Sunday, February 24, 2008
Porsche Cayman
Ever since Porsche introduced the midengine Boxster as a return to the "affordable" Porsche, enthusiasts have been clamoring for a hardtop version. The argument was that a version with a proper roof would be more rigid, less expensive, lighter and a better performer at the track than a convertible. Pleas were finally answered with the 2006 debut of the Porsche Cayman. Based on the second-generation Boxster, the Cayman coupe (whose name is said to reference an alligator indigenous to Central and South America) shares much of its mechanical midengine underpinnings with its drop-top sibling. However, it does wear unique and very attractive sheet metal.
The Porsche Cayman combines its drop-dead gorgeous looks with brakes that beg to be pushed hot into a corner, a chassis that gladly guides the driver around the apex and a choice of two engines that will enthusiastically sing as they slingshot you down the straightaway. Some of our editors who have driven the Cayman extensively report that its well-balanced chassis could actually handle considerably more power, and it's suspected that Porsche limited the Cayman's capabilities as not to overlap with its seminal 911.
If there's a complaint, it's that the Cayman is priced considerably more than its competitors, especially when a host of desirable options are selected. But when it comes to providing a combination of all-around performance, sublime driver interaction, day-to-day comfort and desirable prestige, we can't think of a better car in this segment than the Cayman.
Current Porsche Cayman
The midengine Porsche Cayman is offered in two models, the base Cayman and the Cayman S. The base Cayman is powered by a 2.7-liter six-cylinder boxer engine that produces 245 horsepower and 201 pound-feet of torque, backed by a five-speed manual transmission. Step up to the Cayman S and the engine expands to 3.4 liters and power grows to 295 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. In addition, the number of cogs in the transmission increases to six. Optional on both models of the Cayman is a five-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission with a manual-shift mode.
When it comes to the suspension, the Porsche Cayman takes advantage of its stiffer-than-a-convertible structure by offering a level of handling and nimbleness that is a step above the capabilities of the Boxster. Safety aids include antilock brakes, traction control and stability control, all tuned to intervene only when absolutely necessary so as not to detract from the sporting nature of the Cayman. Optional is Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) which, via a variety of sensors, electronically and automatically adjusts the suspension to optimize either comfort or handling, depending on the setting and the driver's level of aggression. Larger wheels and tires round out the suspension options and help to improve braking. Braking performance is further enhanced on the Cayman S by optional carbon-ceramic brakes.
The interior accommodations take their cue from the Boxster and offer the typical Porsche combination of sport and luxury, with leather and metallic accents decorating the cabin. The leather-appointed seats possess the ability to both hold the driver in place during spirited maneuvers and to coddle driver and passenger during more serene outings. High-end audio and navigation are available on both Cayman models, though the base stereo offerings are disappointing for a car in this price range. Cargo room is generous for such a small and sporting vehicle, as the midengine layout allows for both fore and aft cargo areas that together equal the trunk space of a midsize family sedan.
Past Porsche Cayman Models
The Porsche Cayman made its debut in the 2006 model year. For the first year, only the Cayman S model was available. The base Cayman model launched for 2007.
The Porsche Cayman combines its drop-dead gorgeous looks with brakes that beg to be pushed hot into a corner, a chassis that gladly guides the driver around the apex and a choice of two engines that will enthusiastically sing as they slingshot you down the straightaway. Some of our editors who have driven the Cayman extensively report that its well-balanced chassis could actually handle considerably more power, and it's suspected that Porsche limited the Cayman's capabilities as not to overlap with its seminal 911.
If there's a complaint, it's that the Cayman is priced considerably more than its competitors, especially when a host of desirable options are selected. But when it comes to providing a combination of all-around performance, sublime driver interaction, day-to-day comfort and desirable prestige, we can't think of a better car in this segment than the Cayman.
Current Porsche Cayman
The midengine Porsche Cayman is offered in two models, the base Cayman and the Cayman S. The base Cayman is powered by a 2.7-liter six-cylinder boxer engine that produces 245 horsepower and 201 pound-feet of torque, backed by a five-speed manual transmission. Step up to the Cayman S and the engine expands to 3.4 liters and power grows to 295 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. In addition, the number of cogs in the transmission increases to six. Optional on both models of the Cayman is a five-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission with a manual-shift mode.
When it comes to the suspension, the Porsche Cayman takes advantage of its stiffer-than-a-convertible structure by offering a level of handling and nimbleness that is a step above the capabilities of the Boxster. Safety aids include antilock brakes, traction control and stability control, all tuned to intervene only when absolutely necessary so as not to detract from the sporting nature of the Cayman. Optional is Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) which, via a variety of sensors, electronically and automatically adjusts the suspension to optimize either comfort or handling, depending on the setting and the driver's level of aggression. Larger wheels and tires round out the suspension options and help to improve braking. Braking performance is further enhanced on the Cayman S by optional carbon-ceramic brakes.
The interior accommodations take their cue from the Boxster and offer the typical Porsche combination of sport and luxury, with leather and metallic accents decorating the cabin. The leather-appointed seats possess the ability to both hold the driver in place during spirited maneuvers and to coddle driver and passenger during more serene outings. High-end audio and navigation are available on both Cayman models, though the base stereo offerings are disappointing for a car in this price range. Cargo room is generous for such a small and sporting vehicle, as the midengine layout allows for both fore and aft cargo areas that together equal the trunk space of a midsize family sedan.
Past Porsche Cayman Models
The Porsche Cayman made its debut in the 2006 model year. For the first year, only the Cayman S model was available. The base Cayman model launched for 2007.
Audi R8
The Audi R8, into which Audi has incorporated the name and the genes of the five-time Le Mans winner, is a spectacular sports car. Three years after the unveiling of the Audi Le Mans quattro concept car, the production version will be making its debut at the Paris Motor Show in the guise of the new Audi R8 mid-engined sports model. It is a fascinating driving machine and the sporty pinnacle of the Audi brand. The mid-mounted 420 bhp V8 FSI engine, quattro permanent four-wheel drive and Audi Space Frame aluminum body form the basis for truly outstanding driving dynamics. The Audi R8 will be available to order from 28 September 2006; first deliveries will be made in the first half of 2007.
As the first Audi mid-engined sports car, the Audi R8 combines Audi's experience gained from numerous motorsport triumphs with groundbreaking design and the acknowledged technological expertise of the brand. This expertise has led to the slogan 'Vorsprung durch Technik' becoming a byword for leading-edge technology both on the race track and on the road.
Audi R8's Exterior
Even at first glance, the caliber of the Audi R8 is plain to see. The car sits broad and squat on the road, the strongly accentuated rear end appearing to flex its muscles like a sprinter ready for the off.
The characteristic proportions of the vehicle are dictated by the location of the engine behind the cockpit. This layout is a typical feature of race cars. One of the most striking examples of this design – and as such one of the legitimate antecedents of the Audi R8 – was, and still is, the Auto Union Type C Grand Prix car. The central position of the engine is above all a boon to driving dynamics, as it allows for a weight distribution, as on the R8, of 44 percent to the front and 56 percent to the rear.
The car's body is highly compact in appearance. The front end and the gently curved roof arc are drawn in a sweeping line; a line which immediately marks the two-seater out as an Audi.
The side view also reveals familiar contours. The dynamic line above the wheel arches and the shoulder line interlink the front end, side and rear, imbue the doors and the transition to the side air vent with a strong presence, and even more emphatically highlight the typical Audi rounded wheel housings accommodating the big wheels.
The cabin of the Audi R8 is pushed far forward – a typical feature of a mid-engined sports car, and as such a visual cue linking it to the race car of the same name. Behind the cabin, positioned in front of the rear axle, is the V8 FSI engine, a sculptured piece of engineering visible both through the large, shield-shaped rear window and from inside the car.
The full aluminum body is constructed in the Audi Space Frame (ASF) design. Its perfect synthesis of minimal weight and maximum rigidity provides the ideal foundation for optimum driving dynamics, as well as delivering an outstanding power-to-weight ratio of just 8.18 pounds per bhp.
The Interior
The sporty interior is dominated by a totally driver-oriented cockpit architecture, integrating the driver between the dashboard and the high centre console. The instrument panel above the console is angled slightly towards the driver. The flat-bottomed steering wheel is a typical feature of the sportiest Audi models, and also enables comfortable sports car entry and exit.
Form follows function: this design principle is implemented throughout the R8. Alongside the driver-oriented architecture, also reflected in the styling of the side window sills, the choice of materials also makes for a highly functional look and feel. Looking around when in the driving seat makes one thing clear: just like in the R8 race car, the styling and placement of all the elements in the cockpit of this driving machine is focused on the essentials. The center point of everything is the driver.
The Drivetrain
Turbine-like power up to the highest rev ranges, a high maximum torque, all combined with a fascinating sound, are the characteristics of a perfect sports car engine. An engine that is fascinating both in terms of its enormous power potential and its suitability for everyday use.
In the high-revving 420 bhp eight-cylinder engine, the evolution of FSI petrol direct injection technology has reached a new high. This technology has also enjoyed many triumphs in the Audi R8 race car.
The figures illustrate the outstanding potential of the eight-cylinder unit. At 7,800 rpm the 4.2-liter engine delivers 420 bhp of power output. Peak torque is 317 lb-ft from 4,500 to 6,000 rpm. And no less than 90 per cent of this maximum torque is maintained consistently throughout a wide engine speed range from 3,500 all the way to 7,600 rpm. As a result of these qualities, the eight-cylinder power unit provides maximum thrust in virtually any driving situation.
The performance figures are equally impressive: the R8 accelerates from a standstill to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 187 mph.
Two transmissions are available: a manual 6-speed gearbox or optionally the Audi R tronic sequential-shift gearbox. Here, too, the influence of the motorsport world is clearly evident, with a joystick gear-shift on the centre console and, most especially, the paddles mounted on the steering wheel, which are a long-established ergonomic feature in motorsport. The best illustration of this is once again the Le Mans winning Audi R8, which also enables the driver to change gear on the steering wheel.
The Audi R8 is being built on a small-lot production line in a specially constructed new block at the Audi plant in Neckarsulm, Germany.
Base Price: 2007 Audi R8 - $109,000
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Bugatti Veyron
After four years of development, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4, as it will now be called, is ready for series production. The most exclusive sports car of all time is following in the footsteps of the legendary Bugatti, those universally-coveted limousines and unbeatable racing cars of the 1920s and 1930s which today are among the most sought-after creations from the early days of automobile construction.
This brings to an end the era of design models and concept cars which since the late 1990s have signposted possible paths to the Bugattis of the future. Design and technological concept have finally become reality in the Veyron model’s final form and will be available from the beginning of 2004 as a strictly limited edition of just 300 cars. Technologically futuristic and packed with creative engineering, the first Bugatti of the 21st century has arrived.
Merging the Past and the Future
The Bugatti Veyron 16.4’s home is in Molsheim-Dorlisheim, the French town where, almost 100 years ago, Ettore Bugatti began to realize his lifelong dream of being a car manufacturer. The new workshop is not just where the engine and vehicle are assembled and tested, it is also the place where customers collect their Bugattis and drive them out onto the streets for the first time.
The aim is to turn Molsheim into an all-round Bugatti center once again. While up to 70 new vehicles a year are built by hand in the new facility, neighboring specially-equipped workshops are the scene of expert restoration work on historic Bugatti vehicles. Both past and future have found a new home here.
High Performance
The car’s safety systems have been designed to cope with its extraordinary performance, acceleration and speed. The single-piece carbon-fiber monocoque alone scores maximum points in crash tests, while airbags give the driver and passenger additional protection. The high-speed tires designed specially for the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 (for vmax. > 350 km/h), sizes 265-680 ZR500A (front) and 365-710 R540A (rear), incorporate a further innovative safety feature in the form of the PAX System fitted to the wheels and tires, ensuring safe handling even after sudden pressure loss. Another Bugatti Veyron 16.4 component with a safety element is the rear spoiler. As well as providing the necessary downforce during high-speed travel, it acts as a kind of ‘parachute brake’ during emergency braking. Once precisely-defined deceleration forces are registered the spoiler tilts and the additional air resistance this generates reduces the braking distance to that of a lorry.
The Art of the Machine
The W16 alloy engine developed by Bugatti for the Veyron 16.4 will have a special and absolutely unique place in the history of sports car construction. Its design employs the space-saving VR principle with two particularly slender eight-cylinder blocks arranged at a 90° angle to each other.
1001 horsepower equip the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 with a level of acceleration unheard of in the sports car segment, propelling it from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.5 seconds and past the 200 mph mark in a mere 24 seconds. Thanks to its 923 lb-ft, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4’s enormous propulsive power is not exhausted until it reaches 252.3 mph (406 km/h): the maximum speed for which chassis and drive train have been designed. Any further performance escalation is limited by current design and construction.
Also unique is the power transmission via an innovative directshift gearbox. Without any interruption in the power flow, the sequential seven-speed gearbox transmits the engine’s power to the wheels via permanent four-wheel drive. Put simply, this means uninterrupted acceleration from a standing start to maximum speed: a feeling previously known only to jet pilots.
Exclusive, Classical, Functional
Both exclusive and highly functional, the interior of the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 will transport you to a world of your own. Superb leather, also two-tone if desired, quality metallic trim and beautifully designed and ergonomically laid-out controls characterize the Veyron cockpit.
The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 instruments, with a large central rev counter surrounded by four smaller additional instruments also conjures up memories of the marque’s legendary motor sport past. The deliberate avoidance of superfluous instruments and modern extras are an unmistakable statement of the car’s uncompromising sportiness.
Unchanged on the series version of the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 is the classical two-tone paintwork. The designers have selected five separate color combinations for the car: Each of the combinations features the bonnet, roof and rear in the darker of the two colors, with the sides and front wheel arches in the lighter color.
This brings to an end the era of design models and concept cars which since the late 1990s have signposted possible paths to the Bugattis of the future. Design and technological concept have finally become reality in the Veyron model’s final form and will be available from the beginning of 2004 as a strictly limited edition of just 300 cars. Technologically futuristic and packed with creative engineering, the first Bugatti of the 21st century has arrived.
Merging the Past and the Future
The Bugatti Veyron 16.4’s home is in Molsheim-Dorlisheim, the French town where, almost 100 years ago, Ettore Bugatti began to realize his lifelong dream of being a car manufacturer. The new workshop is not just where the engine and vehicle are assembled and tested, it is also the place where customers collect their Bugattis and drive them out onto the streets for the first time.
The aim is to turn Molsheim into an all-round Bugatti center once again. While up to 70 new vehicles a year are built by hand in the new facility, neighboring specially-equipped workshops are the scene of expert restoration work on historic Bugatti vehicles. Both past and future have found a new home here.
High Performance
The car’s safety systems have been designed to cope with its extraordinary performance, acceleration and speed. The single-piece carbon-fiber monocoque alone scores maximum points in crash tests, while airbags give the driver and passenger additional protection. The high-speed tires designed specially for the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 (for vmax. > 350 km/h), sizes 265-680 ZR500A (front) and 365-710 R540A (rear), incorporate a further innovative safety feature in the form of the PAX System fitted to the wheels and tires, ensuring safe handling even after sudden pressure loss. Another Bugatti Veyron 16.4 component with a safety element is the rear spoiler. As well as providing the necessary downforce during high-speed travel, it acts as a kind of ‘parachute brake’ during emergency braking. Once precisely-defined deceleration forces are registered the spoiler tilts and the additional air resistance this generates reduces the braking distance to that of a lorry.
The Art of the Machine
The W16 alloy engine developed by Bugatti for the Veyron 16.4 will have a special and absolutely unique place in the history of sports car construction. Its design employs the space-saving VR principle with two particularly slender eight-cylinder blocks arranged at a 90° angle to each other.
1001 horsepower equip the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 with a level of acceleration unheard of in the sports car segment, propelling it from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.5 seconds and past the 200 mph mark in a mere 24 seconds. Thanks to its 923 lb-ft, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4’s enormous propulsive power is not exhausted until it reaches 252.3 mph (406 km/h): the maximum speed for which chassis and drive train have been designed. Any further performance escalation is limited by current design and construction.
Also unique is the power transmission via an innovative directshift gearbox. Without any interruption in the power flow, the sequential seven-speed gearbox transmits the engine’s power to the wheels via permanent four-wheel drive. Put simply, this means uninterrupted acceleration from a standing start to maximum speed: a feeling previously known only to jet pilots.
Exclusive, Classical, Functional
Both exclusive and highly functional, the interior of the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 will transport you to a world of your own. Superb leather, also two-tone if desired, quality metallic trim and beautifully designed and ergonomically laid-out controls characterize the Veyron cockpit.
The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 instruments, with a large central rev counter surrounded by four smaller additional instruments also conjures up memories of the marque’s legendary motor sport past. The deliberate avoidance of superfluous instruments and modern extras are an unmistakable statement of the car’s uncompromising sportiness.
Unchanged on the series version of the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 is the classical two-tone paintwork. The designers have selected five separate color combinations for the car: Each of the combinations features the bonnet, roof and rear in the darker of the two colors, with the sides and front wheel arches in the lighter color.
Lamborghini Murcielago
The Lamborghini Murcielago, as with other Lamborghini models, takes its name from the bull fighting tradition. On 5th October 1879, a bull named Murcielago had its life spared by Rafael Molina Lagartijo, a renowned matador of the time. This was an exceptionally rare occurrence, bestowed only upon bulls who had shown outstanding courage in the arena. Murcielago went on to breed a lineage of fighting bulls which can be traced to modern bull fighting. By naming their super car “Murcielago”, Lamborghini are looking to evoke the power and passion of this ancient Spanish tradition.
The car
The Lamborghini Murcielago is a two-door, two-seater coupe with gull-wing doors. It reflects the traditional Lamborghini setup: V12, mid-mounted engine, a gearbox mounted in front of the engine, permanent 4x4 and engine-integrated rear differential. This tried and tested layout results in a 58% rear / 42% front weight split, advantageous for traction, handling and braking. The double wishbone suspension is ideal for a performance GT. The external panels are constructed from carbon fibre, except for the roof and door panels which are steel.
Active air intakes for engine cooling characterise the rear of the Lamborghini Murcielago. These intakes employ VACS (Variable Air-flow Cooling System) technology, allowing the size of the intakes to be adjusted according to road conditions and speed. The position of the rear spoiler can also be varied in order to guarantee optimal aerodynamics. The spoiler has three positional settings: closed from 0-80 mph, fractionally open from 80-140 mph (50 degrees), and fully opened at 140+ mph (70 degrees).
The windscreen wiper is a single-arm pantograph setup, maximising the blade’s coverage and helping to reduce blind spots. Visibility is also enhanced by the wing mirrors which are mounted on lengthy support arms. This allows the driver to see past the rear wings, especially when the air intakes are fully opened. The wing mirrors can be folded away electronically.
New for 2006
Among the list of new features and modifications to the 2006 version of the Lamborghini Murcielago, the most important is without doubt the introduction of ceramic disc brakes, offering obvious benefits:
constant braking efficiency at all temperatures
exceptional agility and handling
reduced stopping distances with less pedal pressure
extended disc life
relatively lightweight (weighing less than steel)
Options include the “Interior Carbon Package”, which offers several of the cabin components in carbon fibre: handbrake lever, air-con and radio covering, dashboard cover (both sides), driver’s side display cover, centre tunnel handles, ashtray, armrest frame and gear lever cover.
The “Branding Package” is also available as an option, adding the Lamborghini logo to the headrests and a colour version to the steering wheel. The “Oro Adonis” (gold) colour, previously only an option on the Roadster version, is now available for the Coupe.
The car
The Lamborghini Murcielago is a two-door, two-seater coupe with gull-wing doors. It reflects the traditional Lamborghini setup: V12, mid-mounted engine, a gearbox mounted in front of the engine, permanent 4x4 and engine-integrated rear differential. This tried and tested layout results in a 58% rear / 42% front weight split, advantageous for traction, handling and braking. The double wishbone suspension is ideal for a performance GT. The external panels are constructed from carbon fibre, except for the roof and door panels which are steel.
Active air intakes for engine cooling characterise the rear of the Lamborghini Murcielago. These intakes employ VACS (Variable Air-flow Cooling System) technology, allowing the size of the intakes to be adjusted according to road conditions and speed. The position of the rear spoiler can also be varied in order to guarantee optimal aerodynamics. The spoiler has three positional settings: closed from 0-80 mph, fractionally open from 80-140 mph (50 degrees), and fully opened at 140+ mph (70 degrees).
The windscreen wiper is a single-arm pantograph setup, maximising the blade’s coverage and helping to reduce blind spots. Visibility is also enhanced by the wing mirrors which are mounted on lengthy support arms. This allows the driver to see past the rear wings, especially when the air intakes are fully opened. The wing mirrors can be folded away electronically.
New for 2006
Among the list of new features and modifications to the 2006 version of the Lamborghini Murcielago, the most important is without doubt the introduction of ceramic disc brakes, offering obvious benefits:
constant braking efficiency at all temperatures
exceptional agility and handling
reduced stopping distances with less pedal pressure
extended disc life
relatively lightweight (weighing less than steel)
Options include the “Interior Carbon Package”, which offers several of the cabin components in carbon fibre: handbrake lever, air-con and radio covering, dashboard cover (both sides), driver’s side display cover, centre tunnel handles, ashtray, armrest frame and gear lever cover.
The “Branding Package” is also available as an option, adding the Lamborghini logo to the headrests and a colour version to the steering wheel. The “Oro Adonis” (gold) colour, previously only an option on the Roadster version, is now available for the Coupe.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Monday, February 11, 2008
border="0" alt="HTML Counter" />Lamborghini Gallardo
Top Speed: 191 mph / 309 km/h
0-60 mph: 4.1 seconds
0-100 mph: 9.2 seconds
0 - 1/4 Mile: 12.4 sec @ 118 mph
Engine: V10 DOHC 4 valve 5-liter
Italian cars have always been on the wish list of every sports car lover, especially the Lamborghini. Of all Lamborghini supercar models, Lamborghini Gallardo holds a very special place and deserves a very special mention. It is an entry-level sports car from Lamborghini and its success is so big that it remains the most-produced Lamborghini car of the company to date. Ever since its introduction to the market, over 5000 supercars have been built which is an unparalleled achievement in the history of Lamborghini. It is considered a competitor to Ferrari 360 and Ferrari F430. The Gallardo sports car is named after a popular breed of fighting bull, which fits it perfectly. When the project of Gallardo was about to get started, it was conceptualized to be a sports car which could be also used for everyday uses. Looking at its details, we will have to say that they have succeeded in doing that.
The supercar is amazing to look at with a stylish aluminum space frame. It has a mid-rear mounted engine and the gearbox is placed behind the engine. The Gallardo sports car has a permanent four wheel driving system with low center gravity which makes for a great drive. It has two mounted water radiators in the front and a one sided mounted oil cooler and an independent double wishbone suspension which aptly fits the system. As per the rich tradition of Lamborghini sports cars, a whole lot of attention has gone into the weight distribution system of the car. 42% of the weight is distributed to the front and 58% of the weight is distributed to the rear end. This weight system is said to be the perfect one for a sports car, in order to achieve the best possible traction and for easy braking and handling. It is a compact car, just about 167 inches in length and has been packaged well. In fact, it is considered one of the best two-seater high performance cars in the segment.
The supercar Gallardo engine is largely based on the good old straight-5 design of Audi. It has a 520 bhp V 10 engine which is powerful to hit high speeds on both country and city roads. The sports car can hit a maximum speed of 196 mph and can clock 0-60 in four seconds. It has two types of transmissions – the traditional six speed manual transmission and an electro-hydraulic auto clutch manual, which is aptly called the E-gear. You can make shifts very fast thanks to the control offered by the manual. You don’t have to manually operate the clutch, as it can be controlled by the paddles fit behind the steering wheel. This gives great convenience while driving and works way better than the conventional transmission system. Perhaps the best thing about Lamborghini engineering, particularly in this sports car, is that it has been designed in such a way that it is equally pleasurable to drive on a race track as well as on city and country roads. A lot of attention went into the engineering to make sure that the supercar gives the same performance while racing as well as pleasure driving, and they have just got that right.
The cost of Lamborghini Gallardo ranges from $175,000 to $200,000. There are four variants of the Gallardo available in the market namely the Gallardo Spyder, Gallardo SE, Gallardo Nera, and Gallardo Superleggera.
Courtesy of www.sportscarcup.com
0-60 mph: 4.1 seconds
0-100 mph: 9.2 seconds
0 - 1/4 Mile: 12.4 sec @ 118 mph
Engine: V10 DOHC 4 valve 5-liter
Italian cars have always been on the wish list of every sports car lover, especially the Lamborghini. Of all Lamborghini supercar models, Lamborghini Gallardo holds a very special place and deserves a very special mention. It is an entry-level sports car from Lamborghini and its success is so big that it remains the most-produced Lamborghini car of the company to date. Ever since its introduction to the market, over 5000 supercars have been built which is an unparalleled achievement in the history of Lamborghini. It is considered a competitor to Ferrari 360 and Ferrari F430. The Gallardo sports car is named after a popular breed of fighting bull, which fits it perfectly. When the project of Gallardo was about to get started, it was conceptualized to be a sports car which could be also used for everyday uses. Looking at its details, we will have to say that they have succeeded in doing that.
The supercar is amazing to look at with a stylish aluminum space frame. It has a mid-rear mounted engine and the gearbox is placed behind the engine. The Gallardo sports car has a permanent four wheel driving system with low center gravity which makes for a great drive. It has two mounted water radiators in the front and a one sided mounted oil cooler and an independent double wishbone suspension which aptly fits the system. As per the rich tradition of Lamborghini sports cars, a whole lot of attention has gone into the weight distribution system of the car. 42% of the weight is distributed to the front and 58% of the weight is distributed to the rear end. This weight system is said to be the perfect one for a sports car, in order to achieve the best possible traction and for easy braking and handling. It is a compact car, just about 167 inches in length and has been packaged well. In fact, it is considered one of the best two-seater high performance cars in the segment.
The supercar Gallardo engine is largely based on the good old straight-5 design of Audi. It has a 520 bhp V 10 engine which is powerful to hit high speeds on both country and city roads. The sports car can hit a maximum speed of 196 mph and can clock 0-60 in four seconds. It has two types of transmissions – the traditional six speed manual transmission and an electro-hydraulic auto clutch manual, which is aptly called the E-gear. You can make shifts very fast thanks to the control offered by the manual. You don’t have to manually operate the clutch, as it can be controlled by the paddles fit behind the steering wheel. This gives great convenience while driving and works way better than the conventional transmission system. Perhaps the best thing about Lamborghini engineering, particularly in this sports car, is that it has been designed in such a way that it is equally pleasurable to drive on a race track as well as on city and country roads. A lot of attention went into the engineering to make sure that the supercar gives the same performance while racing as well as pleasure driving, and they have just got that right.
The cost of Lamborghini Gallardo ranges from $175,000 to $200,000. There are four variants of the Gallardo available in the market namely the Gallardo Spyder, Gallardo SE, Gallardo Nera, and Gallardo Superleggera.
Courtesy of www.sportscarcup.com
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