Frankfurt show: Lambo reveals ‘most extreme’ Gallardo

THE latest in a long line of limited-edition Gallardos graced the Lamborghini stand at Frankfurt this week in the shape of the race-bred LP570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale, claimed to be “the most extreme Gallardo ever”.

Lamborghini Australia managing director Andrew Smith told GoAuto just two examples of this latest 150-unit special edition are expected to make it to Australia from January next year.

Mr Smith expects the Super Trofeo Stradale to be Lamborghini’s final derivative of its ageing entry-level model, with pricing in the region of $580,000 to $590,000 making it by far the most expensive Gallardo.

Based on the race-spec Gallardos that do battle in the one-make Lamborghini Blancpain Sper Trofeo race series in Europe, the latest Lambo special appears to share much of its specification with the Blancpain edition – named after the race series’ Swiss watch-maker sponsor – unveiled at Paris last year.

Weighing the same 1340kg as the Blancpain edition and Superleggera on which it is based, the Super Trofeo unsurprisingly achieves a 0-100km/h sprint time of 3.4 seconds, although top speed is reduced 5km/h to 320km/h.

That slightly lower top speed could be related to the race-style aerodynamic package fitted to the Super Trofeo Stradale, which includes a huge adjustable carbon-fibre rear spoiler – identical to that of the race cars – which Lamborghini claims to increase “dynamic stability during tight, high-speed driving”.

The carbon-fibre, quick-release removable engine cover is also carried over from the racer, which also shares the unmodified V10 powerplant, capable of producing 419kW at 8000rpm and 540Nm at 6500rpm.

The engine drives all four wheels through a “race tested” six-speed robotised transmission with paddle-shift and Thrust Mode, otherwise known as launch control.

Aluminium double wishbone suspension claimed to be directly derived from motor racing is said to give the driver “a very close connection to the road”, aided by lightweight 19-inch alloy wheels secured by titanium bolts to “lightweight and sturdy” titanium wheel bearings.

Bringing the power under control are eight-piston aluminium front brake callipers that clamp big 365mm ventilated discs and four-piston rear callipers gripping 356mm rotors, further fade-free stopping power is available with the optional carbon-ceramic stoppers, which increase front rotor size to a substantial 380mm.

Further race-style options include a roll cage, four-point harnesses, and a fire extinguisher although practicality-oriented offerings comprise satellite navigation, Bluetooth, alarm system and a system to raise the nose for negotiating urban obstacles.

If the huge rear wing wasn’t enough to distinguish the Super Trofeo Stradale from common-or-garden Gallardos – or indeed the multitudes of other special editions – a choice of Rosso Mars, Grigio Telesto or Bianco Monocerus paintwork is offset by matte-black finish for the front air intakes, engine cover, spoiler and exhaust tips.

The wheels are painted gloss black, with red brake callipers showing through – a Lambo first – and the gloss black finish also optionally available for the roof, while the carbon-fibre rear diffuser, door mirror housings are polished to a high gloss.

Inside, the main trim fabric is suede-like Alcantara, with a Rosso Mars – Italy’s traditional racing red – is complemented by red-stitched black fabric, visible carbon-fibre weave and dark chrome highlights with extra lashings of carbon-fibre available as options.

As GoAuto has reported, Lamborghini also used Frankfurt to announce it will produce just 20 of the ultra-light, track-only Sesto Elemento supercar unveiled at Paris, each priced at a cool €2 million ($2.68 million) although it is highly unlikely to be seen in Australia.