The Geneva Motor Show has seen the worldwide debut of the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera, the lightest, fastest and most distinct version of the 5.0-litre V10 sportscar, which arrives just as the Bologna Sant'Agata-based carmaker is celebrating its most successful and profitable year ever.

In fact during 2006 Automobili Lamborghini celebrated its third record production year in a row; and with sales of 2,087 cars worldwide, it passed the 2,000 unit mark for the first time in its history. In its biggest global market, the United States, the company sold 876 cars in 2006, up 37 percent year-on-year. Total revenues in 2006 increased by 43 percent to 346 million euros, with results before tax increasing 311 percent to 18.1 million euros. Ten more dealerships will be opened worldwide this year, including in Kiev (Ukraine) and Bombay (India) as, Lamborghini seeks to further increase its car sales. These were all positive pointers that Automobili Lamborghini President and CEO Stephan Winkelmann was very keen to emphasise in Geneva last week.

However it was the Gallardo Superleggera that is at the centre of attention on the Lamborghini stand in Geneva, an uncompromisingly high-performance sports car. Thanks to increased power (an additional 10 hp) and a 100 kg reduction in weight (USA 70 kg), the new range-leading Gallardo Superleggera is even more dynamic than the already very sporty Gallardo. The weight/power ratio of the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera is only 2.5 kg/hp, which puts it unquestionably at the top.

The Superleggera also has the fastest acceleration in its class. It needs only 3.8 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph); 0.2 seconds less than the basic model, and boasting speed and grit under other driving conditions. The Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera is an extremely high-performance car: it includes a standard robotized mechanical 'e-gear' gearbox that guarantees shifting without removing hands from the steering wheel. The new Gallardo Superleggera can be ordered through the dealer network starting March 2007: production volumes will be restricted to lower numbers than the standard Gallardo. The Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera's engine is the latest version of Lamborghini's well-known 4,961 cm3 V10. Now 530 hp is reached in 8,000 min-1
 

The increase in power was made possible by the engine's improved volumetric efficiency through reduced intake load losses and by exhaust backpressures, together with optimized electronic control. Naturally, emission levels observe the strict EURO 4 and LEV II standards.

Lamborghini engineers decreased the Lamborghini Gallardo's already low weight when empty (1,430 kg) by another 100 kg using advanced materials and technologies. The engine hood is made of visible carbon fibre and transparent polycarbonate, a type of material that guarantees lightness and also shows off the magnificent V10. The rear diffuser and underbody covering, the rearview mirrors, door panels and the central tunnel's covering are also made of carbon fibre. Further reductions in weight were achieved by replacing certain glass surfaces with transparent polycarbonate. For the interior, monocoque carbon fibre sports seats covered in Alcantara were chosen to ensure restraint of the driver and passenger during the intense lateral accelerations that the Gallardo Superleggera is capable of achieving around curves.

A comprehensive specification and extensive range of options will be available, with some exclusive to the Gallardo Superleggera. The Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera comes with the robotized mechanical e-gear transmission as a standard feature; a sports package which includes new shock absorbers; and a special design suede-covered steering wheel. The car is available in four different colours: Midas Yellow, Borealis Orange, Telesto Gray and Noctis Black. Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres (standard) on new Scorpius forged rims accentuate the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera.

A few of the options that can be requested for the Gallardo Superleggera include the multimedia system with navigator and CD-changer; a rear video camera to make parking easier (with optional rear wing only); a Carbon accessories kit for the interior; a fixed rear spoiler; a four-point seatbelt (not for USA); tubular rear frame or fitting points for later inclusion (not for USA, Japan or Middle East); and carbon-ceramic brakes.