2010 Lamborghini Reventon ROADSTER

VIDEO: NEWS & REVIEWS Lamborghini presents the ultimate driving machine among open-top two-seaters. The open-top Reventón is not only one of the fastest, but also one of the most exclusive cars in the world. Less than 20 Lamborghini friends and collectors will be able to own this extraordinary car. Its designers found their inspiration in aviation—the aggressive wedge shape evokes images of fighter jets. From the powerful arrowhead form at the front, the mighty air intakes pulled way forward, the broad side skirts, and the rear end with its menacing edges—the Roadster is clad in a design of maximum functionality and spectacular clarity. Behind the two seats are two hidden pop-up bars that deploy upwards in just a few hundredths of a second in the event of an imminent rollover. The base bodyshell of the Reventón is already so stiff that the Roadster requires only minimal reinforcement. It has a dry weight of only 3,725 lbs., just 55 lbs. more than the Coupé. Like the Coupé, the cell of the Roadster is made from high-strength steel profile and carbon components. The bodyshell is made almost entirely from carbon fiber elements, with sheet steel used only for the outer door skins. For this exclusive special edition, designers have created a new shade of matt grey called Reventón Grey; in the sunlight, displays an unexpected impression of depth thanks to its special metal particles. Like a modern aircraft, the open two-seater no longer has classic analog instrumentation. Instead, information is delivered via two transflective and one transmissive liquid crystal displays. The driver can switch between two modes at the touch of a button. One digital view with illuminated bars and one level with classic round dials. Centrally located at the top of the display is the G-force meter. It represents the intensity of the forces acting on the Reventón. The twelve-cylinder engine that powers the Reventón Roadster is one of the world’s most powerful naturally-aspirated engines. It generates 661 hp at 8,000 rpm. Its maximum torque of 487 lb-ft kicks in at 6,000 rpm. The V-12 catapults the Reventón Roadster from 0 to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 205 mph. It reacts with the eagerness of a racing engine to input from the right foot, revving to 8,000 rpm and beyond, and performing a symphony that sends shudders along the spine. Lamborghini introduced the all-wheel drive principle with the Diablo. The reason back then was just as clear as it is today: four driven wheels grip far better than two and the more powerful the engine, the greater the impact of this fundamental law of physics. Also standard on the Reventón Roadster is the e-gear automated six-speed sequential manual transmission. The driver controls the gear shift, which is activated hydraulically via two steering wheel paddles. The open two-seater runs on 18-inch wheels. The front tires measure 245/35, while the rears are 335/30. Dedicated air channels in the bodyshell cool the four wheel brakes. Each disc has a diameter of approximately 15 inches and is gripped by six-piston calipers. Alongside the bodyshell design and the smooth underbody, which culminates in a powerfully formed diffuser, the rear spoiler carries responsibility for downforce. It deploys from the rear edge at about 80 mph and adopts an even steeper angle as of about 136 mph. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2010 Lamborghini GALLARDO LP550-2 Valentino Balboni

NEWS & REVIEWS The latest version of the Gallardo, Lamborghini's most successful model of all time - overall, more than 9,000 units of the model range have already been produced - boasts not only its own distinctive design and exclusive equipment, but its technology is unique too, as indicated by the model badge: the 550 stands for the power output in hp and the 2 is for rear wheel drive. He has long been revered as one of the many legends surrounding the world's most uncompromising sports car brand - Valentino Balboni, a remarkable test driver with his own personal cult status. Automobili Lamborghini now presents a model in his honor and bearing his name - the Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni. After over 40 years with Lamborghini, Balboni is now officially retired. Yet, Valentino Balboni continues to travel to many countries around the world as an ambassador of the brand. The special exclusivity of the Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni is guaranteed -it is limited to 250 units. With this latest version of the Gallardo, Lamborghini is honoring its long-standing test driver in a very special way. The Balboni model is the only current Lamborghini that delivers its power to the road via its rear wheels alone. Rear wheel drive has a special appeal to those sports car drivers who enjoy a particular driving style. Thanks to the eminently powerful V10 driveline, controlled oversteers is no problem - naturally always to the extent defined by the driver - because refined road manners and perfectly tuned assistance systems mean that the Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni is an exceptionally safe sports car to drive. It was not simply a question of moving the transmission to the rear axle, the vehicle had to be adjusted and tuned in every element of its driving dynamics. This includes springs, dampers, stabilizers and even the tires. The aerodynamics were also adjusted to take account of the change to the power flow. The rear axle differential, with a 45 percent limited slip, was also redeveloped, as was the calibration of the e-gear transmission. One significant point was the adjustments made to the ESP system. While the standard program is focused on high stability, the CORSA program permits greater drift angles, thus enabling drivers to enjoy the dynamics of the LP 550-2 to their full extent. Adjustments have also been made to the very heart of the Gallardo, the 5.2 liter ten-cylinder: the perfect synthesis of hi-revving pleasure, pulling power, a constantly exuberant temperament and a powerful symphony played in all keys. In the Valentino Balboni, the compact and lightweight power unit generates 550 hp. At a dry weight of only 3,042 lbs., this guarantees outstanding performance: the LP 550-2 is catapulted from 0-62mph in a breathtaking 3.9 seconds, while the top speed of 199 mph guarantees its place among the ultimate in super sports cars. USA:$219.800 PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2009 Lamborghini MURCIÉLAGO Reiter Strada

NEWS & REVIEWS The REITER Murciélago Strada is designed in the style of its aggressive looking brother the race REITER Murciélago R-GT. Large quantities of carbon-fiber are also used on this model. The front splitter, rear diffusor and rear wing are manufactured specially from this precious material. The application of original Alcantara leather in the cockpit for the in-house designed sports bucket seats lends the car more than a touch of sporting elegance. The undoubted spectacular appearance of the REITER Murciélago Strada is more than emphasized by the sound of our exhaust system. The race proven suspension, for which a special set-up was developed during the course of a lengthy and extensive test program by our professional race drivers and engineers, improves the handling. This, combined with the racing brake-system and REITER light-alloy wheel rims, ensures that the entire package provides the greatest driving pleasure. It is not only the wheel rims that originate from the REITER Murciélago R-GT race car, but also an optional roll-cage with Alcantara "soft-sleeve" covering, or a state-of-the-art light-weight carbon covered fire extinguisher system can also be installed. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2009 Lamborghini MURCIÉLAGO LP670-4 SV

NEWS & REVIEWS The Lamborghini Murciélago is one of the most extraordinary super sports cars of all time. Automobili Lamborghini has now expanded its model range with a new, exceptionally purist and even more extreme top model – the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is even more powerful, lighter and faster than the Murciélago LP 640. With the output of the 6.5 liter V12 increased to 670 hp and a weight reduction of 220 lbs, the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce boasts a power-to-weight ratio of 5.1 lbs per hp. This catapults it from 0 to 62 mph in a breathtaking 3.2 seconds and powers it on to a top speed of around 212 mph. Distinctive design refinements ensure that each of this 350-unit limited edition series conveys its full potential from the very first glance. With its outstanding performance, razor-sharp precision and exceptional high-speed stability, the Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is the ultimate performance car for advanced sports car drivers. The super sports car has been extensively redesigned with a new front and rear, an innovative engine bonnet and a choice of two aerodynamic set-ups featuring either a small or large rear spoiler. In order to achieve the substantial weight reduction of 220 lbs, the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce was extensively reworked and redeveloped in virtually every aspect – from chassis to engine and transmission, right through to the interior. The increase in engine output from 640 to 670 hp is the result of optimized valve timing and a reworked intake system. The significantly modified aerodynamics with substantially increased downforce brings considerable improvement to vehicle stability at very high speeds. With the small standard-fit rear spoiler, top speed stands at 212 mph, while the large “Aeropack Wing” and its added downforce gives a top speed of 209 mph. The longitudinally mounted 6.5-liter V-12 delivers the infernal power for an unparalleled driving experience. With 670 hp, the engine in the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is 30 hp more powerful than in the Murciélago LP 640. The twelve-cylinder sends its mighty 487 lb-ft of torque to the crankshaft at 6,500 rpm; maximum power is reached at 8,000 rpm. The SuperVeloce is equipped as standard with the sequential, automated manual transmission e-gear, which uses electro-hydraulics to shift gear extremely quickly and smoothly. As a no-premium option, the SuperVeloce is available with a six-speed manual transmission. The Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce delivers its extreme power to the road with great reliability – assured by its permanent all-wheel drive. Before the rear wheels spin, the viscous coupling sends up to 35 percent of driving force via its additional shaft to the front wheels. The front and rear limited-slip differentials are set at 25 and 45 percent. The Murciélago is fitted with double wishbone suspension all round. Spring struts – two on each of the rear wheels and one on each of the front – control the loads transferred from the road. The standard-fit lifting system enables the front end of the vehicle to be raised by 1.8 inches to avoid obstacles such as garage entryways. The front wheels are clad in 245/35 ZR 18 rubber, while the rears sport 335/30 ZR 18. High-grip Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires come as standard. Naturally, the interior also makes its contribution to weight reduction. The door panels are clad in carbon fiber, as is the wide center tunnel. The application of Alcantara instead of leather is another weight-saver, just like the selection of sports bucket seats and the omission of the radio-navigation system (if requested, this is available as an option). At the end of the day, the music in a Murciélago comes from the engine compartment. Overall, modifications to the interior contribute over 75 lbs to the SuperVeloce weight loss program. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2009 Lamborghini MURCIÉLAGO LP650-4 Roadster

NEWS & REVIEWS Lamborghini has released the first photographs of a limited-edition Murciélago LP 650-4 Roadster. The Roadster version of the Murciélago will offer an uprated 6.5 litre V12 engine that produces 650 hp along with permanent four-wheel drive: hence the model's LP 650-4 moniker. With 487 lbs-ft of torque, top performance is at 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds. The top speed is around 205mph. The special edition model will be produced in a limited volume (50 units only), with a Grigio Telesto exterior that combines grey bodywork with a special bright orange Arancio LP 650-4 featured on the front spoiler and sills. The LP 650-4 logo applied to the car's exterior is recognition of the car's increased power. The car features orange brake calipers and a transparent V12-engine cover, which shows off the V12 engine behind the driver. Interior features echo the car's striking grey-and-orange exterior: besides the orange touches, there is an asymmetric dash design, with black Alcantara Nera on the driver's side, including door panel and central tunnel, and black leather Nero Perseus on the passenger's side. The increased power of the Murciélago engine, from 640 to 650 hp, will be unique to the Murciélago LP 650-4 Roadster: it demonstrates even further the developments that Lamborghini is able to offer from a current engine, and creates the exclusive characteristic of the Murciélago LP 650-4 Roadster. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2009 Lamborghini MURCIÉLAGO LP640 Roadster

VIDEO: NEWS & REVIEWS You have your Versace sunglasses, your Versace jeans, your Versace belt; so why not have a Versace Lamborghini to go with them? Later this year you’ll be able to have exactly that; a pastel white Murciélago LP640 Roadster with the Versace Greek god motif on the lower part of the door. Very haute couture. Adding a little bit of substance to this overdose of style is the transparent engine cover that’s unique to the Versace Murcie Roadster. Thankfully Lambo drew the line at having Versace-logoed engine covers for the 631-hp 6.5-liter V-12. Don’t knock it; while other supercar makers are suffering, its raking in the euros by continually introducing special editions and variations on the Lambo theme. Think Reventón. Think Superleggera. Think Spyder. Next up, the SV. But back to the Versace. To tie in with the car, Versace will produce an exclusive line of handmade accessories, all in soft-black, logoed leather. American Express? That’ll do nicely. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2009 Lamborghini MURCIÉLAGO LP640 JB Car Design JB-R

NEWS & REVIEWS JB Design presents the ultimate car among the coupés. The LP640 JB-R is a sports car of breathtaking fascination, menacingly power, and uncompromising luxury. The 12-cylinder engine performs now after a power level increase to 710 hp. The Lamborghini comes with a changed ground effect to help it achieve an unbelievable final velocity. Not until the sports car has reached 230 mph does the air drag halt the car’s speedometer progression. Gears are changed using a F1 steering-wheel rocker switch. No question, with the upgraded LP 640 JB-R JB Car Design has raised the bar for its competition. With increased performance up to 750 hp and his VIP-finishing in "Blood to Black Diamond,” it doesn’t just deliver a clear growth in output but a new visual appearance as well. The patent registered finish is only available through JB Car Design and is limited to 911 liters worldwide, whereby the exclusivity is guaranteed. The sharpened version of the LP 640 JB-R is as close to racing as no other car. But luxury is also to be found, as for example in the interior. The whole interior was color adjusted to the exterior by using high-quality materials in combination with dark-red ultra suede, bi-colored black smooth leather, and little extras made of carbon fiber. New three-part 20-inch Schmidt Revolution aluminum rims with hardened outer rims made of stainless steel are fitted with Michelin wide-base tires sized 265/30ZR-20 in the front and 335/30ZR-20 in the rear. As impressive as the sprint on the long straight stretch might be, the LP640 JB-R is most fun in the curves. This is the reason why JB Car Design has intensified the abrasion by using its own aerodynamic-package consisting of front- and rear spoiler, rear diffuser, air intake in the front, side coverings, side skirts, the front opening hood as well as the engine hood. They have newly adjusted the running gear and tuned the super athlete thus it practically sticks to the street. The built in, premium flap controlled sport exhaust systems offers the best sound at the push of a button. With the provided remote control the customer can change the sound of the exhaust pipe while driving. The demonstration car is available for a price of $522,800. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2009 Lamborghini MURCIÉLAGO LP640

VIDEO: NEWS & REVIEWS The Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 could give your kids nightmares. See it in the metal and it’s the automotive equivalent of Freddy Krueger. The spokes of the new 18-inch rims are more like the blades of a circular saw, ready to slice off young fingers. The nose, with its even bigger air intakes and beady-eye headlights, looks even more like the snout of a great white. Standing still, you fear that it would hurt you without a second thought. And you thought that Dale Ernhardt was “The Intimidator”. If you feel threatened by the exterior, just wait till you thread your body beneath those guillotine doors and into the cockpit. Mounted just a few inches behind your right ear is a 6.5-liter V-12 nuclear power plant. Obviously 580-hp just wasn’t enough in these days of 1,001-bhp Veyrons. So the new LP640, as the badge suggests, gets the full Monty 631-bhp and tire-shredding 494 lb-ft of torque to deliver zero-to-60-mph acceleration in around 3.9 seconds. As they said in that scary movie The Fly: “Be afraid. Be very afraid.” PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2009 Lamborghini MURCIÉLAGO by Prindiville

NEWS & REVIEWS Prindiville Prestige revives the art of exclusive coachbuilding Record sales of top-end supercars and luxury limousines over the past few years has been good news for manufacturers, but perhaps less satisfactory for customers seeking exclusivity. So how do you stand out when all your contemporaries have the same supercar as you? Simple: by commissioning your own bespoke coachwork. British-based Prindiville Prestige is reviving the traditional art of exclusive coachbuilding and complementing it with modern materials and technologies, allowing clients to create a car that is unique. And to demonstrate its talents in three-dimensional form, Prindiville Prestige has painstakingly handcrafted the ‘Murciélago by Prindiville’. Although retaining the central core of the donor Lamborghini, in terms of its bodywork ‘Murciélago by Prindiville’ shares only the front compartment lid; all the other panels, including the roof, have been replaced and restyled. There’s a bolder, more aggressive front valance, eye-catching sills, a more dynamic rear valance through which exits a specially designed titanium sports exhaust system, ‘handle-less’ doors with remote electric opening, and a restyled engine bay cover with transparent cooling louvres. All of the body panels are in exquisitely finished carbonfibre. ‘Murciélago by Prindiville’ features a bespoke interior, enhanced by the use of rich ostrich hide and precision-milled aluminium accents. There are also ‘little touches’ that reveal the depth of the company’s attention to detail – precision engineered aluminium air vents, for instance. ‘The standard plastic air vents aren’t worthy of the rest of the interior,’ explains company founder, Alex Prindiville, ‘so although it was a complex and therefore costly procedure, we decided to manufacture replacements from aluminium. On their own these vents represent a significant proportion of the £10,000 cost of our interior ‘jewellery pack’, but it’s all part of the price of doing the job properly.’ Clients can, of course, specify whatever on-board entertainment and communications systems they desire. An extra that they may wish to consider is the door mirror camera system fitted to the ‘Murciélago by Prindiville.’ Installed in each of the door mirrors, miniature cameras feed images to a monitor in the cabin, helping owners to protect the sills and alloy wheels of the car when parking next to high kerbs; a rear valance-mounted camera is also part of the system. At the very high end of the car market, exclusivity is crucial. ‘And that’s where we come in,’ explains Alex Prindiville. ‘A client can either commission us to generate and execute an idea, or they can engage us in a consultation process where we bring their dream to life. ‘Whichever route our clients choose, our skilled engineers and craftsmen then realise the project to the very highest standards. And because every client has different ideas, what we produce for them is truly unique.’ Following the recent presentation of the ‘Murciélago by Prindiville’ at the 2009 Top Marques Monaco motor show, several orders have already been taken. And on the drawing board for later in 2009 is a Ferrari F430 with gullwing doors and rear-hinged complete tail section, akin to that of the fabled F40, as well as a fresh interpretation of the BMW X6, visual enhancements for the Porsche Cayenne, and a road-going Le Mans-style supercar. As well as furnishing clients with complete cars, Prindiville Prestige is also able to supply individual components either to its own designs or those of a client. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2009 Lamborghini GALLARDO LP560-4 Spyder

NEWS & REVIEWS Automobili Lamborghini, creator of the world’s most exclusive super sport cars, today held the worldwide debut of the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560—4 Spyder at the Los Angeles Auto Show. As the successor to the best-selling Lamborghini of all time, the new LP 560-4 Spyder combines the Coupé’s design, performance and handling characteristics with the open-air pleasure only a soft top super sports car can deliver. As the brand’s largest global market, the United States – specifically Southern California - was strategically chosen as the perfect location to unveil the new open top super sports car. In 2007, Southern California contributed to approximately 30 percent of all Lamborghini sales in the United States, maintaining its position as the country’s most successful region. “The LP 560-4 is the best example of the Gallardo to date and will be a great contribution to Lamborghini’s future success,” says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “The entirely new LP 560-4 Spyder adds another dimension to the Gallardo’s lineage with extreme design language and class-leading performance.” The much anticipated Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder offers a new 5.2 liter engine with 40 additional horsepower than its predecessor; allowing it to sprint from 0-62 mph in only four seconds with a top speed of 201 mph. The car’s agility has also been greatly refined with a new, lighter transmission, which allows increased shift times by 40 percent (Corsa Mode), combined with an all-new chassis, suspension and Lamborghini’s permanent all-wheel drive system. Despite increased performance, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have been reduced by 18 percent. Since 2003, more than 8,500 Gallardos have left the production facility in the birth place of all Lamborghinis in Sant’Agata, Bolognese, Italy. The Gallardo LP 560-4 Coupé was first unveiled to the world at the Geneva Motor Show in 2008 with the dynamic launch taking place in Las Vegas later that spring. Each person who experienced the new Gallardo on the track or the streets unanimously agreed: the Gallardo LP 560-4 is an all-new car that can be enjoyed on any driving surface. Since, the new Gallardo has been critically acclaimed by customers and the media for its extreme performance, aggressive design and increased drivability. The highly anticipated LP 560-4 Spyder is set to continue this legacy. The Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder is now available to order from dealers worldwide, with customer deliveries commencing Spring 2009. In 2007, the United States market accounted for 39 percent of total Lamborghini sales worldwide and remains the brand’s largest global market. Since the beginning of 2005, Automobili Lamborghini has strategically increased its global reach from 65 to 119 dealers worldwide; 31 of these dealers are located in the United States. Last year was a record year for the brand with 930 Lamborghinis delivered in the United States and 2,406 delivered worldwide. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge