racer with another custom road car. The previous generation car, pictured below, featured the same modest power gains as the race car, but saw its weight drop by just 20lb due to the inclusion of necessary safety and interior elements. Nevertheless, the GT3 Strada's custom carbon-fiber body, 60mm wider fenders, GT wing and custom suspension setup make for an attractive and even more competent package than the original. Via: Autoblog.nlReiter Engineering Lamborghini Gallardo GT3 Read More

  • Lamborghini releases mega gallery for Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder

    Lamborghini releases mega gallery for Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder July 1st, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, July 1st, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 5 Comments

    Lamborghini releases mega gallery for Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder Lamborghini used the Los Angeles Auto Show to debut a brand new convertible version of its Gallardo LP560-4 supercar, but until today only a limited selection of high-res official pictures were available. That's now remedied, so read on for the mega-gallery.

    Picking up the ‘Spyder’ name, the new open-top model faithfully copies the profile of the coupe despite feature an automatic folding soft-top.

    The roof mechanism uses a hydraulic pump and six-cylinders as well as an electric motor to lift or lower the roof, which takes about 20 seconds. With the roof closed, Lamborghini claims the new Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder will be able... Lamborghini used the Los Angeles Auto Show to debut a brand new convertible version of its Gallardo LP560-4 supercar, but until today only a limited selection of high-res official pictures were available. That's now remedied, so read on for the mega-gallery. Picking up the ‘Spyder’ name, the new open-top model faithfully copies the profile of the coupe despite feature an automatic folding soft-top. The roof mechanism uses a hydraulic pump and six-cylinders as well as an electric motor to lift or lower the roof, which takes about 20 seconds. With the roof closed, Lamborghini claims the new Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder will be able to safely reach a top speed of 324km/h. To further differentiate the Spyder from the standard coupe, designers have added slightly revised headlights with LED detailing and daytime running lights. Also new is a reverse camera located in the rear spoiler. The car measures in at 4.34m in length, 1.9m across, and 1.18m high, and weighs 1,550kg. When combined with the 552hp (411kW) and 398lb-ft (540Nm) of torque output of the LP560-4 5.2L V10 engine, the new Spyder will accelerate from 0-100km/h in about four seconds – 0.3 seconds slower than the hard-top. The Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder comes standard with the six-speed e-gear sequential transmission, which like the coupe has been revised to send more power and torque to a lighter and more efficient 4WD Viscous Traction system. Chassis stiffness and brake components have also been improved.Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder Mega Gallery Read More

  • Lamborghini officially unveils RWD Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni

    Lamborghini officially unveils RWD Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni June 30th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, June 30th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 3 Comments

    Lamborghini officially unveils RWD Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni Modern supercars have pushed the envelope of performance so far that they require all sorts of technology to keep the average driver from instantly destroying themselves and the car. Hence all-wheel drive to deliver the power, self-shifting transmissions and, of course, traction and stability control. But to the hardcore driver, all of that stuff just gets in the way. Today, Lamborghini has unveiled a special-edition Gallardo that cuts through to deliver a purer experience - the Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni.

    Named after Lamborghini's famed test driver, who has helped shape the brand's cars and performance standard for four decades,... Modern supercars have pushed the envelope of performance so far that they require all sorts of technology to keep the average driver from instantly destroying themselves and the car. Hence all-wheel drive to deliver the power, self-shifting transmissions and, of course, traction and stability control. But to the hardcore driver, all of that stuff just gets in the way. Today, Lamborghini has unveiled a special-edition Gallardo that cuts through to deliver a purer experience - the Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni. Named after Lamborghini's famed test driver, who has helped shape the brand's cars and performance standard for four decades, the LP550-2 is a RWD-only Gallardo sporting a lightly de-tuned 550hp version of the 5.2L V10 found in the recently launched Gallardo LP560-4 and LP560-4 Spyder. The transition to RWD was not simply a question of moving the transmission to the rear axle, however - the vehicle had to be adjusted and tuned in every element of its driving dynamics. This includes springs, dampers, stabilizers and even the tires. The aerodynamics were also adjusted to take account of the change to the power flow, which explains the re-designed front end. Furthermore, though an e-Gear transmission is available, the driver's Lambo also gets a gated manual, helping to cut weight to meet the two-wheel-driver's 66lb (30kg) weight reduction goal. To help keep the rear end planted when controlled oversteer isn't desired, a re-worked stability control system can maximize for safety or allow greater slip angles than standard when switched to CORSA mode. A 45% limited-slip rear diff also helps send power evenly across the two rear tires. Zero to 62mph (100km/h) dashes will take just 3.9 seconds, top speed checks in at a cool 199mph (320km/h), and a with a dry weight of just 3,035lb (1,380kg), the LP550-2 is set to take its place as a top performer despite its 'lack' of AWD. The Balboni branding also includes a special exterior and interior treatment, with a center stripe reminiscent of sports cars of the 1970s. The Special Edition is available in eight colors, from Bianco Monocerus through to Verde Ithaca, or Arancio Borealis to Nero Noctis. The Scorpius wheels retain their dark grey finish, while the brake calipers come in black, orange or yellow, depending on the exterior paint finish. The basic color of the full leather upholstery is black. Both seats, however, feature the color strip in white. The center console is completely upholstered in Polar white leather to create a powerful accent. A badge below the left side window bears the signature of Valentino Balboni and the production number of the car. Only about 250 units of the $219,800 LP550-2 are to be built, though, so if this is the sort of thing that sets your blood flowing, you'd better get in contact with Sant'Agata soon.Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Read More

  • Spy shots: RWD Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2

    Spy shots: RWD Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 June 29th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, June 29th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 0 Comments

    Spy shots: RWD Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Modern supercars have pushed the envelope of performance so far that they require all sorts of technology to keep the average driver from instantly destroying themselves and the car. Hence all-wheel drive to deliver the power, self-shifting transmissions and, of course, traction and stability control. But to the hardcore driver, all of that stuff just gets in the way.

    Enter the Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2. Though it's still completely unofficial, photos of a car purporting to bear that model name surfaced yesterday and now we have the first spy shots of an actual prototype testing at the Nurburgring. The car they depict is thought to be a... Modern supercars have pushed the envelope of performance so far that they require all sorts of technology to keep the average driver from instantly destroying themselves and the car. Hence all-wheel drive to deliver the power, self-shifting transmissions and, of course, traction and stability control. But to the hardcore driver, all of that stuff just gets in the way. Enter the Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2. Though it's still completely unofficial, photos of a car purporting to bear that model name surfaced yesterday and now we have the first spy shots of an actual prototype testing at the Nurburgring. The car they depict is thought to be a RWD-only Gallardo sporting a lightly de-tuned 550hp version of the 5.2L V10 found in the recently launched Gallardo LP560-4 and LP560-4 Spyder. Differentiating the RWD version are a new set of bumpers as well as a unique rear diffuser that’s designed to offer more grip. Furthermore, instead of an e-Gear transmission, the driver's Lambo gets a gated manual, helping to cut weight to meet the two-wheel-driver's 66lb (30kg) weight reduction goal. Only about 250 units of the LP550-2 are expected to be built, though, so if this is the sort of thing that sets your blood flowing, you'd better get in contact with Sant'Agata soon.Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 spy shots Read More

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