Road Test: Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale

Lamborghini’s single-brand racing series, the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo series has been a huge success. It’s been running for four seasons now with the same Lamborghini Gallardo modified for racing purposes. It’s been so successful that it spawned two special edition models; the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Blancpain Edition which was limited to just twelve cars, and the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale, limited to 150 cars. The later of those two is the subject of today’s review.

The Lamborghini Gallardo is a nine-year-old. First introduced in 2003, it saw a major update in 2008 when the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 was unveiled and in 2010 when the Superleggera version was introduced, but very little since. The Super Trofeo Stradale is essentially an LP570-4 Superleggera with a few extra pieces, which means there’s no drastic redesign to be seen and the mechanicals remain untouched.

From the exterior, the first thing you notice is the rear wing. It’s taken directly from the Blancpain racers so you get the possibility of manually adjusting its setup. Not something we expect the average road user to take advantage of, however, it might be useful to those that take their car to the track on a regular basis. Despite its size, from the inside it’s barely noticed. It doesn’t obstruct the rear view and at normal cruising speeds, wind noise isn’t an issue. It does add three times more downforce so push on a bit harder and you start to notice the wind noise a bit more.

Even with the huge rear wing, the Stradale doesn’t actually increase in weight compared to the Superleggera. Total weight is 1,340kgs thanks to a new set of forged aluminum wheels which save 13kgs. Other unique features offered exclusively for the Stradale include the Rosso Mars paintwork and the Pirelli tires. The car also gets a unique carbon fiber engine cover with ten air vents and quick release levers.

Underneath, the Super Trofeo Stradale uses an aluminum-alloy space frame chassis with independent wishbone suspension. It gets a firm set of shock absorbers, reinforced suspension mounts and anti-roll bars. All of this allows it to perform admirably on the track, but how does it feel on the road?

The answer to that question needs to be addressed after we’ve talked about the engine and the transmission. The Blancpain Series Gallardo’s use the same engine found in the Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera. As you’d expect, the Super Trofeo Stradale uses the exact same unit. It’s a naturally aspirated 5.2 liter V10 engine designed by Audi engineers and built at the company’s Hungary plant. Lamborghini then assembles the parts in Sant’Agata, Italy before fitting it into Gallardo models.

For the Superleggera, Lamborghini simply re-calibrated the engine management system to release an extra 10hp over the LP560-4. This means that the Super Trofeo Stradale has full use of 570hp at 8000rpm and 540Nm at 6500rpm. A unique dual-plane crank design, which allows opposing pistons to share the same bearing, gives the Stradale an awesome racing tuned sound. The exhaust remains the same, a quad system with a black finish.

To bring all of the above together, the Super Trofeo Stradale features Lamborghini’s e-gear transmission. It’s a gearbox that Gallardo, Murcielago LP640 and Aventador owners will have plenty of experience with. It’s an automatic, six-speed, single-clutch unit with three different settings; automatic, sport and corsa mode. The buttons that change these settings can be found where you’d conventionally find the gear shifter.

To ignite the engine, a simple turn of the key is require. There’s no starter button and no theatrics, just a simple turn of the key. The moment you do that, you get a nice V10 rumble that settles down to a comfortable growl after a few seconds. It’s in automatic mode as default, and to get used to the car, it remained there for a few miles. Automatic mode attempts to give owners a comfortable setting, almost for day to day use. You notice that the suspension is softer, the exhaust baffles stay closed and the gearbox tries to constantly find sixth gear! It’s useful for long distance cruises but perhaps on the Stradale, it doesn’t quite fit the personality.

Changing up to sport mode requires a simple touch a button. It changes a number of key settings giving the Gallardo a firmer ride, better engine responses, a vastly improved soundtrack and a more compliant gearbox. The gear shifts will now head further towards the redline before they shift upwards. A simple flick of the paddle shifter allows an upwards or downwards shift while retaining a smooth transition between gears.

Want to push a little harder? Welcome to Corsa mode! It’s the button to the right of automatic, press it and you instantly get the full Lamborghini experience. The exhaust baffles open fully, the suspension is at its firmest setting and the gearbox shifts so violently you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d just had an accident!

It’s Corsa mode that fits the Super Trofeo Stradale’s character best. The big wing promises big performance, and while the Gallardo platform is aging noticeably, the Stradale still remains relevant for the atmosphere alone! For the road though, it’s sport mode that you’re most likely to use. It’s more comfortable, retains that V10 soundtrack nicely and it isn’t always searching for the high gear ratio.

As far as handling goes, the Gallardo is unique. Compared to its competition, Ferrari, McLaren and Maserati perhaps being the most prominent, its four-wheel drive system gives it an edge. It feels very useable and rarely breaks grip. In fact, as we pushed forward through the Italian hills, we actually started to notice a small amount of understeer in Corsa mode, yet push it further and that understeer turns gradually to oversteer. The Stradale features a fantastic set of brakes, carried over from the Superleggera. Carbon ceramics are on the option list for those that want extra bite and less fade.

We’ve said a bit about the Gallardo’s age already. The interior used to be an area you noticed it most with aging Audi switches and an outdated steering wheel design. For the Super Trofeo Stradale it’s an evolutionary story. You get the same chrome switch row as you would normally find in a Gallardo. The sat nav and stereo now become an option, replace by a carbon fiber fascia. The doors feature complete carbon fiber covers along with the center console, transmission tunnel, handbrake and steering wheel.

A nice touch is the complete Alcantara interior with a two-tone, red on black design. You get the Super Trofeo Stradale logos stitched into the dash and a Lamborghini crest on headrest. We found the seats offer enough support for travelling at speed through corners yet retain a nice level of comfort, enough to allow the odd long distance adventure without discomfort.

Of course, we did find a few flaws with Gallardo too. The interior offers less space than the Supeleggera due to the roll cage behind the seat. This means less space for belongings. Our photographer also found headroom to be lacking a little, those over 6 foot 1 inch should test the Stradale for size beforehand. Our demonstrator had also been fitted with fiddly four point racing harnesses which made getting in and out a time consuming process. These are an optional extra though, as is Bluetooth and the lifting system (another luxury our car enjoyed).

Overall, the Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale isn’t too much different from Lamborghini’s Superleggera model. Stradale’s literal Italian translation is ‘road’, which sums the car up perfectly. It’s a Super Trofeo car, for the road. Of course, parts of the racer’s design (its racing gearbox, spartan interior and fully FIA approved roll cage for example) have been lost in translation for practical reasons. But it’s the closest you’ll get to a Blancpain Super Trofeo car for the road.

It has flaws, the rear wing perhaps produces a bit of extra noise, the harness is fiddly and space is at a premium. However, compared next to the Superleggera, the Super Trofeo Stradale doesn’t actually lose any of the passion that makes the hardcore Gallardo models a sensation to own and drive. It’s so simple that applying common sense, anybody could drive it. The best part of the package? The noise you get as you accelerate out of the corner with the exhaust baffles open to their fullest.

Материалы: http://gtspirit.com/2012/09/17/road-test-lamborghini-gallardo-lp570-4-super-trofeo-stradale/

Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., is presenting at the Volkswagen Group Night in Frankfurt the most extreme Gallardo ever: the Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale. Automobili Lamborghini is bringing motor racing excitement directly to the road. This new and most extreme top model in the Gallardo lineup is based on the successful race car from the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo, the world's fastest single-make series.

The car will be produced in a limited run of 150 numbered units.

The Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo championship brings professional racers and gentlemen drivers face-to-face in fiercely fought battles on Europe's most challenging racetracks such as Monza, Silverstone and Hockenheim. There are many similarities between the racing and road versions of this super sports car. For example, they both share the same V10 powerplant, which is used in the racing version with no modifications.

An enormous and manually variable rear spoiler for increased dynamic load

Right from first glance, these similarities are even more evident in the new Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale. In fact, it is equipped with the same rear spoiler that offers greater aerodynamic load – reaching in the best aerodynamic condition 3 times the load of the Gallardo LP 560-4 – for increased dynamic stability during tight, high-speed driving. As in the race cars, the rear spoiler can be varied manually in order to let the driver optimize the car's performance according to the track or road characteristics.

Another element taken directly from the racing version is the removable engine hood with quick-release system. Both the spoiler and the hood are of course made of carbon composite material, as are a host of other components on the SuperTrofeo Stradale. Together with aluminum, carbon fiber is the basis behind the extremely lightweight construction of Gallardo's new top model.

Lightweight construction through consistent use of carbon fiber.

The Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale boasts a maximum dry weight of 1340 kilograms. It beats the already lean Gallardo LP 560-4 by 70 kilograms, which gives the Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale a stunning power-to-weight ratio of 2.35 kilograms per HP for breathtaking performance. It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 3.4 seconds and reaches 200 km/h just 10.4 seconds later. Its forward thrust finally tops out at 320 Km/h.

"Rosso Mars" stands for Italy's racing tradition

The Gallardo Super Trofeo Stradale sports a brand new "Rosso Mars" finish that underscores the special connection between ultimate race track performance and Lamborghini's "Italianness". The "Rosso Mars" color symbolizes Italy's traditional racing red, as established at the beginning of last century in motor racing, when the home nations of the competitors were indicated by the color of the paint on the vehicles. Dark green stood for Great Britain, blue was for France, white (and silver later on) represented Germany, white and blu stripes for USA, and red was the color of all race cars from Italy.

Red, black and carbon fiber characterize the exterior

The exterior appearance of the Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale is perfectly accentuated by a matte black finish on the large rear spoiler, the engine hood and the front air intakes, which contrasts with the "Rosso Mars" paint. The forged wheels are painted in high-gloss black, a color that is also available on the roof as an option. The rocker panel covers, impressive rear diffuser and outside mirror housings are made of carbon fiber polished to a high gloss, while the brake calipers are accented in red for the first time on a Lamborghini. It's a perfect match with the exterior color and racing concept of this new super sports car. And besides the historically suggestive "Rosso Mars", the new Gallardo Super Trofeo Stradale is also available upon request in "Grigio Telesto" or "Bianco Monocerus" with the roof available in gloss black as an option, as mentioned above.

Minimalist sporty interior

Black and red, the perfect combination of sporty minimalism, are the dominant shades inside the Super Trofeo Stradale. The most broadly used materials are Alcantara - in "Rosso Mars" on the underside of the dashboard, the central part of the seat cushion and the backrest - and extremely lightweight carbon fiber. Black Alcantara with contrasting red top-stitching is used to finish the other parts of the interior. The steering wheel is upholstered in black suede and also features red top-stitching. The door panels, the monocoque racing seats and the center console cover are made of carbon fiber, the construction of which Lamborghini has achieved a world-leading expertise. Discreet sporty accents are provided by dark chrome visible metal parts.

Upon request, an interior layout including elements made of carbon fiber, such as the handbrake frame, the middle of the center console, the lower rim of the steering wheel, the decorative frames around the main and secondary instrument panels, the door handles, and the handle for opening the glove box (also available upon request), can be ordered.

Like the Super Trofeo competition version, the new Super Trofeo Stradale is based on the Gallardo Superleggera technical approach. The V10 powerplant generates 570 HP, equivalent to 419 kW, which is fully available at 8000 RPM. The maximum torque is equally impressive, with the torque curve peaking at 540 Nm at 6500 RPM. The V10's unique firing order delivers the striking sound you hear in motor racing.

Transmission "race tested" in the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo championship series

Like the race car, the Gallardo Super Trofeo Stradale offers the robotized e-gear six-speed transmission controlled by steering wheel paddles as standard equipment. This electronically controlled system shifts through its six gears smoothly and much faster than any human being could. And for maximum acceleration from a standing start, the transmission can be set to the "Thrust Mode" – a program that allows to reach the best performance possible executing a racing start with minimal tire slippage at an initial engine speed of approximately 5000 rpm.

Permanent all-wheel drive for maximum traction in any situation

Every kilometer in the Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale is packed with sheer excitement, in part due to its unrelenting grip in virtually all situations thanks to all-wheel drive. At the end of the day, the Lamborghini Super Trofeo is the only single-brand racing series in the world that features all-wheel drive race cars. The Gallardo Super Trofeo Stradale is a highly concentrated driving machine offering a truly stunning driving experience with breathtaking cornering speeds and fast, immediate response. Its road manners are always precise, stable and completely safe.

Suspension with unmatched precision

The layout of the suspension is directly derived from motor racing, with a double aluminum wishbone guiding the wheels. Precise rack-and-pinion steering gives the driver a very close connection to the road. As is true for the Gallardo Superleggera, the vehicle is specially set up to take full advantage of its dynamic potential. No other model in the Gallardo line is as close to being a true race car. Another great feature is the ultra-lightweight 19-inch wheels, which alone save some 13 kilograms. The lightweight and sturdy wheel bearings and bolts are made from titanium and high performance Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires are fitted.

Brakes with unmatched stopping power

Behind the massive wheels are brakes designed for unmatched stopping power, as controlled by the ESP stability control system, which is standard equipment. The front axle is equipped with aluminum calipers with eight pistons each, and the calipers on the rear axle have four pistons each. The ventilated discs on the front and rear measure 365 and 356 millimeters, respectively. Upon request, Lamborghini will install a carbon-ceramic brake system. The carbon-ceramic discs measure 380 mm for the front wheels and 356 mm for the rear wheels.

The optional equipment designed with racing in mind includes not only the carbon-fiber ceramic brake discs, but also a tubular interior roll cage, 4-point safety belts and fire extinguisher. On the other hand, those who want comfort can equip their Super Trofeo Stradale with a satellite navigation, with Bluetooth connection for mobile phones, an anti-theft system, and a lifting system that raises the front axle.

Text and photos: Lamborghini

Материалы: http://www.tuningnews.net/article/110912a/lamborghini-gallardo-lp-570-4-super-trofeo-stradale/

В очередной раз модифицируя Lamborghini Gallardo, разработчики преследовали гоночные цели. Следует отметить, что модель Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo обрела столь большую популярность, что компания Lamborghini сделала две ее спецверсии: LP 570-4 Blancpain Edition, выпущенную в количестве всего 12 экземпляров, и LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale, которую собрали в количестве 150 машин. Фактически модель Super Trofeo Stradale – это все та же LP 570-4 Superleggera, отличающаяся доработками экстерьера, а не технической части.

Экстерьер Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale

В облике автомобиля Super Trofeo Stradale в первую очередь привлекает, пожалуй, заднее антикрыло – большое, снабженное механической регулировкой, однозначно заимствованное у гоночной модели Lamborghini Blancpain. Разумеется, эта функция не понадобится на обычной дороге, но вот для тех, кто ездит на треке, она очень полезна. Если разогнаться за 130 км/ч, прижимная сила возрастет троекратно благодаря антикрылу, и единственный недостаток здесь в том, что становится заметным шум воздушного потока.

Размеры антикрыла весьма внушительны, но, тем не менее, водителю оно практически незаметно и никаких препятствий для обзора не создает. Не увеличивается из-за него и вес машины (в отличие от модели Superleggera) – он остается в пределе 1340 килограмм. Благодарить за это следует набор колесных дисков из алюминия, они экономят 13 килограмм. Обуты диски в отличные шины Pirelli.

У автомобиля капот из карбона, а на крышке двигателя (из углеволокна) – десять вентиляционных отверстий. Еще одна особенность Super Trofeo Stradale заключается в уникальной кузовной окраске Rosso Mars.

Интерьер Super Trofeo Stradale

Lamborghini Gallardo, как известно, модель «в возрасте». И в Super Trofeo Stradale конструкция руля не имеет ничего нового, и стоят все те же устаревшие (но хромированные) переключатели от Audi. А вот центральная консоль и двери отделаны теперь углеволокном, и это великолепно сочетается с отделкой интерьера в красном и черном цветах. Материал отделки – алькантара. Опционально доступны стереосистема и навигатор.

Сидения спортивные, и тест-драйверы в полной мере оценили их отличную поддержку, очень комфортную на поворотах при большой скорости, да и вообще при быстрой езде. Сидеть вообще очень удобно, длительная поездка затруднений не принесет. Кстати, на подголовниках сидений – логотипы марки.

Конечно, нашлись и недостатки: каркас безопасности сзади сидений отнимает место, и много багажа уже не положить. Крайне неудобны оказались и четырехточечные ремни безопасности – из-за них довольно трудно войти в автомобиль и выйти из него.

Технические характеристики Super Trofeo Stradale

Полноприводная модель Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale построена на шасси, сделанном из алюминиевого сплава. Усиленные амортизаторы и стабилизаторы поперечной устойчивости позволяют машине показать на треке великолепные характеристики. Но драйверов больше интересовало, как спорткар поведет себя на обычной дороге. Чтобы получить ответ на этот вопрос, нужно выяснить, каковы у автомобиля двигатель и коробка передач.

Вся серия Gallardo Blancpain работает с тем же движком, что стоит и на модели SuperLeggera. Это десятицилиндровый атмосферный V-двигатель объемом на 5,2 л, который разработали конструкторы Audi, построили на венгерском заводе, а собрали все части движка вместе на заводе в Lamborghini.

Материалы: http://www.avtodor.su/articles-test-drajjv-lamborghini-gallardo-lp570-4-super-trofeo-stradale