Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4: Baby Bull Motoring Channel Staff - 4/March/2008 
Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4
The new 'baby' Lamborghini LP560-4 is more
aggressive in both design and performance
Power is supplied by a larger V10 mill
that creates 412kW (560hp) of power
The mid-mounted 5.2-litre V10 propels the
LP560-4 from 0-100km/h in just 3.7 seconds
Improved aerodynamics allow the Italian
stallion to reach a top speed of 325km/h
Improvements to the gearbox, 4WD system,
and chassis will make this a Scuderia rival
Omitting the gear shifter is a novel idea, and the
carbon and cross-stitched leather theme works well
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Geneva, Switzerland — Secrets don't last long, especially in the automotive world. We now have the first details and images of the most powerful 'baby' Lambo ever built, and it now comes with a 'thrust mode'. Launched
at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, the name is a bit of a mouthful -
Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. The '560' element of the name relates to
the power it develops - 560 horsepower, which is about 412kW. Meanwhile
the '4' in the name is more mysterious, but is believed to designate
the 4-wheel drive nature of the driveline. So yes, the chances of a
rear-wheel drive race car inspired Gallardo LP560-2 have just increased. Before
we get to the power specs, the Italian super car company has given the
LP560-4 a new look that borrows a few design elements from the stunning
Lambo Reventon. The
front end features larger, more angular air dams and more
aggressive front apron design. These large twin air dams provide
better cooling and flank a new carbon front spoiler that increases the
car's aerodynamics. Bi-xenon
headlights light up the road, while Audi's influence has crept in as
the new Gallardo gets LED running lights which add a sinister edge to
its already exotic design. Power
for the new Lamborghini model comes from a 5.2-litre V10 engine,
replacing the previous 5.0-litre 10-cylinder unit. Power and torque for
the new model is as follows:  Power: 412kW (560hp) @ 8000rpm
Torque: 540Nm @ 4900rpm (approx)
With
more torque and power to play with, the new V10-powered speed machine
has a top speed of 325km/h (202mph) and will sprint from zero to
100km/h in just 3.7 seconds. The
zero to 200km/h dash takes 11.8 seconds, due in part to the new
aerodynamics, 10kg reduced weight and more powerful engine. In a nutshell, it's damned fast. That zero to 100km/h time is getting unnervingly close to big daddy, the Murcielago, which adds fuel to rumours that Lamborghini could soon reveal the Murcielago's 12-cylinder successor. Lamborghini
has confirmed other aspects of the Gallardo LP560-4's new engine and
it's performance, such as the inclusion of a new"Iniezione Diretta Stratificata" or direct injection system. This
newly improved fuelling system along with the 200cc of increased
displacement not only helps increase the power output, but Lamborghini
has says it reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions as well. Lamborghini
reckons that average fuel consumption is 14L/100km, but we doubt that
such levels would be possible with high intensity driving. It also has
a huge 90 litre fuel tank. Putting the Lamborghini
Gallardo LP560-4's 412kW of power to the ground is an updated version
of the e-gear automatic gearbox. It does away with a traditional gear
stick, giving the interior a futuristic appeal. Lambo
reckons that gearchange times have been cut by 40% for even more rapid
getaways, and like Ferrari's manettino system the vehicle has various
different driving settings. These range from comfort
modes to the 'Thrust Mode' which provides strong acceleration from
standstill by tweaking the throttle valves and clutch. The 'Corsa' mode is the flat-out race track mode which lowers gear shift speeds and preps the engine for maximum power output. Being
a 4-wheel drive vehicle, traction is expected to be one of the
Lamborghini's strong points. Even so, the Italian car company has made
changes to the 'Viscous Traction system' to provide even better
handling at the limit. Other chassis upgrades
include an upgraded suspension system, bigger, stronger brakes plus
optional ceramic discs with huge 8-pot Brembo calipers at the
front. New
19-inch wheels shod with high performance Pirelli P Zero tyres
measuring 235/35 ZR19 for the front and ultra-wide 295/30 ZR19s for the
rears have also been added to the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4's
significant arsenal. The interior is bedecked with carbon fibre and black leather with white cross-stitching for a new-meets-old vibe. The
suede covered steering wheel is purpose made to absorb sweat and keep
drivers hand dry, and Lamborghini will also offer a range of individual
upgrades such as an Audi-inspired MMI (multi media interface) with
USB and Bluetooth connectivity and even a TV system. In
short, this is the most luxurious, fastest, best handling and most
advanced Lamborghini Gallardo ever built, and could sway buyers
contemplating the purchase of a Ferrari F430 Scuderia - it's chief competitor. Related articles:
- Lamborghini Reventón (2008)
- Lamborghini Gallardo
Superleggera (2007)
- Lamborghini Reventón vs Tornado Jet Fighter (2007)
- Lamborghini Murcielago (Road Test)
- Lamborghini Murcielago LP640
- Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Roadster
- Lamborghini Gallardo
- Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder
- Lamborghini Gallardo Nera
- Lamborghini Gallardo: Hamann
- Lamborghini Miura (concept)
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