“Race track emotion direct to the road”: That’s how the new Gallardo LP 570-4 Squadra Corse is being touted by the savvy car people at Automobili Lamborghini, Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy.
Performance enthusiasts will be the first to see the all-wheel-drive supercar publicly at the 65th Frankfurt International Motor Show, Sept.10–22. “It delivers high performance and brings the fascination of motor racing to the street-legal world,” says the company of the Squadra Corse.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, Lamborghini offers a number of the world’s luxury super sports cars through more than 120 dealerships worldwide. These include this year’s debut, the Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster, which continues a tradition beginning with the 350 GT and continuing with the Miura through to the Espada, Countach, Diablo, Murciélago, Reventón Coupé, Reventón Roadster, Gallardo LP 560-4 Coupé and Spyder, the Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera and the open-top LP 570-4 Spyder Performante.
This most recent entry to the Gallardo model is inspired by the Gallardo Super Trofeo, the only participating vehicle in the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo, the world’s fastest single-brand racing series that features all-wheel-drive race cars.
Since May 2009, the circuit has featured a lightweight version of the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 at venues across Europe such as Spa-Francorchamps, Monza and the Nürburgring as well as others worldwide, including the United States and Asia.
Squadra Corse (roughly, “race group”) is the recently-founded department within Automobili Lamborghini, manager of motorsport activities from GT3 to the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo championships.
The new Gallardo and the race cars both are powered by the V-10 engine, which is used on the track and the street with no modifications. Both share the same rear wing for aerodynamic efficiency; this allows the two cars to accept three times the load of the standard Gallardo LP 560-4, improving dynamic stability during performance driving.
Also from the racing version is the removable quick-release engine hood. This and the rear wing are lightweight carbon composite, as are other Squadra Corse components. Aluminum is also used for strength and weight reduction.
The Gallardo LP 570-4 Squadra Corse weights less than the Gallardo LP 560-4, providing an excellent power-to-weight ratio for outstanding performance. Expect 0–60 runs around 3.4 seconds and brisk acceleration up to a top end of around 200 mph. Stopping is also world class, too, with production-standard carbon-ceramic brakes.
The engine and transmission is based on those in the Gallardo Superleggera, with the V-10 generating 570 horses, fully available at 8,000 rpm. The performance is enhanced by a unique firing order that provides the sound of a motor racing car.
Again, as with racing version, the Gallardo Squadra Corse includes the robotized e-gear six-speed transmission as standard. Operated by steering wheel paddles, the electronically controlled system shifts through six gears smoothly and does this, Lamborghini boasts, much faster than any pro driver could.
“The Gallardo Squadra Corse is a highly concentrated driving machine, packed with excitement, offering a truly stunning driving experience with breathtaking cornering speeds, and fast, immediate response and unrelenting grip in virtually all situations thanks to its all-wheel drive concept,” Automobili Lamborghini says. “Its road manners are always precise, stable and completely safe.”
The Italian racing heritage is celebrated in the performance and finish of the Squadra Corse. Along the flank is a decal strip in green, white and red, the colors of the Italian flag. The car is available in Giallo Midas (yellow), Bianco Monocerus (white), Grigio Thalasso (grey) and in Rosso Mars (red).
On the exterior is a matte black finish on the large rear wing with contrasts in the body color selected. Painted in high-gloss black are the hood, front air intakes, rear diffuser and 19-inch forged wheels, and the brake calipers can be ordered in red, black or yellow.
Inside, lightweight carbon fiber and Alcantara®, combine for a sporty minimalism. The leather is on the dashboard underside, the seat cushion central panel and the backrest. Carbon fiber appears on the door panels, the racing seats and the center console cover.
The lightweight carbon is also incorporated into the handbrake frame, the middle of the center console, the lower rim of the steering wheel, the trim around the main and secondary instrument panels, the door handles and the handle for opening the glove box. You can order comfort seats in place of the racing buckets.
For those purchasing a Squadra Corse, Lamborghini offers a series of “Esperienza” events to provide enthusiasts and prospects with the opportunity of a first test-drive. On track and ice, the Lamborghini Academies provide driver training and the first steps toward real-life racing.
“The Super Trofeo series offers the perfect first race experience for young and gentlemen drivers,” says the company, “with the Lamborghini GT3 for more seasoned racers wishing to compete with the Lamborghini marque worldwide.”
Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Squadra Corse, www.lamborghini.com
