Posted on Sunday 24 February 2008
Click here for our updated story, which includes an official teaser from Lamborghini.
Last week reports emerged claiming Lamborghini was planning to reveal a facelifted version of its Gallardo at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show and could also launch a new high-performance LP550 model. At the same time, a Gallardo test-mule wearing black tape and sporting a pair of new bumpers was spotted in Portugal testing alongside a Maserati GranTurismo and Porsche 911.
Now, supposed images of the updated model, originally published in Italian magazine Quattroruote and then posted on Autopareri, reveal for the first time the new bumper design and headlight shape. According to the images, the rear of the car also comes in for a change, sporting new Reventon-style taillamps and a large carbon rear diffuser.
According to earlier reports the LP550 model will get a new engine with FSI direct-injection technology and develop up to 550hp and 390lb-ft of torque, 30hp and 15lb-ft more than the current 5.0L mill. The car will also be available with a manual or optional e-gear sequential transmission, both of which have been revised to send more power and torque to a lighter and more efficient AWD system.
Still no RWD? Well, hopefully they can make the 4wd system as fun as those on R8
Well the all wheel drive system in the R8 is the same as in the Gallardo. The cars even share the gear boxes. So both systems are most time quite rear focused. So there is no really need for a rear wheel drive Gallardo. The Gallardo Superleggera is even lighter than a Porsche GT3 RS. So switching to rear wheel drive because of the weight is also not necessary.
Well, that depends. Making a rear wheel version may not hurt. Shaving of more weight instead of increasing power. But according to people in the Lamborghini system they will stick to the awd system. So don’t get your hopes up.
The question is mainly why should they add a rear wheel system with probably less grip when awd works just fine?