Autoblog

Edo Competition creates the Lamborghini Gallardo LP600/4

Drew Phillips — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 19:24:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Lamborghini

Edo Competition Gallardo LP600/4 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Edo Competition is no stranger to modifying Lamborghinis. Its unique touch has graced the Gallardo Superleggera and Murcielago LP640, along with a limited edition Christian Audigier edition Murcielago, among others.

Now the German tuner has taken the Gallardo LP560-4 and given it what it likes to call a little "added spice". The output of the Italian supercar has been bumped to an even 600 horsepower thanks to a new stainless steel exhaust system and an ECU tune, resulting in a claimed top speed of 211 mph. Other upgrades include an adjustable sport suspension system, 19-inch three-piece wheels, and a new front spoiler lip. You can read more details in the press release after the jump and check out the high-res gallery of photos below.

Gallery: edo competition Gallardo LP600/4

[Source: Edo Competition]

Continue reading Edo Competition creates the Lamborghini Gallardo LP600/4

Edo Competition creates the Lamborghini Gallardo LP600/4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive (Kinda): 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni... with Valentino Balboni!

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Lamborghini, First Drive

2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni - Click above for high-res image gallery

It was eleven in the morning on a typical Thursday when my phone rang. "How'd you like to drive the Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni in Beverly Hills at 3:00 pm... with Valentino Balboni?" Aside from screaming "YES!!!" at the top of my lungs, all sorts of thoughts started to crowd my brain. What should I wear? Should I shave? Do I address him as Valentino? Mr. Balboni? Your majesty? And most of all, am I worthy? Normally at car events, you wind up talking to a bunch of MBA-types and, no offense, but really, who cares? You drink too much, brag too much, dress how you like - it simply doesn't matter. But this was Valentino Balboni. Respect is demanded. Then I got a text message from Drew Phillips, our resident ace photographer. "No flip flops." Right.

It's believed that Valentino Balboni has driven 80% of all Lamborghinis ever made.

In case you're not sure what all the drama is about, Valentino Balboni spent four decades as a test driver for Lamborghini. In fact, for several of those years he was the test driver. Not only has Balboni been at the helm of every prototype Lamborghini since 1973, but most of their production cars got a quick lap around the streets of Sant'Agata with Valentino at the helm, just to make sure they were up to Lamborghini snuff. Still not clear as to why the man's such a big deal? It's believed that Valentino Balboni has driven 80% of all Lamborghinis ever made.

Balboni was instrumental in the development of the Gallardo, Lamborghini's most successful model of all time with over 9,000 sold. Lamborghini has just released a very special and very limited edition of the Gallardo, dubbed the LP550-2 Valentino Balboni, after their own living legend. Just 250 will be produced and all are rear-wheel drive - a first for Lamborghini in nearly a decade. But how did this car come to be? I was lucky enough to spend ninety minutes in a Lamborghini Valentino Balboni with Valentino Balboni asking him exactly that. Plus a whole lot more - click on the jump to read all about it.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni

Continue reading First Drive (Kinda): 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni... with Valentino Balboni!

First Drive (Kinda): 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni... with Valentino Balboni! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Valentino Balboni introduces his namesake Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2

Jonny Lieberman — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 20:04:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Videos, Lamborghini

Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni - Click above for a high-res image gallery

If you've spent any time behind the wheel of a Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, the notion of a more sporting version is pretty close to absurd. Of course, we're not Valentino Balboni, the man who's logged more miles behind the wheel of more Lamborghinis than any other human being in the history of Earth. While we'd be thrilled to one day break his record, we probably won't. Balboni has served as Lambo's test driver since 1967, and in 1973 began sitting behind the wheel of all the prototypes, including the Diablo, Murcielago and Gallardo. Few cars have left Sant'Agata without Balboni's stamp of approval, so when a new bull appears, "conceived in line with [Balboni's] own thinking," you can be assured it will be special. How special was up for debate -- until we watched the video of Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-2 Valentino Balboni in action. Not to give anything away, but wow. And while on some level we know it's just slick corporate propaganda, on another, Balboni really does seem honored by the fast car with his name on the left window. Also, be sure not to miss the Estoque Easter egg. Lambo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni video is embedded after the jump. Go there now.

Gallery: Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni

Gallery: Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni Zurich unveil

[Source: Automotive Addicts]

Continue reading VIDEO: Valentino Balboni introduces his namesake Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2

VIDEO: Valentino Balboni introduces his namesake Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 01 Aug 2009 20:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Lamborghini, Specialty

Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Few names resonate more with the Lamborghini faithful than Valentino Balboni, Lambo's long-term test driver who's honed every model to roll off the line since 1973. In an ultimate tribute to Balboni, the Italian supercar manufacturer has created this: the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni.

As its name would imply, the Gallardo ditches the standard model's all-wheel drive system and sends power to the rear wheels, and according to the automaker, the 550-2 "was conceived in line with [Balboni's] own thinking, and it meets many customers' requests for a model with a unique character, which offers a very special kind of active driving fun."

The 5.2-liter V10 has been tweaked to put out 550 hp and coupled with a the Gallardo's reduced curb weight (3,042 pounds), the LP 550-2 can sprint to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and top out at 199 mph.

As we saw yesterday, the exterior receives a new set of Scorpious wheels (hiding a revised suspension) and a white and gold stripe running the length of the Lambo, with the theme carrying over inside in the form of a white leather center console and seats. Eight exterior shades are available, along with black, orange or yellow brake calipers, depending on the chosen hue, and in addition to the standard transparent engine cover, rear-view camera, navigation system and Bluetooth integration, buyers can option up for the e-gear transmission and carbon ceramic brakes.

This purest of Gallardos will be limited to 250 units, each bearing a serial number and Balboni's signature on the left side window, with US pricing starting at $219,800. Make the jump for the official release.

Gallery: Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni

Continue reading Officially Official: Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni

Officially Official: Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics aplenty: Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder

Drew Phillips — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Supercars, Lamborghini

Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder - Click above for a high-res image gallery

We love us some supercar photos, and Lamborghini just made our day by releasing a plethora of new images of the Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder. Introduced late last year at the L.A. Auto Show, the new Gallardo drop-top received a host of upgrades compared to its predecessor, including a new folding top, LED taillights, and, of course, the new 552 horsepower 5.2-liter V10 also found in its coupe sibling. Check out the gallery below for all-new high-res images.

Gallery: Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder

[Source: WebRidesTV.com]

Pics aplenty: Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leaked: Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2

Alex Nunez — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 09:33:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Supercars, Lamborghini

2010 Lamborghini LP550-2 - Click above for hi-res photo gallery

Oh baby. The cat would appear to be out of the bag for the Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2, as what certainly look to be official photos of the newest bull have hit the web. Details are sketchy, but Lamborghini's naming scheme keeps no secrets. Assuming this is all on the level, expect 550 horsepower from the V10 mounted aft of the cockpit, with that power going to the rear wheels exclusively. The lack of AWD should also result in some weight loss, a welcome addition in any sports car, much less a Lamborghini making this kind of power. And yes, that's a ball-topped gated shifter in the interior photo featured in the gallery. Glorious. A very serious car for very serious drivers. We're dying to hear the official details.

UPDATE: It's now official. The car is named the Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni, in honor of Lambo's legendary test driver. Only 250 cars will be made.

Gallery: 2010 Lamborghini LP550-2

[Source: Net Car Show]

Leaked: Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Reiter Engineering launches new Gallardo LP560 GT2

Noah Joseph — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Supercars, Lamborghini

Reiter Engineering Lamborghini Gallardo LP560 GT2 - Click above for a hi-res gallery

Forget about the latest LP560-4 or the limited-production Superleggera that preceded it: what you're looking at here is the ultimate Gallardo. Only it's not made by Lamborghini. Unlike its arch-rivals in Maranello, Lamborghini doesn't make racing cars. For that, it turns over its supercars to Reiter Engineering, the German garage that fields renn-ready Raging Bulls in European sportscar championships, and has also turned out a few variants for the street, too. The firm has just released its latest effort, a competition spec Gallardo for the GT2 class in the European Le Mans Series.

Based on the Gallardo LP560-4, Reiter has done away with the all-wheel-drive and gone with rear-wheel traction only for its Racing Bull. To meet GT2 regulations, Reiter will have had to actually reduce the engine's output from the stock 560hp to below the 500hp mark, and possibly added some ballast to fine-tune the weight balance and meet the 1125kg minimum heft requirement for the series. Instead of starting the season in Barcelona with the rest of the field, Reiter has opted to perform some additional testing before hitting the track at Spa on May 10. You, however, can check out the images in the gallery below for a sneak peek.

Gallery: Reiter Engineering Lamborghini Gallardo LP560 GT2

[Source: Reiter Engineering]

Reiter Engineering launches new Gallardo LP560 GT2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: Be careful who you give your Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder keys to

Dan Roth — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Etc., Government/Legal, Supercars, Lamborghini

Imagine this scenario: You've gone out of town for whatever reason, driving your Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder. (If we had a Gallardo, you'd bet that taking road trips would be high on the agenda). Anyway, you get to your hotel, surrender your supercar's keys to the valet, and go on with your business. When it's time to leave, they go to retrieve your car and ... it's gone. That nightmare is just what happened to Eric Vargosko when he took his droptop lambo to Atlanta's Intercontinental Hotel. The swank hotel in the upscale Buckhead neighborhood was the last place Vargosko saw his car until it turned up a month later, damaged.

Just as disturbingly, the hotel has refused to talk to Vargosko, and the media isn't having any better luck with them or the Atlanta police. With WWSB TV's consumer reporter on the case, a police report was unearthed which stated that a hotel security camera recorded a valet handing the Lamborghini's keys to two men in the wee hours of the morning. Whether the two men, part of a larger group of seven that had been recorded by the camera while exiting an SUV at 3:30 AM, were thieves or acquaintances of the valet is unknown. Denied satisfaction on the issue thus far, Vargosko's hired an attorney, and will be avoiding the Intercontinental during future travels. Hat tip to Jimmie.

[Source: WWSB TV]

PSA: Be careful who you give your Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder keys to originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Apr 2009 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: 2006 Lamborghini Gallardo - Some assembly required

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:20:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Performance, Auctions, Supercars, Lamborghini

Lamborghini Gallardo exploded-parts-diagram eBay find - Click above for a gallery

The shell of the Lamborghini Gallardo that was gutted to make the bizarre Ford-Mustang-meets-Lamborghini Tractorri showcar is for sale on eBay.

The orange bull is laid out like Humpty Dumpty for some well-heeled Alice - or Alistair - to put back together again. The only thing is you'll need to find a new engine, driveline, suspension, interior, and electronics among other things, since they were all used for the SEMA car. Or, you could just pick up the innards of a Mustang and make the inverse of the Tractorri -- the Mustardo, perhaps? You can bid at the link, or just have a look at the exploded-parts-diagram gallery below. Thanks for the tip, Jake!

Gallery: Tractorri Gallardo Parts

Gallery: Tractorri Lamborghini Mustang

[Sources: eBay; The Mustang News]

eBay Find of the Day: 2006 Lamborghini Gallardo - Some assembly required originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One-Stop Miami Vice Living: Lux development offers free Lamborghini with purchase

Chris Paukert — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 15:26:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Supercars, Lamborghini, Lifestyle

Having just returned from the well-heeled shores of Miami for last week's Kia Soul drive, we know that exotic machinery stacks up on the city's streets like so much cordwood. In fact, we saw upwards of ten newer Ferraris in the course of an afternoon's drive (not to mention untold Bentley Continentals and Porsche 911s) - but we didn't see a single Lamborghini during our entire stay. Not even a Jalpa.

Well with both the housing market and the new car market in the dumpster, the developers at South of Fifth luxury condos and the folks at Lamborghini Miami are understandably keen to change that. As such, they've gone and teamed up to offer a "free" Gallardo Spyder with the purchase of an oceanfront luxury beachfront home.

While South of Fifth isn't being so gauche as to announce the price of their properties, one look at the new digs on the company's swanky Flash-heavy site would suggest that a Lambo payment is going to be the least of your financial involvements here. We've seen these sorts of rolled-up real-estate/automobile deals before, but never on this sort of scale.

If you're interested, check out the link below, and be sure to hurry - there are only seven of 28 units left.

Oh - one last thing about this deal has us a bit puzzled: Don't people buy Lamborghinis in part because they want something different from their neighbors? Thanks for the tip, Richard!

[South of Fifth]

One-Stop Miami Vice Living: Lux development offers free Lamborghini with purchase originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 15:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Taming the Bull: IMSA Lamborghini Gallardo GTV

Noah Joseph — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Supercars, Lamborghini

Click above to view the IMSA Gallardo GTV in high resolution

Tuning a Lamborghini is a risky endeavor. The supercars that roll out of the factory in Sant'Agata Bolognese already tread the narrow line between the sexy and the obscene, but the bulk of the mod-jobs we've seen run over that line with considerable ferocity and just keep on accelerating. German tuning house IMSA's take on the latest Gallardo LP560-4 is, by comparison, a breath of fresh air.

As you can see, exterior modifications have been kept tastefully restrained. A new front apron, fender flairs, side skirts, rear diffuser and rear wing are all crafted out of carbon fiber. IMSA has also fitted a custom adjustable suspension, split-spoke alloys hiding eight-piston brake calipers up front and six-pot grippers out back, while under the rear glass, IMSA has squeezed an extra 40 ponies out of the Gallardo's 560-horsepower 5.2-liter V10, giving the GTV a revised output of 600. Nothing radical, but then the stock Gallardo is radical enough as it is.

[Source: IMSA]

Taming the Bull: IMSA Lamborghini Gallardo GTV originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Feb 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Lamborghini working on two rear-wheel-drive cars for 2009

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Supercars, Lamborghini, Rumormill

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Lamborghini Murcielago SV

Those who have been praying for a two-wheel drive Lamborghini, your wishes may have been granted twofold. De Telegraaf is reporting that Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann has confirmed not one, but two different rear-drive-only Lambos for 2009. First up will be a Murciélago LP640-2 with 640 HP coming from its mid-mounted longitudinal V12. The "2" at the end of the moniker signifies two-wheel-drive, separating it from the current LP640-4 equipped with AWD. It's still possible this model will be dubbed SV for Super Veloce. It's no Diablo SVTT or Murcielago R-GT, but it'll do.

Next up will be the a new Superleggera Gallardo LP560-2, as in Superlight Gallardo, with a longitudinal 560 HP engine in back, also driving the rear wheels. That should keep the Gallardo neck-and-neck with the Scuderia from arch-nemesis Ferrari. The elimination of the AWD equipment should save quite a few kilos and make the driving experience a bit hairier for anyone intent on stepping up to wrestle these bulls. Expect to see them late next year, possibly as 2010 models.

Gallery: Lamborghini Murcielago SV - spy shots

[Source: Autotelegraaf.nl]

Rumormill: Lamborghini working on two rear-wheel-drive cars for 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Your garage sale needs a hook, try a Lambo

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 14:56:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Supercars, Lamborghini, Australia

How does one get curb-side shoppers to visit his or her garage sale rather than all the others? Simple, you add a little visual punch to the pitch. That's just what one Melbourne, Australia area seller decided to do. He posted a sign on his car for all the world to see, and that car was a Lamborghini Gallardo.

Matt Hayward sent us this tip along with the photos he took of the car in question. It seems Matt was walking along when he saw the garage sale sign. Normally he'd think "Meh it's probably just junk," but the car was just too good to pass by. The garage sale turned out to be filled with the typical expendable household crap, but the Gallardo was for sale as well for just $599,999.99 AUS. The seller apparently didn't have room for the Lambo and his Porsches, and the Gallardo was getting the axe.

Matt tells us he hasn't seen the raging bull since the sale went down a few weeks ago. He surmises that, "Someone must've wandered past with six hundred grand burning a hole in their pocket." Thanks for the tip and the wit, matt!

[Source: The world adores matt hayward]

Your garage sale needs a hook, try a Lambo originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Nov 2008 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sunday Poll: Lambo logo showdown

Alex Nunez — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Supercars, Lamborghini

After the G419 Invitational ended last Sunday, I was outside BSing with Davey G. Johnson (the erstwhile Jalop, friend of Autoblog, and all-around great guy) as we looked over the cars that still remained parked in the GPNY lot. The front row contained both a Gallardo Roadster and a spanking new LP560-4, while row two was home to a silver Diablo SV. We were going over the SV, commenting on how it's aged rather well, when Davey noted something that inspired this particular post.

"Look at that," he said, pointing at the all-lowercase, italicized, block-letter 'lamborghini' badge on the Diablo's rear deck. "That would look so much better on the new cars." The new-school Lambos, as you're all aware, wear the cursive 'Lamborghini' on their tails. Davey and I walked over to the LP560, eyeballed it, and returned to the SV. I have to say, I'm with him on this one. Those lowercase block letters are like Countach-flavored exoticar comfort food, and they'd look perfect on the angular modern Lambos. Then again, maybe the happy medium would be to split the difference and go with this classic.

In any case, let's put it to a vote:

View Poll

Gallery: Lamborghini Diablo SV

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4

Sunday Poll: Lambo logo showdown originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Nov 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics aplenty: Lamborghini Super Trofeo in action

Drew Phillips — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 19:27:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Supercars, Lamborghini

Click above for a high resolution image of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo

Lamborghini announced its Blancpain Super Trofeo this past weekend at Hockenheim, a racing series featuring spec Gallardo LP560-4's in race trim. The Super Trofeo will run in support of the FIA GT Championship, DTM, and FIA WTCC series and will feature individual professional and 'gentleman' drivers, along with dealership teams. We only had a handful of studio photos at the time, but since then we've found several more including a few of the car on the racetrack. We also managed to find the press release that provides full details on the engine, chassis, interior, and body modifications done to the car. Hit the jump for the press release and check out the gallery below for the new photos.

Gallery: Lamborghini Gallardo Super Trofeo

[Source: Lamborghini]

Continue reading Pics aplenty: Lamborghini Super Trofeo in action

Pics aplenty: Lamborghini Super Trofeo in action originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lamborghini Super Trofeo stars in one-make race series

Alex Nunez — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 09:37:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Europe, Supercars, Lamborghini

Click above for a gallery of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo racer

Ferrari does it. Porsche does it. And now, Lamborghini is going to do it, too. "It" is a single-make race series, and Lambo's will showcase a competition-spec Gallardo LP560-4 dubbed the Super Trofeo. Each race will feature 30 of the cars, piloted by deep-pocketed private owners, dealer teams, and a single, Lambo-sponsored "celebrity driver" who'll change from race-to-race.

The Super Trofeo racer weighs in at 1300 kg/2866 lb and is spec'd out with all the requisite safety equipment; race-specific chassis adjustments, ABS brakes and wheels; Pirelli slicks; new instrumentation; and aero tweaks. The powered-up 5.2L direct-injected V10 sends 570 horses to all four wheels via the automaker's e.gear six-speed sequential gearbox. If you have the itch, head to your Lamborghini dealer with €200,000 -- that's the buy-in fee for the car and parts package. Each race will offer trackside support and parts sales to participants, who get to cool their heels in luxury at the Lamborghini Village that'll be set up at every venue. It all kicks off next May at Silverstone. Head over to the Super Trofeo website for the rest of the schedule and additional info. Thanks to Mobius for the heads-up!

Gallery: Lamborghini Gallardo Super Trofeo

[Source: Lamborghini]

Lamborghini Super Trofeo stars in one-make race series originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 25 Oct 2008 09:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blind Belgian breaks speed record in borrowed Lamborghini

Chris Tutor — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 09:20:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Lamborghini

For most of us, once we're able to sweet talk our way into Lamborghini Gallardo, going 192 mph isn't that difficult. But Luc Costermans has at least one more major obstacle to overcome: he's been blind for four years.

Despite that, he managed to borrow an orange Gallardo for an attempt on the Blind Speed Record. Congratulations are in order for both Luc and the Gallardo's owner, as the record was broken and the Gallardo apparently wasn't. Luc set the Blind Speed Record at 192 mph, Saturday, at an airstrip in Istres, France.

"I'm very, very happy. It's a team effort," Luc said after the run. His co-pilot, Guillaume Roman, wasn't quoted in any of the stories we read, but we assume he breathed a deep sigh of relief. Seriously, who volunteers to ride shotgun with a blind driver in a Gallardo doing almost 200 mph?

Luc can't rest on his laurels. Previous record-holder Mike Newman is hoping to hit 200 mph in a
Keating TKR. Anyone got a Veyron Luc borrow? Anyone?

See video of the record-breaking run here. Be warned that it's not in English.

Gallery: Blind Belgian Luc Costermans breaks speed record

[Source: BBC]

Blind Belgian breaks speed record in borrowed Lamborghini originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Oct 2008 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4

Drew Phillips — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Lamborghini, First Drive

Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 - Click above for high-res image gallery

A 5.2-liter V10 with 560 horsepower, 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds, a top speed of over 200 mph and one of the most beautiful modern designs to ever come out of Italy. It's the new Gallardo LP560-4, and Lamborghini wants us to drive it. There are certainly more lucrative ways to make a living than being an automotive journalist, but it's moments like this that we know we made the right career choice. The best news is that we got to drive the new LP560-4 with about two dozen Lamborghini owners. Lamborghini of Orange County recently opened up a new dealership in Newport Beach, and they invited all of their customers down to see the new showroom and go for a Sunday drive. We tackled some of California's best back roads in the LP560-4 with other Gallardos, Murcielagos, and even a few Diablos. Follow the jump to read on.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4

Continue reading First Drive: 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4

First Drive: 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Sep 2008 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: 10-second Lamborghini Gallardo

Drew Phillips — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Videos, Supercars, Lamborghini

Click the image above to watch the video

Lamborghini surely didn't intend for the Gallardo to be used as a 1/4-mile racer, but that doesn't mean we don't like to see an owner put his car to the test. Add a set of twin-turbos and we're really interested. This particular Gallardo was built by Underground Racing in Charlotte, NC, and despite a fairly slow launch runs an impressive 10.2 at 155 mph. Judging by the mph, this Gallardo is capable of running well into the 9's. Even more impressive is that the car has a six-speed transmission rather than Lamborghini's e-gear that would surely cut down the time as well. Follow the jump to watch the video.

[Source: YouTube]
Continue reading VIDEO: 10-second Lamborghini Gallardo
VIDEO: 10-second Lamborghini Gallardo originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Sep 2008 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Jeremie Paret: automotive journalist starts his own tuning firm

Noah Joseph — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 08:03:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Supercars, Lamborghini

Click for hi-res gallery of Jeremie Paret's custom Lambo

What you see here is living, fire-breathing proof that there is life after automotive journalism. Jeremie Paret recently left his position as Editor in Chief of Modify magazine to start his own supercar tuning outfit. This customized Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 is his first creation.

It takes a special kind of tuner to have the chutzpah to tinker with an Italian thoroughbred like the LP560-4, and there are only a handful of aftermarket outfits that are up to the task. Paret sets himself apart by offering a completely customized experience, with each vehicle designed by his team according to the specifications of the customer. This Gallardo has been fitted with Asanti Diamond wheels hiding pink brake calipers, plus a host of carbon fiber bits from the side skirts and door handles to the Reventon-style front end and enlarged rear diffuser. The interior has been decked out in custom leather and Alcantara trim and an Alpine/Focal info-tainment system.

Paret's crew will arrange for any customer's vehicle to be transported to France where they'll set up the car, or can ship the parts to the customer for local installation. Either way, Paret offers the client a complete range of options and a private blog to follow the process. Check out Jeremie Paret's first product in the gallery below:

Gallery: Custom Gallardo by Jeremie Paret

[Source: JeremieParet.com via Serious Wheels]
Jeremie Paret: automotive journalist starts his own tuning firm originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Sep 2008 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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