Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertibles, Supercars, Lamborghini

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder

When we got word that Lamborghini was bringing a new model to the LA Auto Show, it wasn’t hard to guess what it would be: the Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder. Sun-loving Californians would all drive convertibles if they could, making Los Angeles an ideal venue for the debut, and Lamborghini has a habit of following up its coupe models with a drop top version. Our hunch was confirmed earlier this morning when pictures flooded the internet, and we know have live shots from the show floor, along with more details on the car. The new folding top runs via a hydraulic pump as well as electric motor that can close and raise the top in around 20 seconds. The headlights have been slightly updated with new LEDs and daytime running lights. As with the coupe version, the Spyder features the new 5.2L V10 producing 552 bhp and 398 lb-ft torque, and the suspension and e-gear transmission upgrades carry over as well. With the reduced weight and added power, the Spyder now reaches 100 km/h in four seconds flat and tops out at a touch over 200 mph. Full details can be found in the press release after the jump, and both live and press shots are in the high resolution galleries below.

Live photos copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips/ Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading LA 2008: Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder unveiled LIVE

LA 2008: Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder unveiled LIVE originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Etc., Japan, Videos, Supercars, BMW, Lamborghini

In Japan, Otaku are the rabid fans of anime who often take their passion to extremes. One way they show their affection is to pull their favorite characters out of the imaginary world and plant them on vehicles in the real world. The pain caused by leaving their fantasy lives to join mainstream life lends its name to the show vehicles on which these characters land, itasha. Itasha has become a huge fad in Japan, with shows around the country almost every weekend. Fans decorate their cars with custom paint jobs or vinyls that act as a tribute to their favorite movies, games and characters.

One such Otaku happens to be a chairman of Age Soft software, creators of the game Total Eclipse, among others. At a recent Itasha show he brought along three of his favorite rides, all decked out with manga. That in itself might not seem so newsworthy, but when you hear what three cars he had done up in anime glory, you might be a bit shocked. Yoshida San showed up with his personal BMW M5, Lamborghini Gallardo and Lancia Stratos. Check out the gallery to see the madness for yourself. Click any image for a gallery of itasha, and follow the jump for an AOL video that explains itasha. Grazie per il tip, Francesco!

[Source: HobbyMedia.it]

Continue reading Age Soft Chairman shows off Manga Lambo, M5 and Stratos

Age Soft Chairman shows off Manga Lambo, M5 and Stratos originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorsports, SEMA, Supercars, Lamborghini

Click above for high-res gallery of the DP7 Racing Gallardo GTR

Lamborghini doesn’t exactly have a storied history in motorsports, but that doesn’t mean its current lineup doesn’t offer a suitable platform to go racing. DP7 Racing has selected the Gallardo GTR to compete in the SCCA World Challenge next year, and they came out to SEMA to show off their newly finished racecar that will take on the likes of Porsches, Corvettes, and Vipers in the GT class. The GTR received the full racecar makeover including a widened carbon fiber body, front splitter and rear diffuser, fully adjustable suspension, Hollinger sequential 6-speed transmission, and CCW aluminum racing wheels. The 5.0L V10 is now producing 570 bhp and 450 lb-ft torque thanks in part to a set of Hedman headers and a Motec engine management system. You can check out the car in the gallery below, and we’ll hopefully make it to one of the World Challenge races next year to see it on track.

SEMA 2008: Gallardo GTR ready to take on SCCA World Challenge originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorsports, Supercars, Lamborghini

Click above for a high resolution image of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo

Lamborghini announced its Blancpain Super Trofeo this past weekend at Hockenheim, a racing series featuring spec Gallardo LP560-4’s in race trim. The Super Trofeo will run in support of the FIA GT Championship, DTM, and FIA WTCC series and will feature individual professional and ‘gentleman’ drivers, along with dealership teams. We only had a handful of studio photos at the time, but since then we’ve found several more including a few of the car on the racetrack. We also managed to find the press release that provides full details on the engine, chassis, interior, and body modifications done to the car. Hit the jump for the press release and check out the gallery below for the new photos.

[Source: Lamborghini]

Continue reading Pics aplenty: Lamborghini Super Trofeo in action

Pics aplenty: Lamborghini Super Trofeo in action originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Supercars, Lamborghini, Police/Emergency

It’s generally never a good idea to try and outrun the the local constabulary, but that would be particularly true if you happen to be in Italy within the jurisdiction of Prefect Antonio Manganelli. Manganelli heads up the Italian State Police and he just took delivery of the latest police package special from the crew at Lamborghini. This time around the Bolognese automaker added the decals and lights to its new Gallardo LP560-4. Somehow the Lamborghini techs have managed to integrate all the gear that modern police officers regularly use into their diminutive supercar. The car is equipped with a video recording system so officers can record evidence and provide entertainment for the boys in blue back at the station by transmitting it wirelessly in real time. The usual array of gun racks and radio equipment is also supplemented by a cooler in the front compartment that can be used to transport separated body parts to the local emergency room, or that finger you just shot off a “potential” suspect. The Rome police have been using a Gallardo cruiser for the last five years and accumulated 87,000 apparently problem-free miles while the Bologna police have racked up 62,000 miles in another example. You can check out video of their new police Lambo after the jump.

[Source: Lamborghini]

Continue reading Italian State Police receive new Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4

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Filed under: Sports/GTs, Videos, Supercars, Lamborghini

Today we bring you more video of the blind Belgian who recently broke the blind land speed record in France. Luc Costermans piloted a Lamborghini Gallardo borrowed from supercar rental agency GT Drive to 192 mph on the Istres airstrip, which is a pretty amazing feat, but one that’s likely to be challenged by former world record holder Mike Newman. Although they aren’t in English, we have several video clips of the event for you after the jump.

Continue reading VIDEO: The blind Belgian’s record speed run in a Lamborghini

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Filed under: Supercars, Lamborghini

For most of us, once we’re able to sweet talk our way into Lamborghini Gallardo, going 192 mph isn’t that difficult. But Luc Costermans has at least one more major obstacle to overcome: he’s been blind for four years.

Despite that, he managed to borrow an orange Gallardo for an attempt on the Blind Speed Record. Congratulations are in order for both Luc and the Gallardo’s owner, as the record was broken and the Gallardo apparently wasn’t. Luc set the Blind Speed Record at 192 mph, Saturday, at an airstrip in Istres, France.

“I’m very, very happy. It’s a team effort,” Luc said after the run. His co-pilot, Guillaume Roman, wasn’t quoted in any of the stories we read, but we assume he breathed a deep sigh of relief. Seriously, who volunteers to ride shotgun with a blind driver in a Gallardo doing almost 200 mph?

Luc can’t rest on his laurels. Previous record-holder Mike Newman is hoping to hit 200 mph in a
Keating TKR. Anyone got a Veyron Luc borrow? Anyone?

See video of the record-breaking run here. Be warned that it’s not in English.

[Source: BBC]

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Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Supercars, Lamborghini

Click above for high-res gallery of the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4

A 5.2-liter V10 with 560 horsepower, 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds, a top speed of over 200 mph and one of the most beautiful modern designs to ever come out of Italy. It’s the new Gallardo LP560-4, and Lamborghini wants us to drive it. There are certainly more lucrative ways to make a living than being an automotive journalist, but it’s moments like this that we know we made the right career choice. The best news is that we got to drive the new LP560-4 with about two dozen Lamborghini owners. Lamborghini of Orange County recently opened up a new dealership in Newport Beach, and they invited all of their customers down to see the new showroom and go for a Sunday drive. We tackled some of California’s best back roads in the LP560-4 with other Gallardos, Murcielagos, and even a few Diablos. Follow the jump to read on.

All photos Copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4

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Filed under: Tuners, Videos, Supercars, Lamborghini

Click the image above to watch the video

Lamborghini surely didn’t intend for the Gallardo to be used as a 1/4-mile racer, but that doesn’t mean we don’t like to see an owner put his car to the test. Add a set of twin-turbos and we’re really interested. This particular Gallardo was built by Underground Racing in Charlotte, NC, and despite a fairly slow launch runs an impressive 10.2 at 155 mph. Judging by the mph, this Gallardo is capable of running well into the 9’s. Even more impressive is that the car has a six-speed transmission rather than Lamborghini’s e-gear that would surely cut down the time as well. Follow the jump to watch the video.

[Source: YouTube]

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Filed under: Sports/GTs, Euro, Supercars, Audi, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Volkswagen, Earnings/Financials

Is Volkswagen about to shed some supercars from its stable? It could be the case, if statements by Porsche boss/VW supervisory board member, Wendelin Wiedeking, are taken seriously. When asked about the future Bugatti and Lamborghini within the Volkswagen Group, Wiedeking is quoted as saying “no toys anymore.” Cash from the sale of these two exotic makers could help VW work on resurrecting restructuring its core Volkswagen brand, which would allow VW to reclaim its position as a true global player.

But it’s not all about the Euros. Not surprisingly, it is reported that Wiedeking isn’t too happy Porsche might occupy anything less than the top rung in the corporate hierarchy. Imagine Audi R8, Porsche 911 and Lamborghini Gallardo all in the same family - that might be a little awkward. And with a new Porsche supercar reportedly in the works designed to break the top speed record set by the Bugatti Veyron, it can only get worse. Throw in a Murcielago LP640 successor, and we think the sibling rivalry would turn to bloodshed.

Autocar is speculating that Lamborghini could be sold off, but that Bugatti might turn into little more than a coachbuilder. If the Veyron ends up making Bugatti a one-and-done automaker this go-around, we say job well done but hope there’s more to come.

Though Wiedeking is a member of VW’s supervisory board and his company does now own 31% of the VW Group, the question remains how much influence Porsche really has over the future of VW. German law in this regard is complicated, and as far as we can tell, beyond a voice on the board, Porsche can’t do much at the moment to force the sale of Lamborghini and Bugatti, whether it wants to or not.

[Source: Autocar]

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