Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera
Also upping the ante is Lamborghini with the Gallardo Superleggera, a lightweight version of the magnificent Gallardo four-wheel drive supercar. Power is up to 530 bhp at 8,000 rpm. Originally, the engine developed 500 bhp, and this was upped to 520 bhp last year. This is quite an improvement, and takes the specific power output to 106 bhp per liter.
The engine is coupled to Lamborghini’s e-gearbox, a sequentially controlled unit. This box works well when hurrying, but like most is not quite so good when driving more slowly.
To improve performance further, Lamborghini engineers are using some lightweight materials in the Gallardo Superleggera. For example, the engine cover is carbon fibre and transparent polycarbonate, and polycarbonate is used to replace some glass. The rear diffuser and mirror cases are now carbon fiber, as is the tunnel cover.
The Gallardo Superleggera has forged aluminum wheel rims and Pirelli Zero Corsa tires. It weighs in at 2,930 lb (1,330 kg), which is 225 lb (100 kg) lighter than the standard car.
Audi 5 Coupe, too
Audi released its new Audi 5 coupe at Geneva – actually this is a whole range of cars including A5 and S5. It is smart looking coupe, with the characteristic grille, and a semi-fastback design. Very much an Audi. It is a compact car, just 5 in longer than a BMW 3 Series coupe. Hottest is the Audi S5, which is powered by a 350 bhp version of Audi’s briliant V-8, also found in the R8 and RS4. This takes the smooth coupe to 60 mph in under 5 seconds, which is supercar country.
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