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Geneva: Lamborghini LP560-4
By Yoann Besnard on 6 March 2008 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Some faceliftings are more interesting than others. The Lamborghini Gallardo is one f them and gets a styling and technical facelift with an all-new V10 engine.
Without a doubt, the Gallardo is a big success for the carmaker. In just five years, the supercar became the company’s best selling model of all time. After the SE and the Superleggera versions, the new v10 petrol engine takes the Gallardo to new levels.
The new engine is slightly smaller than the current unit and features a new direct injection system. Its power output gains 40bhp and jumps to 552bhp. The final power output is not so impressive if we consider that the Audi RS6 offers 572bhp. However, the Gallardo is also lighter than the heavy RS6.
The gearbox has also received all attention from engineers. Gear change time have been reduced by 40 percent, and the driver may choose between five different driving and changing programs. The most performance-oriented "CORSA" setting not only affects shift speed — it also directs the engine for maximum acceleration. The ‘Thrust Mode’ ensures maximum acceleration from neutral while the angle of the throttle valve and the clutch are optimized. Lamborghini engineers have also focused on weight reduction and the Gallardo loses 44 lbs. The Gallardo can be equipped with a carbon-ceramic-disc braking system which uses eight-piston Brembo calipers at the front and four-piston calipers at the rear.
With all those combined improvements, the Gallardo can shuttle the 0-62mph in just 3.7 seconds and can reach a top speed of 202mph.