Lamborghini are set to unveil a stripped out version of the V10 Gallardo model at the Geneva Motor Show next month; dubbed the "Superleggera" its improvements will see it becoming lighter and faster, offering more horsepower and improved handling.

With the Gallardo Spyder having accounted for the bulk of the mid-size sportscar model's sales (5,000 Gallardos have now been built) since its market introduction almost exactly a year ago, this new version is expected to galvanise slower sales of the Coupé. Lamborghini are also keen to capitalise on the success of the recent Gallardo SE model, a limited-edition version that fully sold out before it was even officially announced.

A lightweight Gallardo model has been in the pipeline at Bologna Sant'Agata for quite sometime but other priorities have delayed its market arrival. It is reported that the 4961cc V10 engine in the Gallardo "Superleggara" will now gain an extra 10bhp (taking it to 530bhp at 8,000 rpm) thanks mainly to a new exhaust system and some minor engine modifications. Reports suggest the Gallardo's four-wheel-drive transmission will be retained, dashing the hopes of Lamborghini enthusiasts' who were keen to see a more traditional rear-wheel drive arrangement introduced. The brakes of the "Superleggera" have reportedly been improved further and the car's suspension has also received an upgraded.
 

From the outside the Gallardo "Superleggera" gets new and very eye-catching grey 19-inch spoked alloy wheels, a raised rear spoiler and a bigger and more prominent rear diffuser. The photos also show a black decal stripe running along the base of the doors.

It is in the area of weight reduction that the Raging Bull brand's engineers have also focused their close attention. Around 100 kg has been shaved off the standard model's 1430 kg (3153 lb) weight. Most of the savings have come from stripping out the unnecessary cockpit peripherals, such as the stereo system and the air-conditioning, as well as removing the leather seats, finishing panels and carpets, and replacing them with ones made out of thinner and lighter weight materials.

The new changes are expected to help lower the Gallardo Superleggera's 0-100 km time by around half a second compared to the standard model, currently it stands at 4.2 seconds; as well as improving the sports car's all-round handling abilities.