New car news

02 March 2010 - 10:00

Geneva show: Lambo Gallardo Superleggera

We have a saying in the TG office that goes something like, ‘If a motorshow features the unveiling of a new Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera, it is probably going to be a good motorshow'.

Looks like Geneva will be a good ‘un, then. This is the new Gallardo Superleggera, the lightweight edition of Lambo's littlest supercar, and we shall take ours in yellow, please. No, white. No, green. Any colour.

Let's kick off with the diet strategy. The Superleggera is about 40kg lighter than a standard Gallardo, thanks to liberal use of carbon fibre throughout the cabin, including the centre console and seat shells. There's further evidence of the black weave on the outside of the car - just look at that rear wing and wing mirror surrounds.

The biggest weight saving comes from a set of new lightweight wheels, which shave 13kg off the Gallardo's kerbweight.

Matched to a 5.2-litre V10 putting out 419kW and you're looking at a potent thing. It'll decimate 100km/h in 3.5 seconds, and - with improved aero and downforce, plus a stiffer suspension set-up - show its full-fat brother a clean pair of heels on a suitably derestricted road.

If all that doesn't sound hardcore enough, why not spec your Superleggera with a roll-cage and four-point harnesses? What's that? Because your better half will refuse to ever get in the car with you? Yeah, fair point.

The Superleggera goes on sale later this year - before which, of course, we'll have given it a thorough work-out and delivered you the verdict. It's fair to say we're a little excited.