2011 LAMBORGHINI Gallardo LP560-4 Bicolore

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Just a month before the world debut of its V12 replacement for the Murciélago at 2011 Geneva Motor Show, Automobili Lamborghini has presented at the 2011 Qatar Motor Show a highly exclusive and appealing vehicle making its world premiere: the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Bicolore, a Special Edition supersports car which will be produced for the European and Asian-Pacific markets, while for the American market it will be only available in the version LP550-2. As its name implies, this special series features an exclusive two-tone finish with matching interior, and offers a full range of standard equipment. A refined contrast between the black roof and the color of the rest of the body (available in a choice of five shades) further emphasizes the sharp, dynamic lines of the Gallardo LP560-4, while simultaneously enhancing its sportiness and adding a touch of elegance to an extremely prestigious model in the field of automotive design.

The most successful super sports car in Lamborghini's history captures the imagination with the brutal power of its 560 hp V10 engine, the absolute grip of its permanent all-wheel drive and the razor-sharp precision of its chassis. Every kilometer in the Lamborghini Gallardo is an intense experience of explosive dynamics and absolute control. Its breathtaking performance is indicated by the 3.7 seconds it takes to reach 100 km/h and its top speed of 325 km/h.

"With the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Bicolore, Lamborghini demonstrates once again the extreme, uncompromising and unmistakably Italian nature of our brand. The super sports cars from Lamborghini combine volcanic energy with design that is as unique as it is stylish," says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini.

 

 

Unique design DNA
The success of Lamborghini's unequalled design DNA lies in the beauty of highly-concentrated power and precise function. The Gallardo is the sheer essence of form with a purist approach, so the body shell is crisply sculpted and completely free from decoration. A timeless piece of design and an uncompromising driving machine - the Lamborghini Gallardo is both.

Even more extreme, thanks to a personalized appearance
With its new Bicolore model, Lamborghini is now setting a further design highlight in the ten-cylinder model series. The colored exterior finish matched with the black on the upper area of the body gives the Gallardo a new, more aggressive personality that looks even wider, even more extreme and innately adhered to the road.

From the window-line upwards (including pillars, roof, engine hood and rear spoiler), the vehicle is decorated in Noctis Black - a pastel black that contrasts perfectly with the lower area of the body, available in a choice of five colors: Giallo Midas, Arancio Borealis, Grigio Telesto, Bianco Monocerus and Blu Caelum.

The exterior appearance is enhanced by Skorpius aluminum-alloy rims with 15 thin spokes that are forged to minimize unsprung weight and are finished in titanium gray enamel. And, the air intakes and front spoiler have a high-gloss black finish, as does the upper section of the rear diffuser.

Top-quality and highly individual interior
The contrast between black and color is repeated in an understated, elegant manner in the interior of the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Bicolore. The instrument panel, seats, door panels and other elements in the passenger compartment are upholstered in the finest "Nero Persus" leather, with a refined contrast provided by precise stitching that is colored to match the exterior paintwork: yellow, orange, blue and gray (also used on the Bianco Monocerus version).

The bezel of the e-gear transmission on the center console is in Nero Noctis, just like the upper area of the vehicle. Obviously, the interior is finished in the Lamborghini tradition using only the materials of the very highest quality, which are crafted with undisputed professionalism and fine Italian workmanship.

V10 like a work of art in a glass display
The complete range of standard equipment includes the fast e-gear automated transmission controlled by paddles on the steering column. A lifting system enables the front axle to be raised for safer travel onto ramps and over humps in the road, and the engine hood in tempered glass provides a stunning view of the heart of the vehicle: a 5.2 liter, 90° V-10 engine with stratified direct injection.

From a satellite navigation system to a rear-view camera, from a brake system with carbon-ceramic discs to heated power seats, a long list of optional equipment and accessories allows the vehicle to be adapted to the personal requirements of any client.

Unique success for a super sports car
Well over 10,000 Gallardos have left the production facility at company headquarters in Sant'Agata Bolognese - a unique success story in the world of super sports cars. The Bicolore Special Edition is particularly intended for the enthusiast who desires a supercar with an exclusive appearance and remarkable design. In any event, he or she will own a Lamborghini that is altogether distinguished by an extremely dynamic character, maximum driving excitement, yet an ability to be driven daily.

Individual characters in one model range
The Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Bicolore completes Lamborghini's ten-cylinder model range, which is enjoying enormous resonance worldwide with its broad spectrum of individual characters. While the Gallardo LP560-4 is already a highly trained, extreme athlete, the Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera takes the notion of thoroughbred high performance even further. Thanks to its extensive experience in carbon-fiber lightweight engineering, Lamborghini succeeded in reducing its weight by a further 70 kilograms. At 2.35 kilograms per hp, the power-to-weight ratio of the Superleggera is the best in its class, with breathtaking performance guaranteed.

The Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder, on the other hand, offers a very different kind of extreme driving pleasure - every trip with the roof down is a journey with a hurricane, yet with maximum protection. This can only be bettered - in true Lamborghini style - by the Gallardo LP570-4 Spyder Performante. Its purist carbon-fiber lightweight engineering, according to Lamborghini's tradition, adds an even sharper edge to the dynamics.

2005 LAMBORGHINI Gallardo SE

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250 vehicles in an exclusive two-tone exterior design

Improved acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 4.0 seconds and improved top speed (315km/h) The Italian sportscar manufacturer presents a limited special edition of its successful sportscar: the Lamborghini Gallardo SE.

The Lamborghini Gallardo SE (Special Edition) which is limited to 250 units is characterized by a two-tone body paint, an even more sporty interior and technical improvement.
The basis for the Special Edition is the extreme, uncompromising and unsurpassed Lamborghini Gallardo.

The Lamborghini Gallardo SE is equipped with a permanent 4WD, 6 speed gearbox, aluminum space frame, ESP and ASR, ABS, ABD, air conditioning, as well as two front and two side airbags.

The color range consists of six alternatives: two grey shades as well as white (Balloon white), yellow (Giallo Midas), Orange (Arancio Borealis) and green (Verde Ithaca). The roof, the engine bonnet, the front and rear spoiler as well as the two side mirrors are painted in black (Nero Noctis) making them stand out against the body color. The rear lights are slightly tinted. The newly designed "Callisto" rims give an extra touch to the overall appearance which is complemented by the colored brake calipers (available in grey or yellow).

The interior design sets forth the two-tone concept by having all piping and stitching matching the exterior body color of the car. The Lamborghini shield is embossed on the headrest of the driver and passenger seat. The Lamborghini script is preciously inserted into the dashboard. The carpets are black having the borders again matching the exterior body color of the car. Needless to say that the entire interior is handcrafted in leather partially perforated and of supreme quality.

The interior design underlines the new, more aggressive personality of this Special Edition. Exclusively for the Lamborghini Gallardo SE: an additional shield with the embossed vehicle identification number.

The limited Special Edition is richly equipped with standard features such as a rear view camera, which in combination with the build in multimedia screen facilitates parking. The sports suspensions with the sports steering wheel and in combination with the P Zero Corsa tire (specifically developed by Pirelli for more ambitious driving) are all standard features on the Special Edition. The long list of standard equipment comprises also an exclusive car cover.

Upon request a vast range of additional equipment is available. A customer can choose additionally the robotized gearbox e.gear, as well as a navigation system (depending on the country), heated side mirrors, fully electrical and heated seats. A winter package (heated seats, side mirrors, heated wash jets, rubber floor mats, 12 Volt outlet), and a lifting system are also available. Standard tires instead of sports tires can be ordered without surcharge.

The Gallardo SE benefits from several technical modifications:
The gearbox is now equipped with shorter gear ratios in the first five gears, enhancing the dynamic performance of the vehicle. The result is also shown in the acceleration from 0-100km/h in 4.0 seconds which improved by 0.2 seconds, achieving a top speed of 315 km/h versus 309 km/h previously. This is shown impressively on an e.gear equipped car with a feature called "thrust mode", optimizing acceleration and gear change from a standing start throughout all gears.
The more direct and precise steering are additional modifications carried out to improve even more the superb handling of the vehicle.

The Gallardo SE will be available from September onwards.
In Europe it will be available at a list price of € 141.500, -- excl.VAT.

2006 LAMBORGHINI Gallardo Spyder

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LAMBORGHINI Gallardo Spyder (2006)

Two years after the launch of the Coupé version of the Gallardo, Automobili Lamborghini had presented the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder is not just an open-top version of the Coupé, but is a completely new model. It has an attractive new design and a unique system for opening and closing the fabric roof that utilises the engine compartment to store the folded roof.

The Lamborghini Centro Stile and engineers from the Research and Development team have worked in close partnership to develop this new design and to bring these clean and sharp lines on the road.

Design
The original design vision for the Gallardo was created in the year 2000 and this vision continues with the "open" version.

The dimensions of the Gallardo, combined with its competitive performance targets, ensure the car has an athletic compactness. The long wheelbase complemented by short overhangs dynamise its appearance. The Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder features typical and unique mono-volume proportions, which integrate the Lamborghini design attributes of purism, athleticism and sharpness.

The cab-forward cockpit is integrated in the body by a strongly-slanted front screen and tensed pillars. The complex surfacing is intersected by crisp graphics and its detailing, which is orientated towards optimum cooling, evokes a strong aeronautical influence in its proportions and formal language.

Roof
The roof raising/lowering system of the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder is based on an electronic control system with electrohydraulic actuators and comprises the following elements:

= hood made from black fabric
= electronic control system, integrated in the car's CAN-BUS network, that controls the movement of the roof
= electric pump
= engine bonnet (that also functions as a hood cover) made from carbon fibre
= six hydraulic cylinders (four to operate the hood and two to operate the bonnet)
= two electric actuators (one to lock the catch at the front of the roof and one to release the bonnet catch)
= electric motor to raise and lower the rear window

The roof raising/lowering mechanism is extremely simple to operate by way of two push-buttons on the centre of the dashboard. And the whole operation takes just over 20 seconds.

The rear screen moves automatically while the roof is being opened or closed. This automatically-controlled movement always returns the screen to the raised position. The driver can also choose to have the screen in the lowered position (also with the roof raised) by pressing the appropriate button on the dashboard.
There is also a "service function" that positions the roof so as to allow access to the engine.

Great care has been taken over the structural design of the Gallardo Spyder, which of course complies fully with all the relevant safety standards.
The space frame has been reinforced in the area of the sills and the A pillars have been strengthened with the adoption of an automatic Roll Over protection system (comprising two "pop-ups") integrated with the air bag system.
All these solutions, which place Lamborghini at the very forefront of open top car design, were driven by the need to present to the public a true spyder characterised by a pure design.

Engine and Performance
The new Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder features a number of important modifications to the original engine and transmission from the Coupé.

The 10-cylinder 4961 cc propulsion unit now develops 520 hp (382 kW) at 8,000 rpm.

The six-speed gearbox now has lower ratios (1st gear is 27% lower, 2nd gear is 13%, 3rd / 4th / 5th gears are all 6% lower, while 6th gear is 3.5% lower), which create a more dynamic performance.

The steering is also more direct and precise and the suspension has been recalibrated.

Like the other models in the range, the Gallardo Spyder also benefits from aluminium bodywork and features permanent four-wheel drive.

And finally, its performance figures: the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder - which complies with EURO 4 homologation standards - reaches a top speed of 314 km/h with the roof up and 307 km/h with the roof down, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds.

Equipment
Amongst its standard equipment the following items are particularly worthy of mention:

= power steering fluid cooler (for sports use)
= automatic door locking at speeds of over 15 km/h
= Lamborghini Multimedia System as standard (not available for Japan)

There are also new body colours available. In addition to those current range of Gallardo colours, the Gallardo Spyder is also available in the two special colours: Celeste Phoebe (light blue) and Verde Picus (green). There are also new colours also for the leather interiors: Marrone Janus (brown) as the main colour, Bianco Polar (white) as a contrast colour, and carpets in Marrone Janus (brown), Rosso Centaurus (red) or Arancio Leonis (orange).

There is also a range of optional equipment that makes the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder even more exclusive, including:

= video camera on the rear spoiler (available also on the Coupé version)
= new colour/perforated leather combinations for the dashboard, seats and door trim
= contrast colour stitching

Other optional equipment (also on the Coupé version) includes:

= a choice of colour and leather and/or Alcantara combinations
= anti-theft system, heated mirrors, onboard computer, protective cover, "coming home" function, e-gear, set of two suitcases, lifting system, navigation system, coloured Lamborghini logo on wheel rims, rear spoiler, smokers' version
= various packages to customise the car: leather package, carbon fibre package, branding package, winter package, travel set and sports set-up.
= silver Callisto wheels
= heated electric seats
= coloured brake calipers

2011 FORD Mad Max Concept

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Ford Australia, in partnership with TopGear Australia magazine, has unveiled not one, but two spectacular new Mad Max Interceptors.

The 21st century concepts have been designed by Ford's designers for TopGear Magazine Australia to help celebrate the revival of the Mad Max action movie genre.

It is more than 30 years since Hollywood director, George Miller's original Mad Max movie - starring Mel Gibson and a jet black Ford XB coupe-based Interceptor - hit movie screens around the world.

Ford Australia's Melbourne-based Asia, Pacific and Australia Design Director, Chris Svensson, jumped at the chance to design a new Interceptor and has since thrown the full weight of Ford Australia's Research Centre behind the project, with stunning results.

"Our entire team was very excited to be involved in this after-hours project and they approached it with a great deal of enthusiasm - even those that were too young to remember the first Mad Max movie," Svensson said. "We had a special screening of the original movie so they could understand it."

Led by chief designer passenger cars Asia, Pacific and Africa, Todd Willing, the team created several way-out concepts that pay homage to styling cues from the original XB Coupe Interceptor.

Out of the concepts two have been chosen by the magazine to feature in the April issue of TopGear Australia magazine, on sale now, because they take body design, power sources and weaponry to a futuristic level.

TopGear Australia magazine readers will be invited to vote on which design Ford should take to the next level.

The winning car will be turned into a clay model, and then a scale version, which is expected to be revealed later this year.

The two competing designs - by designers Nima Nourian and Simon Brook - are limitless in their imagination, technology and weaponry. Among the weaponry is an industrial-strength "taser" mounted to the bonnet to zap bad guys on bikes straight off the road.

Other futuristic movie features include a titanium-lined body shell to interrupt police scanners and wheels with extendable spikes to shred enemy vehicles.

Nourian said his design paid tribute to the 1970s Interceptor, but also drags the car into the future.

"There are some great scenes in the first movie with high-speed chases and clashes with the bad guys, and I thought I'd take that one step further," he said. "So instead of having weapons and machine guns, we've got an industrial strength taser that'll zap cars dead and out of the way.

Brook's car was equally threatening. "During high-speed pursuits, the wheel's inner spokes on my design would pop out and start ripping up other cars," Brook said. "They'd do some serious damage to other people's vehicles."

Brook's design takes cues from the current FG Falcon but advances it further into Armageddon-land, while adding touches of the retro Interceptor as well. "I wanted to keep it clean and aerodynamic in its essence, but still brutal and tough."