Lamborghini Countach 5000QV

In 1985, Lamborghini made the biggest improvement to Countach. The V12 was stroked to 5,167 c.c., incorporated a 4-valve cylinder head (called "Quattro-valvole" in Italian, which gave its name "QV") thus a total of 48 valves. Power jumped to a world-beating 455 hp, torque rose to 369 lbft. Finally, the Countach produced more power than the originally proposed LP500 prototype, which would have been capable of 440 hp from 5 litres of displacement.

Forget the 200 mph dream, this would never be achieved with the same aerodynamic. As the body was virtually unchanged from LP500S, people were happy to see the QV could run up to slightly over 180 mph, which was among the fastest in the world. Ferrari 288GTO and Testarossa had more or less the same top speed while other competitors were quite far below than that.

Compare with LP500S's engine, the 48-valve QV unit was very powerful and revvy, it was certainly a gem. The extra power was mainly achieved by the larger valves and the repositioned Weber carburettors - now mounted vertically instead of horizontally to enable straight forward engine breathing. However, this resulted in a large mound on the engine lid thus deteriorated the precious rear visibility.

Specifications:

Year of production: 1985 - 1988
Number made: 676
Layout: Mid-engined, Rwd
Gearbox: 5-speed manual
Chassis: Steel tubular space frame chassis, aluminium body panels
Engine: V12, dohc, 4v/cyl.
Capacity: 5167 c.c.
Power: 455 hp
Torque: 369 lbft
Weight: 1488
Top Speed: 182 mph
0-60 mph: 4.9 sec

Lamborghini Countach LP500S

Let alone the originally proposed 200 mph target, Countach again and again let down motor journalists whenever testing against the clock. The LP400S was probably slower than 160 mph, that is, much inferior to its predecessor, the aerodynamic superior Miura. However, due to the financial uncertainty (Ferruccio Lamborghini sold his company just before Countach launched, then the company changed hands frequently), a new Countach was not born until 1982.

Also known as LP5000S in America, LP500S got an upgraded engine, now displaced at 4754 c.c. by increasing 3.5 mm bore and 7 mm stroke. As much as 302 lbft of torque was available at 4,500 rpm, though tougher emission control prevented the power from exceeding 375 hp. This V12 surely improved the disappointed performance - top speed rose to about 165 mph, while 0-60 mph was down to 5.6 sec.

There were no much changes in other aspect. The body was virtually the same as LP400S, although the roof was raised by 30 mm for more headroom.



Specifications:

Year of production: 1982 - 1984
Number made: 321
Layout: Mid-engined, Rwd
Gearbox: 5-speed manual
Chassis: Steel tubular space frame chassis, aluminium body panels
Engine: V12, dohc, 2v/cyl.
Capacity: 4754 c.c.
Power: 375 hp
Torque: 302 lbft
Weight: -
Top Speed: 164 mph (est.)
0-60 mph: 5.6 sec

Lamborghini Countach LP400S

Thanks to Dallara, who worked as a consultant to Lamborghini at the time, a modified LP400 was launched in 1978. The most important change was the adoption of Pirelli's new P7 high performance tyres - 205/50VR15 up front and 345/35VR15 in the rear !! You know, no road car in history had ever used rear tyres as wide as this 345 mm P7, even until today! In addition to the latest low profile technology, grip was increased significantly without hurting ride quality. Now Countach had the right tyres to match with its tremendous power.

To accommodate wider tyres, extended wheel arches made of glass fiber were added, which also enhanced aggressive feeling. Air dam was added under the nose, while a V-shape huge rear wing was listed as a popular option for increasing high speed stability as well as visual aggression. Many people including me like the wing, but its extra drag cost at least 10 mph at top speed.

Even without the wing, LP400S had considerably higher aerodynamic drag than LP400, thanks to the widened wheel arches and tyres. This inevitably deteriorated top speed, especially when the V12 was carried over without the slightest alteration. Acceleration was also worsened because an extra 50 kilograms were added to the kerb weight.

However, judging by handling, the LP400S never let us down - cornering ability was not in doubt anymore. Obviously, Lamborghini knew that an all-time supercar must have handling matching speed.

As mentioned already, the V12 was not changed at all, but a more honest appraisal resulted in 353 hp instead of 375 hp.

Specifications:

Year of production: 1978 - 1982
Number made: 237
Layout: Mid-engined, Rwd
Gearbox: 5-speed manual
Chassis: Steel tubular space frame chassis, aluminium body panels
Engine: V12, dohc, 2v/cyl.
Capacity: 3929 c.c.
Power: 353 hp
Torque: 267 lbft
Weight: 1351 kg
Top Speed: 158 mph (est.)
0-60 mph: 5.9 sec

Lamborghini Countach LP400

Today, you may feel surprise that the earliest Countach was so pure in shape - without extended wheel arches, no front spoiler, with narrow tyres and flat engine lid. Undoubtedly, this is the most loyal to Gandini's spirit.

You might surprise how old-fashion the Michelin XWX tyres were - 14 inches diameter, 70% profile, 205 mm width for the front wheels and 215 mm for the rear ... obviously this was unsuitable to such a supercar.

However, also because of this, LP400 had better aerodynamic drag than its successors, therefore it was actually quicker in top speed than LP400S and LP500S.

There was another unique feature in LP400: instead of a normal rear-view mirror, it had a periscope mirror recess in a characteristic groove on the roof. You can see the groove in the picture beside.



Specifications:

Year of production: 1974 - 1978
Number made: 157
Layout: Mid-engined, Rwd
Gearbox: 5-speed manual
Chassis: Steel tubular space frame chassis, aluminium body panels
Engine: V12, dohc, 2v/cyl.
Capacity: 3929 c.c.
Power: 375 hp
Torque: 268 lbft
Weight: 1301 kg
Top Speed: 170 mph (est.)
0-60 mph: 5.6 sec

Lamborghini Diablo GTR - 1999

The Lamborghini Supertrophy is a monomarque championship held every year on the most famous race tracks, mainly in Europe. Since 1996 the cars competing in the Lamborghini Supertrophy were the Diablo SVR, a special version of the Diablo SV model adapted for racing. After four years of competition the Diablo SVR has proved the extreme reliability of the Lamborghini engines which could stand four racing seasons with no problems.
Quite an achievement for an engine designed for road use and brought to the tracks with no modifications.

Now, to meet the request of the passionate driver participating in the Lamborghini Supertrophy, the House of the Bull is presenting the Lamborghini Diablo GTR, a car based on the Diablo GT, the most powerful produced in series, that will set a new benchmark in the monomarque championships with an engine delivering no less than 590 hp.

In comparison with the Diablo GT, GTR most important features are a modified chassis frame with integrated roll bar, improved suspensions, central fixing nut for the rims, race braking system, additional radiators for transmission oil cooling, very high performance rear wing (directly bolted to the chassis), simplified interiors and weight reduction.
The engine is basically the same V12, 6 litre, of the Diablo GT which thanks to the adoption of a specially tuned exhaust system, without catalyser, delivers 590 hp (575 in the GT model).

Special features of the GTR engine, common to the GT, are:

• multi-throttle intake manifold with individual intake system
• variable intake valve timing system
• dynamic air inlet duct upstream of the intake plenum
• titanium connecting rods and lighter crankshaft

Unique specifications of the GTR engine are:

• improved exhaust system designed for racing
• special calibration of the engine management system

The engine management system is based on the proprietary Lamborghini LIE electronic engine control system tuned for racing. Fuel injection is sequential multipoint and ignition is static with individual coils. Lamborghini Data Acquisition System, LDAS, and diagnostic functions are integrated in the engine electronic management system.

For the engine cooling, two water radiators in parallel are side mounted to the engine and an engine oil cooler is front mounted as in the Diablo GT. Additional coolers for gearbox and differential oil are installed in order to better match the racing overloads.

The transmission is on the rear wheels through a Lamborghini 5 speed gearbox with one basic gear ratio option and an alternative option for a shorter 5th gear ratio. The gear box lever is in an asymmetric position on the central tunnel in order to be closer to the steering wheel, for better control. The steering system is power assisted.

The tubular chassis frame integrates the roll bar and is directly connected to the rear wing. The front suspension is modified for racing. Shock absorbers and anti-roll bars are adjustable. The rims are lightweight magnesium alloy with central fixing nut and they accept racing type tyres. A special racing fuel tank with fast filling system has been installed.

The braking system is based on the Diablo GT high performance module. New racing brake calipers have been adopted to better match the very severe racing conditions.

Most of the body is carbon fibre made, except for the roof, which is made of steel for torsional rigidity, while the doors are made of aluminium, for safety reasons.

The cockpit fittings are simplified to meet racing requirements. The driver seat has been moved towards the longitudinal axle of the car, reducing the size of the central tunnel, to ensure a better driving position. Racing switches for ignition and for other functions have been adopted instead of the series push buttons. The fire extinguisher system is installed on the right side of the cockpit with activating switch on the tunnel. The driver's seat is of racing type with a six-point safety belt and the steering wheel is also racing type.

Lamborghini is planning to produce 30 Diablo GTR which will be ready by May 2000 in order to open the Lamborghini Supertrophy season on the 11th of June.

The Lamborghini Supertrophy will be part of some of the most prestigious motorsport events. The following Series have been approached for a calendar to be presented to the next FIA Motorsport World Council for approval of the Lamborghini Supertrophy 2000 as a FIA Sanctioned Series.

Source: Lamborghini

2006 Lamborghini Gallardo SE

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.

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.





Specifications:

Price approx: $170,832
Production: 250
Engine: 5 liter V10
Weight: approx 3153 lbs
Aspiration: natural
Torque: 369 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
HP: 500 hp @ 7800 rpm
HP/Weight: 6.3 lbs per hp
HP/Liter: 100 hp per liter
0-62 mph: 4 seconds
Top Speed: 196 mph

Source: Lamborghini Press Release

Lamborghini Reventón Roadster at the International Motorshow Frankfurt 2009

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Lamborghini Confirms Limited-Edition 650-HP Murcielago LP 650-4 Roadster

Following rumors sweeping the Web, Lamborghini has confirmed that it will build a limited-edition Murcielago LP 650-4 Roadster. Like its name suggests, the AWD supercar gets a bump in horsepower over the LP 640-4 model.


Only 50 examples of the LP 650-4 will be handbuilt by the craftspeople in Sant'Agata and all will be finished in a Grigio Telesto livery. Contrasting the rich grey paint are bright Arancio orange trimmings sprinkled throughout the exterior and interior. The color covers the massive brake calipers at all four corners as well.

The louvered transparent cover reveals a reworked 6.5L V-12 powerplant making a total of 650 hp and 487 lb-ft of torque -- or 10 more horsepower than the standard version. What exactly Lamborghini's engineers did to churn out more power is closely under wraps, but the installation of a revised ECU or intake/exhaust system is our best guess. With the extra ponies onboard, the car races to 62 mph in 3.4 sec and can hit a v-max of 205 mph.

Slide inside the Alcantara and leather buckets and the Arancio pieces continue to attract the eyes all around. Stitching, piping and gearshift paddles are finished in the bright orange. An asymmetric dash featuring black Alcantara Nera on the driver's side and black Nero Perseu leather on the passenger's side hints at the exotic's exclusivity.

No word on how much of a premium well-heeled Lamborghini buyers will have to pay for this grey goddess when it goes on sale at a yet undisclosed date, but don't expect it to be cheap. The standard Murcielago LP 640-4 Roadster commands a cool $295,000 base price.