Texas Mile is an event where you can sign up, drive the fastest mile of your life and then eventually attempt to slow down without getting killed.
This video shows the trouble Underground Racing had with their 1,800 hp twin-turbo Gallardo on a very windy day. Kudos to the driver. He didn't get killed.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Ferrari 458 Italia vs. Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera Comparison Test - Video
It may not be an all out Italian grudge-fest between the 599 GTB and the Murcielago LP640, but it’s a pretty sweet cross-country rivalry just the same. In a test by Road & Track, drivers took the 570-hp 4.5-liter V8-powered 458 Italia and the 562-hp V10-powered Gallardo Superleggera head to head. In case you think that either has a clear advantage, the numbers argue against it. In addition to their similar output figures, the cars have a weight difference of a mere 20 lbs., produce the same 398 lb-ft of torque and both have listed top speeds of 202 mph.
It turns out to be a very intriguing match-up and the only way you’ll find out who wins is by getting to the end of the video at Road & Track. They also have a full write-up for all the details.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Performance to be revealed in 2011
While everyone expected great things from Lamborghini at the recent Paris Auto Show, the Italian company only brought the Sesto Elemento Concept leaving all of us a little disappointed in the Italian automaker. That disappointment, however, may be short lived as Lamborghini is rumored to be bringing out a Performance version of the Gallardo LP570-4 in March 2011 at the Geneva Motor Show. If you remember the LP570-4 Superleggera Spyder that was caught testing at Nurburgring, then you’ve already caught a glimpse of the future vehicle.
The LP570-4 Performance will be distinguished by two black stripes covering the entire body, with the Performance name on the side. There will also be a glass-made engine hood borrowed from the Concept S and wheels from the LP570-4 Gallardo Superleggera.
Regarding its numbers, this performance version will be 67 lbs lighter than the LP560-4 Spyder and it will deliver 570 HP with a top speed of 201 mph. Prices will start at € 182.900.
We don’t really know if we should buy into this rumor, though. Lamborghini is said to be debuting the "Jota", or whatever it’s name is going to be, at the same Geneva show and two huge cars at one show might be overkill in Lamborghini’s dollar sign eyes.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Lambo concept previews all-carbon Gallardo
Lamborghini says it is previewing “the future of the company” with its Paris Motor Show concept car, called Sesto Elemento. The show car is named after the symbol for carbon in the periodic table – the sixth element – and has a power-to-weight ratio similar to that of a superbike. It has been created with help from aircraft industry giant Boeing.
The Sesto Elemento is constructed largely from a brand-new material referred to by Lamborghini as “forged carbon.” This dramatic-looking machine is a clear indication of what the next Gallardo might look like when it appears in two years' time, and what it will be made of.
At just 2,220lbs, the car is extraordinarily light, considering that it's also four-wheel drive and contains the potent running gear from the current Gallardo Superleggera. This gives it a power-to-weight ratio of 570hp per ton; by comparison, the rear-drive Ferrari 458 Italia has 370hp per ton.
As a result, the Sesto Elemento boasts the kind of performance that only superbike riders and Bugatti Veyron owners will be familiar with. Lamborghini quotes a 0-62mph time of just 2.5sec, with a top speed the same as that of the Superleggera.
The standing quarter-mile is rumored to be below the magic 10-second barrier, putting the car clear of even the mighty Veyron. Yet because the Sesto Elemento is a third of a ton lighter than the Superleggera, it's also more economical and cleaner.
“Every future Lamborghini will be touched by the spirit of the Sesto Elemento,” said Lamborghini boss Stephan Winkelmann. This is a tacit admission that each new model from the supercar maker will make extensive use of forged carbon – although not, apparently, the next Murciélago replacement, because this car's development is already too far down the line to fully benefit from the new material.
Lamborghini has created forged carbon in conjunction with Boeing and the University of Washington. It costs roughly a third of the price of regular carbon fiber, but is the same weight and is almost as stiff. It's manufactured in-house by Lamborghini at a new purpose-built plant, and is made by first vacuum packing, then pressing a material similar to carbon beneath an 80-ton load.
The entire process takes less than 10 minutes and negates the need for baking at high temperatures for long periods of time – the method used to cure traditional resin-based carbon fiber. And because forged carbon costs so much less time and money to produce than regular carbon fiber, Lamborghini says it has been able to think “right outside the normal rules of car design” when it comes to the car's shape and structure.
The Sesto's tub is made from the new material, along with its doors, roof, hood, bumpers, major suspension components and virtually its entire interior, including the seats and dash.
“The structure of this car is at the center of its function,” says engineering chief Maurizio Reggiani. “It represents a revolutionary way of building a car. This method is a true breakthrough, and we are extremely excited about what it means for our future.”
The Sesto Elemento is constructed largely from a brand-new material referred to by Lamborghini as “forged carbon.” This dramatic-looking machine is a clear indication of what the next Gallardo might look like when it appears in two years' time, and what it will be made of.
At just 2,220lbs, the car is extraordinarily light, considering that it's also four-wheel drive and contains the potent running gear from the current Gallardo Superleggera. This gives it a power-to-weight ratio of 570hp per ton; by comparison, the rear-drive Ferrari 458 Italia has 370hp per ton.
As a result, the Sesto Elemento boasts the kind of performance that only superbike riders and Bugatti Veyron owners will be familiar with. Lamborghini quotes a 0-62mph time of just 2.5sec, with a top speed the same as that of the Superleggera.
The standing quarter-mile is rumored to be below the magic 10-second barrier, putting the car clear of even the mighty Veyron. Yet because the Sesto Elemento is a third of a ton lighter than the Superleggera, it's also more economical and cleaner.
“Every future Lamborghini will be touched by the spirit of the Sesto Elemento,” said Lamborghini boss Stephan Winkelmann. This is a tacit admission that each new model from the supercar maker will make extensive use of forged carbon – although not, apparently, the next Murciélago replacement, because this car's development is already too far down the line to fully benefit from the new material.
Lamborghini has created forged carbon in conjunction with Boeing and the University of Washington. It costs roughly a third of the price of regular carbon fiber, but is the same weight and is almost as stiff. It's manufactured in-house by Lamborghini at a new purpose-built plant, and is made by first vacuum packing, then pressing a material similar to carbon beneath an 80-ton load.
The entire process takes less than 10 minutes and negates the need for baking at high temperatures for long periods of time – the method used to cure traditional resin-based carbon fiber. And because forged carbon costs so much less time and money to produce than regular carbon fiber, Lamborghini says it has been able to think “right outside the normal rules of car design” when it comes to the car's shape and structure.
The Sesto's tub is made from the new material, along with its doors, roof, hood, bumpers, major suspension components and virtually its entire interior, including the seats and dash.
“The structure of this car is at the center of its function,” says engineering chief Maurizio Reggiani. “It represents a revolutionary way of building a car. This method is a true breakthrough, and we are extremely excited about what it means for our future.”
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Fire spitting Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SuperVeloce from Underground Racing
The term ‘Underground Racing’ can never find its way into a dictionary without including at least the definition along with one or two photographs of some of those ridiculous Lamborghinis.
Without disappointing its followers, the underground car racing has started again with focus on toolboxes of Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SuperVeloce. How does it sound about tuning a supercar, especially one that is already as powerful as a LP670-4 SuperVeloce? Therefore, it is like slapping in the face to all other sports cars in the world. However, underground racing has never appeared to satisfy even with the extreme machine such as Lamborghini with all improvement introduced by the automaker. Every underground racer seems to be determined on getting every single ounce of power the super sports vehicle has in its offerings. This has resulted in a new performance package. This performance kit boosts the supercar’s 6.7-liter V12 engine to deliver over 1,100 hp. However, be warned the extra performance is not likely to come very cheap this time. The performance kit starts at $129,000.
In case you do not have money to buy this performance upgrade kit there is not much we can do to help you. However, you can still view an LP60-4 SuperVeloce teaser video, and enjoy the super duper car with complete with flames coming out of its exhaust.
Lamborghini sales picking up in China
Shanghai October 11 (Gasgoo.com) China has surpassed U.S. to become Lamborghini's second largest market, where the Italian luxury sports-car maker is expected to sell around 200 Lamborghini cars this year, its CEO Stephen Winkelmann at the 2010 Paris Auto Show, Guangzhou Daily reported Monday.
The Chinese market grows extremely fast, but you can barely foresee when Lamborghini's sales in the country will outpace the U.S., Stephen Winkelmann said, adding that about 200 Lamborghini cars are likely to be sold in China this year while sales in the U.S. market is estimated to be 30% higher than China.
He also said that even though the U.S. market has been shrinking these years and on the contrary, China is advancing forward all the time, he still believes the U.S. market has more growth potential, stressing that how to tap the potential is crucially important.
The Italian automaker displayed at the Paris Auto Show its new model, Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Concept that weighs only 99 kilograms and is powered by a 5.2-liter V10 engine, delivering 562 bhp. The Sesto Elemento needs only 2.5 seconds to go from zero to 100 kilometers per hour.
The Chinese market grows extremely fast, but you can barely foresee when Lamborghini's sales in the country will outpace the U.S., Stephen Winkelmann said, adding that about 200 Lamborghini cars are likely to be sold in China this year while sales in the U.S. market is estimated to be 30% higher than China.
He also said that even though the U.S. market has been shrinking these years and on the contrary, China is advancing forward all the time, he still believes the U.S. market has more growth potential, stressing that how to tap the potential is crucially important.
The Italian automaker displayed at the Paris Auto Show its new model, Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Concept that weighs only 99 kilograms and is powered by a 5.2-liter V10 engine, delivering 562 bhp. The Sesto Elemento needs only 2.5 seconds to go from zero to 100 kilometers per hour.
Monday, October 11, 2010
2010 Paris Auto Show Prototypes: Lamborghini Sesto Elemento
Subtlety has never been Lamborghini's claim to fame. But the Sesto Elemento concept unveiled at the Paris auto show lifts the Italian automaker's look of lethal aggression to new heights.
Hatchet-like, the Sesto Elemento is cut like a giant wedge with recurring triangular themes repeated throughout the design. Deep sidelines begin at the front wheel arches, culminating in an abrupt slice at the bulging rear haunches.
Its name is Italian, meaning "sixth element" and is derived from science's periodic table where the sixth element is carbon. The Sesto Elemento is a showcase of carbon-fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP) technology, Lamborghini being the world's first manufacturer to master this process.
Carbon-fibre panels have become almost commonplace. But the Sesto Elemento's entire front frame, roof and floor, exterior panels, major suspension components, and rims are made with carbon fibre. It's also used extensively throughout the interior, a forged composite tub fixed to the carbon-fibre monocoque. The result is an ultra-low curb weight of just 999 kg, including the V10 powertrain. With an output of 570 hp, the full- time all-wheel drive Sesto Elemento has an astounding power-to-weight ratio, sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.5 seconds… yet delivers reasonable fuel consumption due to its light weight.
“The Lamborghini Sesto Elemento shows how the future of the super sports car can look – extreme lightweight engineering, combined with extreme performance results in extreme driving fun" comments Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini.
We certainly are looking forward to an extreme future.
Hatchet-like, the Sesto Elemento is cut like a giant wedge with recurring triangular themes repeated throughout the design. Deep sidelines begin at the front wheel arches, culminating in an abrupt slice at the bulging rear haunches.
Its name is Italian, meaning "sixth element" and is derived from science's periodic table where the sixth element is carbon. The Sesto Elemento is a showcase of carbon-fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP) technology, Lamborghini being the world's first manufacturer to master this process.
Carbon-fibre panels have become almost commonplace. But the Sesto Elemento's entire front frame, roof and floor, exterior panels, major suspension components, and rims are made with carbon fibre. It's also used extensively throughout the interior, a forged composite tub fixed to the carbon-fibre monocoque. The result is an ultra-low curb weight of just 999 kg, including the V10 powertrain. With an output of 570 hp, the full- time all-wheel drive Sesto Elemento has an astounding power-to-weight ratio, sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.5 seconds… yet delivers reasonable fuel consumption due to its light weight.
“The Lamborghini Sesto Elemento shows how the future of the super sports car can look – extreme lightweight engineering, combined with extreme performance results in extreme driving fun" comments Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini.
We certainly are looking forward to an extreme future.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Two German Mechanics Crash Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SV Brought For An Oil Change
Two German mechanics didn’t resist the temptation to test the Murcielago model brought to service by a customer that only needed an oil change. The two guys ended with the Murcielago on a field.
Leaving your car on the hands of the mechanics in service to change the oil, doesn’t necessary mean that it’s on good hands. Especially when the car is a Lamborghini Murcielago and is one of the sportiest editions designed by the Italians.
Two mechanics working for a service in Germany, couldn’t resist not to take the Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 Superveloce to a spin. The supercar belonged to a customer that brought it for an oil change. The character and the power hidden under the hood was a lot more than the two brave guys expected, as the guys ended with the car on the field after too much adrenaline flown through their veins.
According to the German press, the damages the two mechanics did, raise to 400,000 euros. In addition, the guys ended the day in hospital, where the doctors discovered pretty bad injuries.
So, from now on you’d better think twice when you leave your supercar at the dealership as the guys working there might take it for a spin and end up like the two characters of our story.
Leaving your car on the hands of the mechanics in service to change the oil, doesn’t necessary mean that it’s on good hands. Especially when the car is a Lamborghini Murcielago and is one of the sportiest editions designed by the Italians.
Two mechanics working for a service in Germany, couldn’t resist not to take the Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 Superveloce to a spin. The supercar belonged to a customer that brought it for an oil change. The character and the power hidden under the hood was a lot more than the two brave guys expected, as the guys ended with the car on the field after too much adrenaline flown through their veins.
According to the German press, the damages the two mechanics did, raise to 400,000 euros. In addition, the guys ended the day in hospital, where the doctors discovered pretty bad injuries.
So, from now on you’d better think twice when you leave your supercar at the dealership as the guys working there might take it for a spin and end up like the two characters of our story.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Top 5 Freshest Designs From the Paris Auto Show
This year’s Paris auto show, which is open to the public until Oct. 17, showcases the design freedom that comes from working with micro-turbines, electric motors and ultra-lightweight materials.
Of course, not every head-turning car in Paris is equipped with some form of high-tech trickery. For several vehicles, a totally fresh take on a well-proven design formula proved the key to its success.
Jaguar C-X75 – The curvaceous and streamlined shape of the mid-engine Jaguar C-X75 was always going make this gorgeous two-seater a star. What makes it arguably the best concept in Paris are the in-wheel electric motors and micro-turbine technology lurking within the seductive design.
Renault DeZir – The Renault DeZir is the French automaker’s take on an electric-powered sports car. Remember when any vehicle with the ‘e-word’ in its name brought to mind some awkward-looking and ponderously slow contraption? If the future of automobiles is electric — and Renault seems to believe it is — the DeZir concept is a sign of great things to come.
Lamborghini Sesto Elemento – The Lamborghini Sesto Elemento is so intensely aggressive and edgy, you half expect it to get a nose ring and start picking a fight on the show-stand in Paris. Designed to showcase the Italian company’s patented “carbon-fiber forged composite,” a lightweight material that forms the car’s chassis, the Sesto Elemento weighs only 2,200 pounds and has a 570-horsepower V-10 mounted behind the passenger compartment.
Lotus Esprit – This is the “Pretty Woman” car for the iPad generation. Lotus unveiled several sublime-looking vehicles in Paris, but the Esprit is the future flagship of the range. About the only downside is that it will be several years until the Lotus Esprit arrives in the United States market — most likely in 2013.
Audi Quattro Concept – The Audi Quattro Concept borrows a page from the automaker’s past. Inspired by the potent 1980s race and road-going Quattro models, the new Quattro Concept begins with the compact and chunky Pac-Man-era silhouette of the original. Added to this are fine finishing touches and clever details –- not to mention a 400-horsepower turbocharged engine –- that create a totally modern take on a classic four-wheel-drive sports machine.
Of course, not every head-turning car in Paris is equipped with some form of high-tech trickery. For several vehicles, a totally fresh take on a well-proven design formula proved the key to its success.
Jaguar C-X75 – The curvaceous and streamlined shape of the mid-engine Jaguar C-X75 was always going make this gorgeous two-seater a star. What makes it arguably the best concept in Paris are the in-wheel electric motors and micro-turbine technology lurking within the seductive design.
Renault DeZir – The Renault DeZir is the French automaker’s take on an electric-powered sports car. Remember when any vehicle with the ‘e-word’ in its name brought to mind some awkward-looking and ponderously slow contraption? If the future of automobiles is electric — and Renault seems to believe it is — the DeZir concept is a sign of great things to come.
Lamborghini Sesto Elemento – The Lamborghini Sesto Elemento is so intensely aggressive and edgy, you half expect it to get a nose ring and start picking a fight on the show-stand in Paris. Designed to showcase the Italian company’s patented “carbon-fiber forged composite,” a lightweight material that forms the car’s chassis, the Sesto Elemento weighs only 2,200 pounds and has a 570-horsepower V-10 mounted behind the passenger compartment.
Lotus Esprit – This is the “Pretty Woman” car for the iPad generation. Lotus unveiled several sublime-looking vehicles in Paris, but the Esprit is the future flagship of the range. About the only downside is that it will be several years until the Lotus Esprit arrives in the United States market — most likely in 2013.
Audi Quattro Concept – The Audi Quattro Concept borrows a page from the automaker’s past. Inspired by the potent 1980s race and road-going Quattro models, the new Quattro Concept begins with the compact and chunky Pac-Man-era silhouette of the original. Added to this are fine finishing touches and clever details –- not to mention a 400-horsepower turbocharged engine –- that create a totally modern take on a classic four-wheel-drive sports machine.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Video: Lamborghini LP670-4 R-SV spotted at the Spa Francorchamps
Tired from the extensive coverage of the Paris Motor Show? Yeah, you’re not alone. Fortunately, we found something that should afford you a few minutes of down time. You know how we auto-holics roll, right? Anytime we need to relax, we scour the Internets for the latest supercar video, we put on our headphones
, we amp up the volume, and we sit back and relax.
In this video, we have the racing version of Lamborghini’s vaunted Murcielago LP670-4 SuperVeloce supercar, the LP670-4 R-SV. Now, we’ve seen and heard what the LP670-4 SV is capable of, but a racing spec version of the Murcielago SuperVeloce racing at the FIA GT1 at Spa?
Trust us, no amount of describing it will do justice to just watching the video and hearing that piercing roar as it runs down a lap at the famed Spa Francorchamps racing circuit in Belgium.
, we amp up the volume, and we sit back and relax.
In this video, we have the racing version of Lamborghini’s vaunted Murcielago LP670-4 SuperVeloce supercar, the LP670-4 R-SV. Now, we’ve seen and heard what the LP670-4 SV is capable of, but a racing spec version of the Murcielago SuperVeloce racing at the FIA GT1 at Spa?
Trust us, no amount of describing it will do justice to just watching the video and hearing that piercing roar as it runs down a lap at the famed Spa Francorchamps racing circuit in Belgium.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Lamborghini Sesto Elemento
One of the stars of the Paris Auto Show was Lambo's new all-carbon-fiber concept, Sesto Elemento.
The name means "sixth element," referring to number 6 on your periodic table, which is fire, I think... or is it speed, no... I think it's money. Yeah, it's either money or technetium.
A French guy with a camera got in real close and clumsily opened the door... no batman in there.
The name means "sixth element," referring to number 6 on your periodic table, which is fire, I think... or is it speed, no... I think it's money. Yeah, it's either money or technetium.
A French guy with a camera got in real close and clumsily opened the door... no batman in there.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
2010 Paris Motor Show: Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Concept finally breaks cover
The Sesto element Concept from Lamborghini is meant to represent the sixth element in the periodic table and that is occupied by the element carbon. The total weight of the concept is 999 kg which translates into a healthy 2,202 lb. This weight is inclusive of the engine unit which is a V10 and also the all wheel drive transmission. The V10 delivers 570 hp and accelerates the car from 0 to 100 kmph in just 2.5 seconds which is the same for the Gallardo Superleggera. The top speed of the concept is well over 300 kmph or 200 mph.
The car is supposed to have perfect aerodynamics as per the cars maker. The ribs up front, two of them which helps to improve the stiffness of the component as well as in guiding the cool air directly to the radiator which is located behind them and to the brakes as well. Right beneath the front windscreen there are two red color triangular shaped openings. It is through these openings that the cool air is flowing.
For the rims it is made up of complete carbon fiber and incorporates a five spoke design. The interior of the car is also done up to a very minimal standard. Ergonomics has been attended to in the design of the steering wheel which can be adjusted both for height and reach. The pedals also can be adjusted longitudinally. There are just three switches embedded in the central console. These are piezoelectric ones and are to start the engine, throw the car into reveres gear and the third to switch on the lights.
The president and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini, Stephan Winkelmann had this to say of the Sesto Elemento: “The Lamborghini Sesto Elemento shows how the future of the super sports car can look – extreme lightweight engineering, combined with extreme performance results in extreme driving fun. We put all of our technological competence into one stunning form to create the Sesto Elemento.
“It is our abilities in carbon-fiber technology that have facilitated such a forward-thinking concept, and we of course also benefit from the undisputed lightweight expertise of AUDI AG. Systematic lightweight engineering is crucial for future super sports cars: for the most dynamic performance, as well as for low emissions. We will apply this technological advantage right across our model range. Every future Lamborghini will be touched by the spirit of the Sesto Elemento.”
Rare Roger Moore Lamborghini at Auction
A rare 1969 Lamborghini Islero GTS (above) driven by Roger Moore in the cult 1970 flick The Man Who Haunted Himself, his last movie before taking up the role of James Bond, has been added to the lineup at RM Auctions' upcoming Automobiles of London sale next month. Estimated to fetch up to $215,000, the highly-coveted car would be quite a collector's catch even without the celebrity provenance. One of 100 Islero GT "S" models and one of only five RHD examples ever built, the car is considered by many to be a hidden gem. Ferruccio Lamborghini himself drove an Islero. Moore was recently reunited with the car in London where he autographed the sun visor, the original driver's handbook and a special plaque. These come with the car, along with an impressive collection of documents, including the original factory invoice, a photographic record of the recent total restoration and a letter from Valentino Balboni, the legendary Lamborghini test driver, confirming this is the actual movie car.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Presentation Video
The Paris auto show has just been opened for the public and the firs Lamborghini Sesto Elemento presentation video has just hit the web. No, you won't hear it's engine, unfortunately, but you do get a detailed look of its design. The Lamborghini Sesto Elemento has been manufacture almost entirely out of carbon fiber. And when we say entirely, a mean even the wheels. In this way, the Italian carmaker managed to keep the weight of the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento below the 1,000 kg mark. Add a 5.2-liter V10 engine with 570 hp and 540 Nm of torque, and you get from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.5 seconds.
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