Paris show: Lambo's limited ‘black beast’ Gallardo

WHILE Lamborghini has teased the motoring world in recent weeks with detail photographs of a concept that is understood to preview its next-generation Murcielago, the House of the Raging Bull has now announced it will unveil a special-edition Blancpain Edition of its Gallardo LP 570-4 coupe at the Paris motor show later this week.

A collaboration between Lamborghini and Swiss watch-maker Blancpain – the naming rights sponsor for the one-make Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo racing series – the limited-run LP 570-4 has a large fixed rear spoiler and unique engine cover (optimised for ventilation) derived directly from the race car.

Other distinguishing features include matt-black paintwork, Skorpius black alloy wheels, and contrasting yellow-painted brake callipers used in conjunction with carbon-ceramic composite brakes, while the entire cabin is finished in black Alcantara with yellow accents and visible carbon-fibre.

There are also yellow Blancpain logos inside and out.

Based on the ultra-lightweight all-wheel-drive Superleggera production car – as is the case for the Super Trofeo race car – the Blancpain Edition has the same extensive amount of carbon-fibre for external components, contributing to a dry weight of just 1340kg.

Equal in weight to the Superleggera – up until now, the lightest road-going model in Lamborghini’s range – and with the same 419kW (562hp) 5.2-litre dry-sump V10, the Blancpain Gallardo can likewise accelerate from 0-100km/h in a claimed 3.4 seconds, reaching 200km/h in 10.2 seconds on its way to a 325km/h top speed.

Australian allocation and pricing are still to be determined, but the Blancpain Edition is certain to attract a premium over the $542,500 Superleggera.

Automobili Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann said the Blancpain Edition demonstrated “the close bond between our road-going super-sportscars and the race car”.

Blancpain CEO Marc Hayek added: “This is a very intense and dynamic partnership between companies from highly disparate sectors, but with the same drive for innovation and mechanical excellence.

“For me, Blancpain has always been a true revolutionary – even a little crazy – with the spirit of adventure. We have always tried to be a little different, to remain innovative and to attempt things that no-one had ever achieved before.”