Wave goodbye to the Lamborghini Gallardo forever with this final special edition: the Gallardo LP570-4 Squadra Corse. Forget the previous Superleggera and Super Trofeo Stradale models: the Gallardo Squadra Corse is the most track-focused, hardcore Gallardo ever, and marks the end of a mammoth decade-long lifespan for Sant’Agata’s baby V10 supercar.
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Gallardo Squadra Corse – Italian for ‘big wing on the back?’
No, though granted the wing will catch your eye first. The carbonfibre aerofoil is taken from the latest Gallardo Super Trofeo racing car, as is the lightweight, quick-release front bonnet. Lamborghini claims the rear spoiler is capable of creating three times the downforce of a standard Gallardo.
Is there a hardcore racing powertrain too?
The 5.2-litre V10 develops 562bhp and 398lb ft – exactly the same figures as a Gallardo Superleggera. However, the engine is used in unmodified tune in the Super Trofeo racer, so owners can legitimately brag this is a road-going competition engine.
Off the line, the Gallardo Squadra Corse hits 62mph in 3.4sec – the same time as a Ferrari 458 Italia takes – and continues to 124mph in 10.4sec. The top speed is 198mph.
Instead of a last hurrah for the open-gate manual gearshift, the Gallardo Squadra Corse uses the six-speed paddleshift ‘e-gear’ transmission, and all-wheel drive.
What else is new, besides the Italian racing stripes?
A serious diet. Carbon-ceramic brakes, 19in forged wheels and racing seats all shed kilos, and then there’s the carbonfibre cabin makeover. The door panels, centre tunnel and even the glovebox handle are made from carbon, plus there’s an Alcantara steering wheel and dual-coloured dashboard trim. Lamborghini has also borrowed a trick from Porsche’s lightweight models, swapping solid door handles for fabric door pulls.
At 1340kg without fuel and fluids, the Gallardo Squadra Corse weighs 70kg less than a standard Gallardo LP560-4 – and the same as the old Superleggera. It’s expected to cost around £200,000 – making the car the most expensive Gallardo ever.
What’s next for the ‘baby Lamborghini’?
The Gallardo will bow out later this year: its replacement is reportedly dubbed the Cabrera. The new car will be based around a carbonfibre tub, like Lamborghini’s 691bhp Aventador flagship, which will help it weigh 30kg less than today’s Gallardo. It’ll retain all-wheel drive and a V10 engine, likely to develop around 580bhp.
Performance will take a small step up from the ultimate Gallardo: insiders have confirmed the standard ‘Cabrera’ will hit 62mph in 3.4sec and top 203mph flat out. Fuel economy is said to be 15% improved, with a whole 24mpg on the cards.
Will there be special editions of the new baby Lambo too?
Do you even have to ask? A new 590bhp Superleggera model will land in 2015, and then in 2017 there’ll be a facelift freshen-up for the car, and a 600bhp Performante edition.
