Filed under: Spy Photos, Supercars, Lamborghini

Our mates across the pond at PistonHeads say they’ve got it on good authority that Lamborghini is indeed producing a Superleggera version of the too-hot-to-handle Murcielago.

Eyebrows were raised when spy photogs snapped a Murcielago test mule running test laps around the Nurburgring’s venerable Nordschleiff in Germany, sporting a big ol’ wing on the back and what looks like carbon fiber body panels. If the reports are correct - and we hope they are - the Murcielago Superleggera will get the same treatment as its little brother, the Gallardo Superleggera, which was unveiled at the Geneva show. That means carbon fiber and composite components will help bring the weight down, while some tweaks to the engine will bring power up, resulting in a delicious increase to the supercar’s power-to-weight ratio. It’s too early to tell how much extra juice the stripped-down Lambo will get, but it should be a daunting task considering that the engine’s output was already augmented for the LP640. Could we be seeing a 700 horsepower figure?

The report suggests an official unveiling of the Murcielago Superleggera in March 2008, but with Lamborghini’s pledge to have a new attraction at every major auto show, we wouldn’t be surprised - delighted, mind you, but not surprised - to see it take its first bow earlier than that.

[Source: PistonHeads]

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Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Lamborghini

Valentino Balboni has one of the best jobs in the world. When at Maranello, the Ferrari F1 drivers lend a hand in ringing out the latest Italian stallions. Over in Sant’Agata the job belongs to Balboni. He’s been with the company since 1968, working his way up from mechanic’s apprentice to his current role as chief test driver. The guy gets to drive Lamborghinis day in, day out…what more could you ask for?

Once in a while some lucky “civilian” gets the chance to ride shotgun with Balboni in the latest fire-snorting bull. This video was recorded from inside the cockpit of a Murcielago LP640 as Balboni gave his passenger what was certainly the ride of his life - tail out, foot to the floor as the Lambo drifted from corner to corner around the Bahrain race circuit. Hold on tight and follow the jump to catch the action.

Note: Due to the passenger/videographer repeatedly screaming obscenities during the lap, we wouldn’t recommend watching as your boss looks over your shoulder.

[Source: YouTube]

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Filed under: Sports/GTs, Geneva Motor Show, Euro, Videos, Supercars, Lamborghini

Less is more when it comes to exotic sportscars. Less weight, that is. Enthusiasts know that taking extra weight out of a sportscar makes it go faster. No wonder, then, that the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera that was unveiled last month at the Geneva show was such a hit.

Although Lamborghinis are decidedly built for the road, the results of the Gallardo’s high-perfomance diet can best be seen (and heard) on the race track. This video comes courtesy of the Swedish Auto Motor & Sport, who took the new Superleggera out for a spin at the Phoenix International Raceway in Arizona. Follow the jump and turn up your speakers, ’cause this is one raging bull with a sweet sound.

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