Lamborghini Ups Gallardo's Ante

By Motoring Channel Staff - 21/7/2005

One of Italy's most celebrated exotic automakers, Lamborghini, has unveiled its new special edition model, simply named the Gallardo SE.

Major changes over the factory standard baby Lamborghini include a two-tone colour scheme inside and out, a rear vision video camera, sports suspension and high spec Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres, plus revised gear ratios that increase the coupe's acceleration substantially.

The new Gallardo SE combines a revised AWD 6-speed gearbox with and a 5.0-litre V10 engine, which will keep the new Ferrari F430 honest.

It generates 367kW of power @ 7800rpm and catapults the vehicles from 0-100km/h quicker than most sports cars, and top speed is rated at well over 300km/h thanks to the car's low height and positive aerodynamics.

Lamborghini has revealed that the gearbox is now equipped with shorter gear ratios in the first five gears, enhancing the dynamic performance of the vehicle.

The result can be seen clearly in the car's acceleration from 0-100km/h (0-62mph) in 4.0 seconds which improved by two tenths (0.2 seconds), achieving a top speed of 315km/h (196mph) versus 309km/h (192mph) previously. This is shown impressively on an e.gear equipped car with a feature called “thrust mode”, optimising acceleration and gear change from a standing start throughout all gears.

More direct and precise steering response is another modification sure to give enthusiasts something to smile about, which was carried out to improve even more the superb handling of the AWD vehicle.

The color range of the new SE model consists of six alternatives: two grey shades as well as white (Balloon white), yellow (Giallo Midas), Orange (Arancio Borealis) and green (Verde Ithaca).

Lamborghini explains that the roof, the engine bonnet/cover, the front and rear spoiler as well as the two side mirrors are painted in black ('Nero Noctis' in Lambo lingo) on all SE models, making them stand out against the body color.

The rear lights are slightly tinted and the newly designed "Callisto" rims give an extra visual touch to the overall appearance, which is further complemented by the coloured brake calipers (available in grey or yellow).

The interior design sets forth the two-tone concept by having all piping and stitching matching the exterior body color of the car - whether it be yellow, white, green, etc.

The Lamborghini shield is embossed on the headrest of the driver and passenger seat and Lamborghini script is inserted into the dashboard.

The carpets are black having the borders again matching the exterior body color of the car, which when combined give the vehicle a unique and very individual persona. Needless to say that the entire interior is handcrafted in leather partially perforated and of high quality.

Lamborghini says the interior design underlines the new, more aggressive personality of this Special Edition, and there's also an additional shield with the embossed vehicle identification number exclusively for the SE model.

The limited Special Edition is richly equipped with standard features such as a rear view camera, which in combination with the built-in multimedia screen facilitates parking. The sports suspensions with the sports steering wheel and in combination with the P Zero Corsa tyres (specifically developed by Pirelli for more ambitious driving) are all standard features on the Special Edition.

The long list of standard equipment comprises also an exclusive car cover and upon request a vast range of additional equipment is available to customers with deep pockets. Potential buyers of the 250 limited edition models can choose additionally the robotised gearbox 'e.gear', as well as a navigation system (depending on the country), heated side mirrors, fully electrical and heated seats. A winter package (heated seats, side mirrors, heated wash jets, rubber floor mats, 12 Volt outlet), and a lifting system are also available.