In 2003, Lamborghini introduced the new Gallardo as an entry-level complement to the Murcielago and later Aventador. Powered by a 493 HP V-10 engine and a choice of either a 6-speed manual transmission or the paddle-shifted E-gear, the Gallardo’s design was based on the 1995 Cala prototype and offered typical Lamborghini performance. Production ceased in 2013, yet the Gallardo remains Lamborghini’s best seller to date with just over 14,000 built.
The Gallardo continues to be one of Lamborghini’s most sought-after cars, particularly the later, more advanced, limited-edition examples like the Superleggera. Introduced in 2007, the Superleggera was a tribute to the first Lamborghini production car, the 350GT, and most notably its interest in weight reduction. Using titanium and carbon fiber, the Gallardo Superleggera was lighter than a standard Gallardo and, thanks to various enhancements, produced 523 HP. It was impressively quicker and better handling, but only 618 were sold.
Advancements in the model continued and for 2010, the Superleggera was once again made available, following much the same lightweight formula as before, but this time power was upped to 562 HP. This was enough to ensure it as one of the quickest and fastest road cars available, with 0-60 MPH times of 3.2 seconds and top speeds of about 204 MPH – for those keeping track, you’ll notice this is on par with the V-12 cars. But for some, that’s not enough, and more was certain to be had.
Such is the case with this Gallardo Superleggera. Packing an Underground Racing X2 twin-turbo system, it would seem that every nuance has been overseen to ensure a better performing Lamborghini. At the heart of the matter are custom twin billet turbochargers and Tial billet wastegates and blow-off valves. Using aircraft-quality material, a custom-fabricated, high-temp, coated stainless steel exhaust system complete with ultra-lightweight stainless steel mufflers was crafted to lend better breathing and sounds. K&N filters top a custom-fabricated, stainless steel air induction system while high-pressure T-bolt clamps were used on the intake pressure tubes and high-quality silicone hoses replaced rubber to ensure a higher degree of durability. The work sustains throughout, complete with Carrillo billet rods, CP custom reverse dish racing pistons, spiral locks and .180+ wall wrist pins, custom cylinder sleeves, X2 Version cylinder heads, ARP L19 head studs and much, much more. Of course, the factory carbon fiber and titanium pieces remain, and the interior is a testament to Lamborghini’s commitment to producing a race car for the street, only enhanced by the Underground Racing package.
