2007 Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera Preview

2007 Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera Preview – Geneva Auto Show: Most folks would argue that a 500+ horsepower Italian supercar is already special, but most folks aren't in charge of Lamborghini. On top of the highly-acclaimed Gallardo, Lambo has released the super special edition Gallardo Superleggera, a lighter, more powerful, and thus quicker alternative to the base model. The few to whom Lamborghini chooses to sell this machine will enjoy a 0-62 mph time of 3.8 seconds, extensive use of carbon fiber that goes above and beyond that of the Gallardo, about 10 extra ponies, and a price that's sure to smoke the regular version's $175,000 sticker. The 2007 Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera is on sale now.

Why it Matters

If you're not a well-funded Lamborghini fan, the Superleggera would seem to matter little. Cars that encroach on the $200,000 threshold (estimated) and hit 62 mph quicker than the blink of a lazy eye are seldom on one's shopping list, but good golly there fun to dream about. And, yes, a lucky few even get to own and drive them. For those buyers, as well as anyone who drools like a sedated geriatric at the site of an Italian exotic, the Gallardo Superleggera is one to behold. It takes the style and allure of a timeless Lamborghini and then blesses the oil-in-their-veins masses by dropping weight, adding power, and subsequently boosting performance. We car people live for that kinda stuff.

What's Under the Hood

Drivers of the 2007 Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera will be able to tap into the goods offered by a dual overhead cam, 40-valve, 5.0-liter V10 engine that puts out 522 horsepower at a lofty 8,000 rpm and 376 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm. The Superleggera comes with all-wheel drive and an E-gear sequential manual transmission with paddle shifters. Lamborghini claims a 0-62 mph time of only 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 196 mph. Pirelli PZero Corsa tires are fitted to 19-inch alloy wheels, all four corners are equipped with beefy ventilated disc brakes, and the entire package is supported by aluminum double-wishbones front and rear.

What it Looks Like

As its name would imply, the Superleggera is first and foremost a Gallardo, complete with the pointed nose, long headlight housings, deep air intakes on the sides and atop the rear quarter panels, and the piece de resistance which is the carbon-fiber hood complete with clear polycarbonate panel that exposes the V10. A weight savings of 154 pounds compared to the regular Gallardo is thanks to carbon fiber used for the rearview mirrors, the rear diffuser, the door panels, and the drivetrain tunnel. Carbon fiber has also been used to create the seats, and certain glass panels have been replaced with polycarbonate panels.

What's Inside

If you're a sucker for carbon fiber and Alcantara trim, Lamborghini definitely has a ride for you. The Gallardo Superleggera is decked out in both, placed on everything from the steering wheel and dash to the pillar covers and headliner. Drivers face a clear gauge cluster including a large tachometer and speedometer, with additional gauges lined up atop the center dash. Primary audio, climate, and secondary controls are concentrated in the center console. Deeply sculpted sport seats with integrated headrests and racing harnesses reflect the Superleggera's extreme capabilities.

What We Think

It's an amazingly hot car that packs 522 horsepower from a V10 with an intoxicating growl – what's not to love? We're not usually gung ho about rear spoilers, especially those that reside several inches above the body, but the Superleggera's blends in nicely and actually serves a purpose. The spoked alloys are gorgeous and do a great job of displaying the magnificently large discs which reside behind them. The luxurious yet completely driver-focused interior is equally impressive.

Photos courtesy of Lamborghini