The new Lamborghini Gallardo GT3R - which has been developed by Reiter Engineering - is set to hit the race tracks in anger next year, initially in the 2006 VLN Nordschleife championship.

Experienced German motorsport preparation outfit Reiter Engineering - who are very closely linked to the Lamborghini factory - have developed the Gallardo for the GT3 category of international sportscar racing. Reiter previously built the GT1 class Murcielago R-GT which has made sporadic appearances in the FIA GT Championship and American Le Mans Series during the past couple of years. The GT3 class was recently been devised to offer more cost effective racing thrills, and it is expected to surge in popularity next year, when other brands to become involved will include Porsche and Aston Martin.

These images show the Reiter Engineering Gallardo GT3R (R for Race) still at an early development stage, but immediately identifiable are the usual visible trappings of a top-level sportscar racer, including a huge new rear wing, jutting front lip spoiler, additional cut-out air intakes (including ones slashed across a new engine cover), new larger exhausts, tow hooks, an even lower suspension, and huge, bulging OZ racing alloy wheels. The Gallardo GT3R will offer in excess of 500bhp, and be available in either two, or its usual all wheel drive format. Reiter Engineering has already received firm orders and admits to considerable further interest.
 

This new race car will be available for delivery from February 2006, while further technical information will be detailed over the next two months. Reiter Engineer also promise that a 'street' version will follow.

The first Gallardo GT3R recently, successfully, completed a two day test session in the hands of the newly formed Lambo-Racing customer team. This example - which is AWD format - was developed by Reiter at the customer's request to allow them plenty of time to prepare for next years VLN Nordschleife championship.

It's been a busy few weeks for Lamborghini's mid-size, V10-powered Gallardo sportscar model. Last month, during the Frankfurt Motor Show, the highly acclaimed Gallardo Spyder was premiered alongside the very strictly limited edition Gallardo SE, a car limited to 250 units, and easily identifiable by its black roof and engine cover. The Gallardo Coupé has also been launched in 'Model Year 2006' specification, which includes a large number of detailed improvements.