Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera - (AUTOart 1:18)

Gallardo Superleggera - the car

A special version of the Gallardo, dubbed the Superleggera, was launched at the 2007 Geneva Auto Show supposedly in preparation for the next Ferrari 430 Scuderia. The Superleggera is lighter than the base Gallardo by around 70 kg (154 lb) - down to approximately 1,360 kg (3,000 lb) - thanks to the use of carbon fibre panels for the rear diffuser, undertray, the rearview-mirror housings, the interior door panels, the central tunnel, and the engine cover. Even the wheel nuts are made of titanium instead of steel to save even more unsprung weight at each corner of the car. According to the original Press Release issued by the factory the superleggera was available in four colors only : Midas Yellow, Borealis Orange, Telesto Gray and Noctis Black, however at least one white Superleggera has been built.

The intake, exhaust and ECU have been upgraded to release an extra 10 hp (7.5 kW) for a total of 530 hp (395 kW). The lightening and extra power result in a 0-100 km/h time of 3.8 seconds, 0.1 seconds faster than the base Gallardo. The 6-speed e-gear transmission, usually a US$ 10,000 option, now comes as a standard. The full price for a Superleggera with everything on it runs for over $200,000. Lamborghini began offering the Gallardo Superleggera in June 2007. In March 2008, Lamborghini announced that they had ceased production of the Gallardo Superleggera. The Superleggera paid tribute to the first Lamborghini production model, the famous 350GT, which was designed and built by the Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera in Milan, a coachbuilding company that recently restarted its activities.

The model

AUTOart had done a great job once again. Replicating the Gallardo Superleggera in 1:18 scale is "almost" perfect. The model is fantastic I should say. From the sharp body lines, detailed carbon fiber accents, perfect paint job, accurate wheels, carbon disc brakes and calipers, and interior. The only inaccuracy I noticed is the engine . The Superleggera's engine is slightly different from the standard Gallardo. But AUTOart used the same mold of the older AUTOart Gallardo. However, aside from that, everything else on the model is accurate.

By the way, this Superleggera model is far from its cheaper counterpart made by Maisto. So if you're having second thoughts on purchasing this one, think twice no more. Go ahead and do yourself a favor. :D