With the new
Gallardo LP560-4, Lamborghini once again sets a higher
standard for super sports cars. With its new engine,
permanent four-wheel drive transmission and new
suspension, it delivers clearly improved performance and
dynamics. In parallel, its innovative design takes the
classic lines unique to the Lamborghini brand one step
further. Powerful elegance has never been so defined
before.
The Gallardo
LP560-4 is the successor of the most successful Lamborghini
model of all time. Approximately 7100 Gallardo models have
left the Sant’Agata Bolognese production plant since its
launch in 2003. “The LP560-4 will consolidate this success
story,” states Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of
Automobili Lamborghini. “It will outclass its predecessor in
every aspect; its dynamics are distinctly breathtaking and
its design sets new standards. With the introduction of the
Gallardo LP560-4, we will consistently continue
Lamborghini’s growth strategy”.
The powerful
heart of the Gallardo LP560-4 is the new 5.2 litre V10
engine with an output of 560 PS (412 kW) at 8000 rpm. The
increase of 40 PS compared with that of the previous
Gallardo, and the approximate 20 kilogram reduction in
weight, improves the power weight ratio to 2.5 kilograms per
PS (hp) and thus enhances performance. The LP560-4
accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, its speed at
11.8 seconds is 200 km/h and its top speed lies at 325 km/h.
At the same time the new, highly efficient engine enthrals
its driver with its direct fuel injection system -
“Iniezione Diretta Stratificata”. Despite its clearly
increased power, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have
been reduced by a staggering 18 per cent.
The engineers in the Sant’Agata-based Technical Department
have also improved traction, handling and stability at high
speeds. The redesigned four-wheel drive transmission, the
new suspension and the optimised aerodynamics as well as the
reduced weight and decreased friction between the
components, all contribute to the overall improvements in
the vehicle. Thus the Gallardo LP560-4 presents itself as a
cutting edge super sports car also suitable for the
race-track. The car is also surprisingly suited to
long-distance driving and despite its extreme performance
capabilities is easy to control whilst maintaining utmost
stability.
The Style
Powerful elegance
A Lamborghini is and always will be a highly efficient
athlete. Its extreme sensuality is based upon precision,
performance and on spontaneous action. A Lamborghini’s
elegance is that of stark, purist strength. This DNA of the
Lamborghini brand is being continuously developed by the
Centro Stile in every new car. Thus the Gallardo LP560-4
displays the precise lines and clean surface edges in its
distinctly minimalist design. Ornaments or embellishments of
any form are alien to it.
Evolution of form systematically follows the demands of
function: the newly designed front of the LP 560-4 squats
deeply to the ground which contributes to its aerodynamic
efficiency. The enlarged and clearly accentuated cooling
intakes meet the demands of augmented engine power thus
increasing the air circulation vital to a vehicle as
powerful as this. The spoiler, positioned low between the
air intakes, improves aerodynamic equilibrium at high
speeds.
Characteristic LED – Daytime running light
The new headlights have a characteristic ‘daytime’ running
light integrated beneath the Bi-Xenon lamps: 15 diodes (LED)
have been positioned in a Y structure. The same motif
appears again in the rear tail-lights. The stop and brake
lights have been inspired by the Miura Concept, the
Murciélago LP640 and the Reventón and display the Y form
three times over.
The completely redesigned rear gives the definition
“powerful elegance” a new meaning: rear lights, air cooling
vents, bumper and diffuser are arranged in precise positions
on the car’s exterior, which make the LP560-4 appear
extremely wide and bonded to the road surface. In addition,
the streamlined covers left and right of the engine hood
accentuate the powerful shoulders and lengthened, stretched
lines of the new Gallardo.
Clearly improved aerodynamics
The rear diffuser has been newly designed, is more efficient
with respect to its predecessor and, together with the
smooth underbody, contributes to the excellent steering
stability even at extremely high speeds. In sum, the
aerodynamic efficiency with regard to output compared to
that of its predecessor has been increased by 31 %. The
Gallardo LP560-4 takes fast curves even more supremely. The
designers in Sant’Agata Bolognese have excelled themselves
with the clear-cut, pure, stark lines of the Gallardo LP
560-4. They also have demonstrated distinct attention to
detail; the elaborate aluminium cap for petrol and motor oil
are testimony to this, as is the rear camera which has been
integrated in a small fin in the independent rear spoiler as
well as the finely-crafted grille in the exhaust pipes.
The body
Weight is undesirable in a sports car and a lightweight
model encourages the dynamics of such a vehicle. Aluminium
is much lighter than sheet steel and this is why the
Gallardo LP560-4 is produced with a body in a much lighter
but nevertheless more stiff structure: the two-seater car
measures 4.34 metres in length, 1.90 metres in width and a
mere 1.16 metres in height. It weighs in dry at 1410
kilograms - which is, effectively, 20 kilograms less that
that of the previous Gallardo.
The construction of the Gallardo LP560-4 utilises what is
known as a ‘spaceframe construction method’. Integrally
moulded node elements and extruded parts create its frame,
and sheet metal plates made out of aluminium have been
neatly and securely integrated to form the body. The body is
not only extremely light but also torsionally stiff and
displays the highest safety characteristics. Thus the basis
for the extraordinary handling characteristics of the
LP560-4 is formed.
Integrated Pedestrian Protection system
The body of the car also demonstrates extremely high levels
of ‘passive security’. The Gallardo LP560-4 fulfils the not
yet obligatory European directives regarding the protection
of pedestrians. Furthermore, the geometry of the entire
front of the car has been optimised with the addition of a
special combination of materials behind the front bumper
which serve to absorb any impact energy.
The Interior
Luxurious individuality
Despite its low exterior height, the Gallardo LP560-4
welcomes its passengers with a spacious interior. The sports
seats are covered with either fine leather or Alcantara®
(upon request) and provide secure adherence and support. The
position of the seats is very low, typical for sportscars.
There is space behind the seats for luggage which
complements the 110 litre front trunk.
The wide middle console is one of the elements which
characterizes the impression of sporty dynamism in the
interior. It accommodates the standard Lamborghini
multimedia system as well as the air conditioning which can
be regulated on both the driver’s and passenger’s sides.
Between both of these elements lies a newly designed module
consisting of classically elegant flip switches. Seven round
instruments in the cockpit with a new graphic provide the
driver with essential engine data and a multifunctional
display between the speedometer and revolution counter
provides the driver with important information.
Workmanship of the highest quality
The Miura and the other models of the 60s were already
characterized by the excellent quality of workmanship which
lay far and above the general standards of that time.
Lamborghini has continued this tradition and even today
delivers automobiles of the highest standards. The Gallardo
LP560-4 indulges with the highest quality, aesthetically
pleasing materials. With regard to the leather interior, an
array of different colours and stitching (also in
contrasting colours) are available. As an optional,
Lamborghini can deliver the Gallardo LP560-4 with a further
choice of leather and Alcantara® interiors as well as Carbon
Fibre Packages. Here, elements such as the air-conditioning
surrounds, the control panel, the handbrake handle and the
gear-stick surrounds are available in carbon fibre.
Furthermore, the individualisation program, Ad Personam,
enables the customer to create any combination of colour and
trim, thus creating a highly personalised vehicle. After
all, the new Lamborghini should perfectly reflect the
owner’s lifestyle.
The Engine
Extreme power in every situation
The engine of the Gallardo LP560-4 is a completely new
development. All that remains of the original V10 is the
number of cylinders which, in this performance category,
create a perfect and unique synthesis of torque, force of
movement, sporty nimbleness, compact size and low weight.
The engine has a 5204 cm3 volumetric displacement which,
with 8.000 rpm creates the extreme 560 PS (412 kW). This
results in the excellent performance per litre of 107.6
PS/lt. At maximum torque output, the engine yields 540
Newton meters at 6.500 rpm. The ample torque curve
guarantees outstanding thrust from every engine speed. With
an acceleration of 3.7 seconds from 0-100 km/h and a maximum
speed of 325 km/h, the Gallardo LP560-4 shoots into the
orbit of the most extreme and powerful sports cars.
Despite the clearly improved driving performance of this
super sports car, Sant’Agata’s engineers were nevertheless
able to achieve a reduction in fuel consumption and
CO2emissions by 18 per cent. Measured by engine power and
performance, the Gallardo LP560-4 e-gear’s average fuel
consumption of 13.7 litres per 100 kilometres, is extremely
low.
Perfect weight distribution, class-leading dynamics
The engine in this new model lies lengthways in front of the
rear axle – hence the model description Longitudinale
Posteriore. The concept of the mid - rear engine is
unbeatable in sports car production, with the centre of
gravity being displaced next to the vertical axis, thus
creating the car’s exceptional dynamics. Furthermore, it
creates the basis for the Gallardo LP560-4’s perfect weight
distribution with 43 per cent on the front axle and 57 per
cent on the rear. In combination with the permanent
four-wheel drive transmission, superior driving stability
and road adherence are guaranteed in all situations.
Reduced weight for inspirational torque
The crank case of the new ten cylinder of Lamborghini
Gallardo is produced with an aluminium alloy. Separate
cylinder liners are not necessary with this technology:
instead, the liners, due to their exposure to the hard
silicone crystals during the production phase, are bored
directly out of the material. The connecting rods are made
out of wrought steel and the pistons are produced from an
aluminium alloy. The consequent reduction in weight, inertia
and in friction losses contributes to the car’s
inspirational torque.
The engine is unusually wide for a V10, with a cylinder
angle of 90 degrees. A definite advantage of this
construction is the low centre of gravity. The reduction of
the gravity centre height comes also from the dry sump
layout of the lubrication system which also guarantees the
reliability of the oil supply even during lateral
acceleration and on the race-track.
Direct fuel injection improves efficient combustion
The new V10 uses the direct fuel-injection system “Iniezione
Diretta Stratificata” as an innovative way to optimize
performance results in part-load conditions. Here, the fuel
is injected directly into the combustion chamber through the
laterally positioned injector. Combined with the use of a
‘tumble flap’ in the intake manifold runners, this solution
guarantees an optimized distribution of the gasoline in the
combustion chamber (higher gasoline density around the spark
plug, leaner mixture close to piston and cylinder liners)
and delivers the basis for a highly efficient combustion
system even with stoichiometric mean mixture composition.
The direct injection boosts the extremely efficient ‘full
load’ performance of the V10, reduces its knock sensitivity
and thus enables the very high compression ratio of 12.5:1.
The cylinder heads have been optimised to deliver a very
quick gas exchange and the variable valve control system on
all four camshafts improves the charge efficiency across the
entire engine speed range.
Transmission
Superior control four-wheel drive
Such extreme power must be brought onto the streets with
extreme reliability. The driver of a Gallardo LP560-4 can
thus rely on the four-wheel drive Viscous Traction (VT)
system, with the ‘4’ in the model name a reminder of this.
Lamborghini already introduced this system with the Diablo
VT in 1993 – and for good reason: four actuated wheels
achieve more grip than two and permit acceleration earlier
in the curve exit.
The protagonist in the transmission is the central
viscous-coupling which requires no electronic control. In
this special Lamborghini configuration, the driving torque
is distributed between front and rear – generally with a
30:70 front to rear ratio and, within milliseconds, adapts
to even the slightest variations in road conditions. A
mechanical differential on the rear axle provides up to 45%
limited slip and an electronic differential lock at the
front complete the four-wheel drive system.
Superior traction and handling
Not only does the maximum traction take advantage of the
permanent four-wheel drive system, but also the car’s
clearly superior handling. Each wheel can only transfer a
certain amount of torque to the road. As the propulsion
power is distributed onto all four wheels through the
viscous traction system, more potential for directional
control remains - and reserves in every situation
distinguish a perfectly made sports car.
Despite all the engine thrust, changing gears in the
Gallardo LP560-4 is one of the most exciting experiences of
driving this vehicle. It is still the customer’s personal
preference as to whether he wishes to change gears manually
through the exact ‘gate’ guides of the six-speed gearbox via
the short gear stick, or whether he prefers to let his
fingertips control the e.gear’s paddle-shift system located
behind the steering wheel: the latter solution becoming the
preference of the majority of Lamborghini customers.
Gear change time reduced by 40 per cent
The automated e-gear transmission has been completely
redesigned and improved in all aspects. The complete system
has not only been reduced in weight, but the time employed
to change gears has also been reduced by 40 per cent in
“CORSA” mode. The driver may choose between five different
driving and changing programs: in addition to the ‘normal’
mode, the Gallardo LP560-4 offers a SPORT programm with its
even more rapid gear changing times and increased number of
revolutions.
The CORSA program directs the engine to optimum
acceleration. It permits a greater slip angle and also
allows - with maximum safety - the full dynamism of the
LP560-4 to be enjoyed even on a race-track. The ‘Thrust
Mode’ ensures maximum acceleration from neutral while the
angle of the throttle valve and the clutch are here
optimally adjusted to one another. Finally the Automatic
mode: here the engine changes gear in total independence and
permits a particularly comfortable mode of driving.
The Suspension
High-tech parts with Lamborghini know-how
Even the Gallardo LP560-4’s predecessor was one of the
world’s best super sports cars with regard to handling,
precision and driving stability. However, the latest model
provides an even more intense driving experience: the new
suspension improves the car’s handling, its driving comfort
and its directional stability at high speeds. The Gallardo
LP560-4’s space frame is uncompromisingly high tech. Its
technical production was conceived from motor sport
technologies. The double wishbones made out of aluminium
with newly designed kinematics, while the springs and shock
absorbers are tightly adjusted for grip. The rear axle now
has an additional track rod which further improves the
excellent control of this super sports vehicle. Newly
developed elements are the rubber-metal bearings - authentic
high-tech parts - which clearly improve the special
Lamborghini driving dynamics with well-chosen material
combinations and cleverly defined assembly.
Extreme road adherence
The steering rack works with relatively little assisted
steering support, thus bonding the driver closely to the
road. This in turn provides him with an intense experience
of power and impulse. The steering has its own cooling
system for the power steering fluid. Precise, breathtakingly
fast, whilst stable and free from surprises, the Gallardo
LP560-4’s dynamics assures a sensuous experience. The
LP560-4’s tyres (format 235/35 ZR 19 front and 295/30 ZR 19
rear) appear to bond with the asphalt. Specially developed
Pirelli P-Zero series tyres are fitted: these have a
particularly low roll resistance which also maintains tyre
wear at a minimum without, of course, any reduction in their
performance quality. At a speed of over 120 km/h an
independently extended rear spoiler increases the downforce
on the rear axle It acts in association with the specially
formed underbody which directs the airstream under the car.
Optional Carbon Ceramic Brake system
The new braking system acts with brute force. At the front,
eight ‘Brembo specialist’ cylinder callipers grasp the 365
mm diameter brake discs. At the rear, four cylinder
callipers act on the 356 mm brake discs. In addition, the
new disc ventilation system improves the stability in
extreme situations. Optionally, discs made out of Carbon
Ceramic are offered. At the front the CCB (Carbon Ceramic
Brakes) discs measure 380mm in diameter and at the rear
356mm. They deliver much improved performance at a reduced
weight. In total, the CCB braking system is lighter in
weight that, at the wheel, improves driving dynamics and
comfort.
The interior and trim
With the Gallardo LP560-4 Lamborghini provides its customers
with a generous and sporty standard equipment package.
Direct from the production line, a customer will find
included in his vehicle passenger and lateral air-bags; a
two-zone air-conditioning system with sun regulation; The
Lamborghini Multimedia System including an USB connector;
and sports seats with an electronically operated backrest.
In addition to this, the interior trim includes fine leather
and Bi-Xenon headlights with LED daytime running light. The
car is supplied with new Apollo wheels as standard.
A large variety of options increases the interior comfort of
the vehicle, including a navigation system and a module for
TV reception, a hands-free Bluetooth® phone set, an
anti-theft device and a rearview camera. A further option is
the lifting system control of the front of the vehicle
which, at the touch of a button, is raised to enable driving
over obstacles. The new polished cross wheel rims ‘Cordelia’
or the black Y-rims ‘Callisto’ complete the options range.
Finally, the engine hood made from glass creates a showcase
for the heart of the Gallardo LP560-4.
The possibilities and different combinations available in
the Individualisation Program Ad Personam are almost
inexhaustible. Behind this program stands the philosophy
that a super sports car of this nature should, after all,
reflect the personality of its owner by enabling him to
completely indulge his expectations and wishes. As a
consequence, extreme exclusivity is the trademark of
Lamborghini’s individualisation program. “Think the
Impossible” states the motto. Ad Personam offers a host of
options in order that a customer may give the car an imprint
of his own style with respect to the interior trim and
exterior. A new highlight in the program are the following
three exclusive matt colours: Nero Nemesis (matt black),
Bianco Canopus (matt white), Marrone Apus (matt brown). The
new matt colours underline the clearly defined and purist
precision of the Lamborghini design.
Technical data
Frame & Body
Frame: Structural aluminium spaceframe, based on aluminium
extruded parts welded to aluminium casted joint elements.
Body: Aluminium with thermoplastic ″hang on″ parts
Rear Spoiler: Electronically controlled
Mirrors: External mirror with electrical closing system
Suspension: Double wishbones front and rear suspension
system, antiroll bar anti-dive and anti-squat
ESP 8.0: Full ESP System with ABS,ASR and ABD
Airbags
Front: Front Dual Stage driver and passenger airbags, side
Head-thorax airbags
Wheels/Tyres
Tyres (Front rear): Pirelli Pzero 235/35 ZR 19 – 295/30 ZR
19
Wheels (front-rear): Aluminium alloy, 8.5″ x 019″- 11″x 019″
Steering: Power- assisted rack and pinion
Kerb-to-kerb turning circle: 11,50 m
Brakes
Steel brakes: Power vacuum, aluminium alloy callipers :8
cylinder front callipers and 4 cylinder rear callipers;
Ventilated discs (front-rear) ø 365 x 34mm front –ø 356 x 32
mm rear
CCB brakes: Power vacuum, aluminium alloy callipers :6
cylinder front callipers and 4 cylinder rear callipers;
Ventilated discs (front-rear) ø 380 x 38mm front –ø 356 x 32
mm rear
Engine
Type: 10 cylinders V90°, DOHC 4 valves, common-pin
crankshaft
Displacement: 5204 cc
Compression ratio: 12,5 : 1
Maximum power: 412 kW (560 ps) at 8000 rpm
Maximum torque: 540 Nm 6500 rpm
Engine management system: Bosch MED 9
Cooling system: Engine and Gearbox radiator
Cooling system oil: Oil to Water cooler
Cooling system water: Two water radiators
Emission control system: Catalytic converters with lambda
sensors
Lubrication system: Dry sump
Drivetrain
Type of transmission: Permanent 4-wheel drive with viscous
traction system
Gearbox: 6 Speed + reverse, A optional, robotized sequential
e-gear system with actuation by paddles on the steering
column
Clutch: Double plate ø 215 mm
Rear Differential: 45% limited slip
Front Differential: Slip limitation by ABD function
Performance
Top speed: 325 km/h
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 3,7 sec.
Acceleration (0-200 km/h): 11,8 sec.
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 2560 mm
Overall length: 4345 mm
Overall width: 1900 mm
Overall height: 1165 mm
Track (front– rear): 1632 mm – 1597 mm
Kerb Weight: 1500
Weight distribution (front-rear): Front 43% - rear 57%
Capacities
Engine oil: 10 litres
Fuel tank: 90 litres
Engine coolant: 20 litres
Consumption with E-Gear
Urban: 21 L/100 km
Extra urban: 10 L/100 km
Combined: 14 L/100 km
Emission: Euro 4
CO2: 327 g/km
Consumption with manual transmission
Urban: 22 L/100 km
Extra urban: 10 L/100 km
Combined: 14,7 L/100 km
Emission: Euro 4
CO2: 351 g/km
|