Considering the fact that Lamborghini didn't make an open top version of its last Superleggera, it really did come as a surprise that they decided to get rid of the roof of its current Superleggera LP570-4. Called the Spyder Performante it weighs 1485kg, 65kg (143lbs) less than the normal LP560-4 spyder, with weight savings coming from extensive use of carbon fiber both in and out of the car. Weight distribution is set at 43/57 percent front to rear. It will also have the same high revving engine as the Superleggera, a 5.2l V10 that produces 570hp @ 8000 rpm, and 540 Nm (398 lb-ft) of torque. Combine the engines power with the standard six speed e-gear transmission, it will accelerate from 0-62 mph in 3.9 seconds, and can reach a top speed of 324 km/h (201 mph). Its all wheel drive system distributes power at a ratio of 30:70 front to rear. A conventional manual transmission is still available as a no cost option. The interior will fature a sport black colour scheme with alcantara, accompanied by colour contrasted stitching on the sports seats. The Spyder Performante will ride on lightweight 19 inch wheels which save a total of 13kg, and come wrapped around in Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres. Carbon Ceramic brake discs are also available as an optional extra. Prices and an on-sale date have yet to be announced, but will put them up as soon as they are made available. Lamborghini has finally given out some details about its new V12 engine. A brand new 6.5l naturally aspirated unit designed to replace the engine that finished its duties after the last Murcielago LP670-SV rolled off the production line, whose roots can be traced all the way back to 1964 with the 350 GT. The new engine comes with a potent 700hp and 690nm (508 lb ft) of torque, which is connected to a brand new type of seven speed transmission. Lamborghini calls the new gearbox an ISR (Independent Shifting Rods) gearbox. It is essentially a single clutch manual gearbox operated by steering wheel paddle shifters, but with gearchanges that are faster than (according to Lamborghini themselves)a blink of an eye. Despite superfast gearchanges Lamborghini still promises a smooth driving experience with the new gearbox. They say 50% less time is used for a gearchange than a dual clutch transmission, and that they have managed to save weight by not opting for a typically heavier dual clutch unit. Check out a video of the new unit being assembled, and hear it sing on the dyno. Legendary Lamborghini test driver, Valentino Balboni, takes the car named after him for a spin, and also talks about his time with Lamborghini. |
Categories
All
Archives
January 2021
|