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This is one of those cars that warps time as it accelerates, but it feels closer in spirit to a Caterham R500 than, say, a Murcielago. Its performance is massively urgent, rather than massively muscular.

A power-to-weight ratio of 392bhp per tonne puts it within shouting distance of the real lightweight heavyweights, if you know what I mean, and well clear of direct rivals like the 911 GT3 RS (302bhp per tonne) and Ferrari Challenge Stradale (though the upcoming 430CS should match it).

We're almost an hour out of LA before we arrive at the first proper corner. I recognise the road from countless films and episodes of 24; God knows how many fictional ne'er-do-wells have been dumped over the side of this mountain pass. A squiggle on a sign indicates that the entertainment goes on for 46 - now perfectly surfaced - miles.

What kind of entertainment does the Superlegover deliver? Well that depends on what you're looking for. If you get off on grip, then look no further: this car's road-holding - remember that word? - is heroic.

It punches its way from corner to corner annihilating the bits in between, turns in with absolute accuracy and plenty of honest feel, and exits again almost like nothing has happened. There is zero heave or roll, but lots of linearity, balance and neutrality. Objectively speaking, it's pretty much perfect.

But this isn't about objectivity. This is about sensation, filtered through hands, feet and, most of all, arse. Even with 60 per cent of the engine's grunt channelled to the rear wheels, and even if you brake past the point of sanity into an unexpectedly tightening corner, the Gallardo's chassis is so good, it simply sails round.

It's hugely impressive, mind-bendingly so on a circuit. Especially with the optional ceramic brakes which, as is so often the case, are annoying around town but inspirational everywhere else.

What if you crave more adjustability? That's easy: you buy a Porsche 911 GT3 (but not the OTT RS). OK, so it's a fraction slower, 113bhp less powerful and a track version of a car so ubiquitous you'll probably see 10 or more on any given day, but it's also better at delivering pure sensation.

If you're serious about cars as stripped as these, then you'll want the most hardcore, focused machine you can lay your hands on. Right now, it's the Porsche (which is also £71,000 cheaper, so throw in a Range Rover TDV8 while you're at it).

Things may change when the F430 Challenge Stradale rocks up at the Frankfurt motorshow in September, setting the scene for the year's most titanic group test - purest-bred road racers from Porsche, Ferrari and Lamborghini.

For now, and as silly as the Gallardo Superleggera might be, the truth is it's not quite silly enough.

Read Lamborghini Gallardo Car Review