Reiter Engineering presented a 'street legal' version of their new Lamborghini Gallardo GT3R racer at the Bologna Motor Show, which took place in Italy earlier this month. The metallic-black finished example was shown in the 'Motorsport Zone' which guaranteed it prestige as the area included an ex-Michael Schumacher F1 Ferrari, as well the factory-entered cars that competed in this year's inaugural FIA World Touring Car Championship.

German motorsport preparation experts, Reiter Engineering have a growing association with the Audi-owned Lamborghini brand, having built the GT1/GTS class Murciélago R-GT sportscar which has appeared sporadically in the high-profile FIA GT Championship and the American Le Mans Series, as well as the Japanese GT Championship, during the last couple of seasons. With the recent announcement of the low-cost International, FIA-sanctioned, GT3 series for 2006, team boss Hans Reiter was keen to exploit the potential of the 5.0-litre V10 Gallardo. The first racing example to be built was destined for a new outfit, Lambo-Racing, who will run the car in the German-based VLN Nordschleife Championship next year.

The Gallardo GT3R ('R' is for race) is immediately identifiable by a huge new rear wing, jutting front lip spoiler, additional cut-out air intakes (including ones slashed across a new engine cover, and large new exits - to allow improved cooling for the two radiators - which have been sliced out in front of the front wheels), new larger exhausts, tow hooks, an even lower suspension (it has a ride height of just 40mm), and huge, bulging 11x18-inch OZ racing alloy wheels. The Gallardo GT3R - fitted with a racing sequential gearbox - will offer 500bhp at 7,800rpm and 510Nm of torque at 4,500rpm. The Gallardo GT3R features a structural aluminium space frame, based on aluminium extruded parts welded to aluminium caster joint elements, and structural reinforcements at the suspension pick up points. The body is made of aluminium and thermoplastic, while the front bumpers and the air extractors mounted in them, are made of carbon fibre. The front splitter - which covers the complete frontal underfloor area - has integral double diffusers.
 

The suspension features double wishbones at the front and rear, anti-roll bar, anti-dive and anti squat, racing shocks and springs. A specially developed racing ABS system is fitted, while the all-wheel ventilated racing discs, are stopped by power vacuum 6-pot Brembo racing calipers. The permanent four wheel drive Gallardo GT3 weighs in at 1190kg, and also offers electric-power-assisted steering.

Reiter Engineering has already received several firm orders and admits to considerable further interest. They are pitching to run the Gallardo GT3R (six cars will be required from each manufacturer) for interested 'gentleman' drivers and are offering a cost-effective, fully tailored package. The inaugural championship will take place on five European tracks next year, with four of the rounds being run to a double one-hour race format. The cars will be adhere to a strict to a power-to-weight-ratio, team personnel numbers will be limited, testing will be restricted, and a mandatory control tyre will be used.

The car presented by Reiter Engineering in Bologna is a 'street legal' version of this Gallardo GT3R and shares many visual features with its racing sister, including the new deeper front spoiler, wing-mounted cut-outs to cool the radiators, a huge rear spoiler, a lower ride height, and bright yellow Brembo 6-pot brake calipers.